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BILINGUAL AUTHORIZATION - SPANISH

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About the Bilingual Authorization for Spanish 

Teacher Preparation Program candidates and current Teachers can earn a Bilingual Authorization in one term. This online program is available for all current California credentialed K12 teachers who demonstrate fluency in Spanish.

The Bilingual Authorization demonstrates UC Merced Extension’s awareness, sensitivity, and responsiveness in addressing diversity in our classrooms. Our Teacher Preparation Program Values Cultural Responsivity and is committed to meeting the needs of our diverse TK-12 learning communities throughout California.

Earning your BCLAD demonstrates your knowledge and skill in providing access and equity to bicultural and bilingual students to meet the dire need for Culturally Responsive Educators that can work with multilingual students and provide equity and access to learning in their classroom. 

This authorization was developed in consultation with local school district leaders and districts that are developing or expanding their dual-language programs.

The program is available online only. 

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Bilingual Authorization Funding Opportunity is now available! Growing en comunidad supports bilingual educators toward credential requirements with subsidized funding. 

Learn more.

See if you qualify. 

 

CANDIDATES WILL:

  • Meet the Bilingual Teaching Performance Expectations
  • Emphasize knowledge, skills and abilities in language, literacy and culture needed in the dual language instructional environment

 

ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS:

You must hold a current Preliminary or Clear Multiple Subject Credential, Single Subject Credential, or Education Specialist Credential to apply for the Bilingual Authorization in Spanish. Also, the credential holder must also meet the requirements for English Learner Authorization or Cross-Cultural, Language, and Academic Development (CLAD), which authorizes instruction to English Learners. 

1. Credential Program Application: All candidates must submit an online credential program application, along with a nonrefundable $100 application fee.

2. Valid Credential: Please provide your valid California teaching or services credential document number. English learner authorization is required either as part of your valid credential or by CLAD Certificate.

3. Interview: An interview with our Bilingual Added Authorization Coordinator or the instructor will be scheduled to determine your Spanish proficiency, once your completed application has been reviewed and meets all the requirements.

4. Language Proficiency: Documentation of the passage of CSET LOTE III (147) in Spanish is required for admission. (CSET Spanish IV and V are not required and are not substitutable for course equivalencies.)

PLEASE NOTE: If you are currently admitted to the UC Merced Traditional Single Subject and Multiple Subject Program, you may request concurrent enrollment in the Bilingual Added Authorization Program. CSET LOTE must be passed prior to the final semester of clinical practice (EDUCX 302/305).

 

REQUIRED CURRICULUM AND CSET FOR THE BILINGUAL AUTHORIZATION IN SPANISH:

  • EDUC X310: Bilingual & Bicultural Teaching (3 units)
  • EDUC X430: Historical and Sociocultural Overview of the Spanish Fluent World (3 units)
  • 20 Hours of Bilingual Field Experience (required for BLA Certification): Can be met in one or multiple ways. Please check in with the Course Instructor for details. Admission must be granted to speak with the instructor.
  • CSET Spanish Subtest III (Exam 147) only

Only UC Merced courses listed here are acceptable; other UC Merced courses will not be considered for substitutions. All coursework must meet the catalog requirement of not being older than five years after the completion of the program.

COST: 
The BLA program is $1,675 including tuition, books, application fee, and CTC recommendation fee.

 

Graphic arrow APPLY FOR THE BLA 

APPLICATION DEADLINES:

Fall | March 1 - July 15

Spring | May 1 - October 15

Summer | December 1 - April 15

Please visit Dates & Deadlines for more information.

Financial Aid is not applicable for this authorization. Cost does not include the required CSET testing.

 

 

Professional Licensure and Certification Disclosure

University of California programs for professions that require licensure or certification are intended to prepare the student for California licensure and certification requirements. Admission into programs for professions that require licensure and certification does not guarantee that students will obtain a license or certificate. Licensure and certification requirements are set by agencies that are not controlled by or affiliated with the University of California and licensure and certification requirements can change at any time.

The University of California has not determined whether its programs meet other states’ educational or professional requirements for licensure and certification. Students planning to pursue licensure or certification in other states are responsible for determining whether, if they complete a University of California program, they will meet their state’s requirements for licensure or certification. This disclosure is made pursuant to 34 CFR §668.43(a)(5)(v)(C).

Additional information is available by visiting the University of California | Office of the President and the California Department of Education.

Accreditation

The Teacher Preparation Program is approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC).

On August 6, 2021, The Commission on Teacher Credentialing granted full institutional approval to the University of California, Merced.