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ADVANCED STUDIES IN TEACHER EDUCATION

ON-LINE PROGRAM

MASTER OF EDUCATION in ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE (ESL)

 
Program Description
 
California University of Pennsylvania’s Advanced Studies in Teacher Education is a completely online 33 credit graduate program for certified teachers interested in gaining additional certification in English as a Second Language (ESL). The curriculum is aligned with Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) standards. Graduate students in the English as a Second Language degree program will apply knowledge in the following domains: language, culture, instruction, assessment, and professionalism. In each of these domains educators will be challenged to develop professionalism in language education, promote individual language rights, provide accessible and high quality education, develop collaboration in a global community, engage in research and reflective practice for educational improvement, and cultivate a respect for diversity and multiculturalism.
 
Program Features
  • Enrollment requires that the student have a bachelor's degree or higher and teaching certification.
  • All courses are offered on-line and there is no requirement to come to campus.
  • Students are expected to complete degree requirements in five semesters, two courses each semester, including summer sessions.
  • Students are members of a cohort group that works together via the Internet/Web.
  • All coursework is delivered online using the internet.
  • Courses involve online activities including small group projects, case studies, papers, exams, discussion and debate, as the basis for earning credits.
  • All courses feature asynchronous discussion; i.e., messages are posted at any time and students can see previously posted messages by others.)
  • Students can participate at any time of the day they wish. 
  • Advising is available via telephone or email.
  • All coursework can be used to complete continuing education requirements under Act 48 - Pennsylvania. Your state may have similar requirements.
Program Philosophy
The Masters in English as a Second Language is based on and supports as well as implements the principles prescribed by the Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) and include these five standards:
 
·         Domain 1: Language
§ 1a. Describing language
§ 1b. Language acquisition and development
·         Domain 2: Culture
§ 2a. Nature and role of culture
§ 2b. Cultural groups and identity
·         Domain 3: Planning, Implementation, and Managing Instruction
§ 3a. Planning for student-based ESL and content instruction
§ 3b. Managing and implementing standards-based ESL and content instruction
§ 3c. Using resources effectively in ESL and content instruction
·         Domain 4:   Assessment
§ 4a. Issues of assessment for ESL
§ 4b. Language proficiency assessment
§ 4c. Classroom-based assessment for ESL
·         Domain 5: Professionalism
§ 5a. ESL research and history
§ 5b. Partnership and advocacy
§ 5c. Professional development and collaboration

This program emphasizes a Constructivist teaching philosophy that takes into consideration the prior knowledge and background of individual learners. The program is based on best practices, is performance-based, and engages learners in research-based practices that will prepare professionals to work with K-12 ESL children and provide support for colleagues.

Disclaimer:
Out of state students are welcome but should first contact their State Department of Education for further information regarding certification requirements and reciprocity agreements.

As of 2004 Pennsylvania teachers working with ESL children as an ESL teacher must be certified. Currently PA ESL certification requirements include gaining a position as an ESL teacher in order to receive PA ESL certification.  

All students please note:
Completion of an approved certification program is a requirement for certification in PA. In the certification process, the university informs the state that a student has completed the university's state approved program. The state then reviews the student's credentials and determines eligibility for certification. We encourage all students to contact the Pennsylvania Department of Education before beginning Cal U's program for further information about certification requirements in PA.

For More Information please contact the Office of Web-based Programs at 1-866-595-6348 or send us an e-mail at elemedonline@cup.edu

 

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This Page Last Updated: 7/22/2008 by kallis_j
webteam@cup.edu

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