Fairleigh Dickinson University’s Bilingual/Bicultural Education Certification Program is a 12-credit concentration covering the essential topics of applied linguistics, language acquisition, biliteracy development, pedagogical theory, and teaching methods in content areas in bilingual/bicultural settings. This 12-credit concentration may be applied toward a 36-credit Master of Arts in Education for Certified Teachers (M.A.C.T.) degree.

Bilingual certification is a second (2nd) endorsement on an existing certificate.

Degree Plan

Bilingual/Bicultural Education Courses (12 credits)

  • EDUC6550 Methodology in Bilingual/Bicultural Education
  • EDUC6551 Language Acquisition in Bilingual/Bicultural Contexts
  • EDUC6574 Applied Linguistics for Language Teachers
  • EDUC6654 Literacy Development for Second Language Learners

The New Jersey Department of Education requires a demonstration of oral and written language proficiency in both English and the second language for bilingual certification.  Students meet this requirement by taking the Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) and the Writing Proficiency Test (WPT) in both English and the second language through Language Testing International.

Additional Coursework for the M.A. Degree  (12 credits)

  • EDUC6584     Computers as a Teacher’s Aid: Curriculum & Instruction
  • EDUC6661      Behavioral Science for Teachers: The Multicultural Classroom
  • EDUC7674      Master’s Seminar: Research in Specialization
  • EDUC XXXX    Approved Elective
Contact Information
For more information
sorasuh@fdu.edu

Course Descriptions

  • EDUC6550 This course introduces students to current principles and methods of K-12 bilingual/bicultural education, against the backdrop of its historical, legal, and societal foundations. Through course readings, classroom activities, projects, and field experiences, students build their competence to design bilingual/bicultural education methodology that is student-centered and culturally-responsive. Particular attention is given to the development of academic language in bilingual/bicultural environments.

  • EDUC6551 This course introduces students to current theories of language acquisition in bilingual/bicultural contexts. It explores current understandings of language development for emerging bilingual/bicultural individuals in K-12 educational settings.

  • EDUC6574 Examines knowledge derived from the linguistic sciences about the nature of language, how it is acquired and the practical application of linguistic knowledge to the teaching of a second language. The Lexicon and grammar of American English in comparison with other languages and resultant implications for teaching both in a second/foreign language are the foci of this course.

  • EDUC6584 This course will focus on how technology can be used in the classroom to address the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards. Students will learn how to use applications such as Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel to support classroom instruction. The Internet will be explored as a tool. Students will explore how instructional technology can be integrated into classroom curriculum to support state and national standards.

  • EDUC6654 Explores the process of acquiring literacy skills as part of the process of second language acquisi- tion. A review of reading theories and second language acquisition theories and transferability of literacy skills from L1 to L2 will be reviewed. The impact of these theories on instructional practices will be emphasized.

  • EDUC6661 This course focuses on understand how biases at the institutional, individual and societal levels impact the educational context and academic achievement of all students, and covers different teaching strategies on topics related to cultural difference with respect to race, ethnic class, gender, sexual orientation, religion and English language learners in schools. Current topics such as the Achievement Gap and Bullying are addressed.

  • EDUC7674 This course serves as a capstone experience that extends and reinforces the teachers' knowledge, skills and competencies related to professional and educational practice through reearch and completion of a culminating project in their relevant area of specialization. The course reviews research methodologies and various research models. The teacher will prepare a research study on a topic/problem of his/her choice (subject to approval by an adivsor) under the directions of a mentor. The teacher will be required to submit a written report and action plan in approved format, subject to the approval of the mentor in accordance with School of Education policy.