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English as a Second Language - Non Licensure

  • Credits:
    30-31
    (3-4 terms)
  • Degree:
    Master of Education

Program Description

The Teaching English as a Second Language program prepares candidates with the disposition, knowledge and skills to create learning environments that enable English Learners (ELs) to become proficient in English and access the academic content area curriculum. The program meets all state regulations for licensing of Teachers of English as a Second Language, with the SEI Endorsement. Courses present nationally recognized research-based models for first and second language learning, address curriculum mandates, and the developmental characteristics of students in grades PreK-6, 5-12, and adult levels. Program completers are career-ready, technologically savvy, exhibit inter-cultural competence and are equipped to advance social justice.
 

Learning Outcomes

Graduates demonstrate the disposition, knowledge and skills expected of professional educators as articulated by regional, state and national accreditation bodies. They understand language as a system, the structure and nature of language, and language variation and change. They understand language acquisition and literacy development, including practices for reading skills/comprehension in a first language at different levels; first and second language differences for reading instruction; English phonemic awareness for students not literate in their first language; effect of first language literacy on second language learning/literacy; role of oral language development in literacy development for ELLs; formal/informal reading assessment with English learners; listening/speaking/reading/writing vocabulary, and practices for developing writing skills/writing tools; formal writing elements; oral/aural English fluency at different proficiency levels; social and academic content English; metalinguistic skills and vocabulary for cognitive, academic, and language proficiency. They utilize research-based ESL approaches and best practices and apply socio-cultural and socio-emotional considerations. They understand the role of community, families, and schools in ELL education and the laws pertaining to education of ELLs.

ESL graduates utilize inclusive practices to create a safe and collaborative learning environment that fosters positive socio-emotional development. They set high expectations for all students; implement well-structured lessons, with measurable assessments of learning; and engage in ongoing reflection on practice.

Careers

Graduates will be able to provide ESL support and tutoring in schools; teach and tutor ESL in other settings including higher education-based intensive ESL, immigrant support programs, and workplace ESL.

For more information, please contact Admissions at 1-800-829-4723.

Curriculum


ESL Courses
28
Credits
Program Portfolio Integration
EED 735

Students are required to enroll in this 0-credit course during the first semester of their program experience. Enrollment in this 0-credit course activates student access to the Tevera portfolio which facilities the tracking and storage of essential documents required for program completion.

Introduction to Education for English Learners
ESL 500 1 credit(s)

This course provides the new student with an initial introduction to the academic, linguistic, and cultural world of English learners. Building on the student's prior knowledge, this course will enable the student to read, observe and interact with English learners in academic settings, analyze what they see, and discuss issues that provide a foundation for understanding the academic and pedagogy content of future courses.

Linguistics and Language Variations
ESL 610 3 credit(s)
Participants are introduced to language and linguistics (system, functions, registers, variation, change). They consider language structure (phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, pragmatics, discourse, social/academic language, registers, writing conventions). They discuss language acquisition and literacy: significant theories/practices for English first-language reading skills and comprehension at different grade levels, and the relevance of linguistic differences between first and second language for reading instruction in English. They understand socio-cultural and socio-emotional considerations in teaching ESL: regional, socioeconomic, and developmental factors influencing language variation and bilingualism/multilingualism
Methods and Materials for English as a Second Language
ESL 615 3 credit(s)
In this introductory course, participants reinforce and apply knowledge of structure and nature of language (phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, pragmatics, discourse, social/academic language, registers, writing conventions). They discuss and model instructional approaches and best practices for teaching ESL (instructional foundations, theories and sheltered strategies for developing English language skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing for English language learners in bilingual/multilingual classes from primary grads on and research-based practices for English language development.
Teaching Reading and Writing to ESL Students
ESL 620 3 credit(s)
Participants apply understanding of language and linguistics, reinforce knowledge of language acquisition and literacy: theories/practices to develop reading skills/comprehension in English as a first language at different educational levels; linguistic differences between first/second language for English reading instruction; differences in initial instruction for students not literate in their first language; first language literacy effects on second language literacy; formal/informal measures for assessing skill development with ESL learners; developing listening/speaking/reading/writing vocabulary; approaches for developing writing skills and use of writing tools; writing process and formal writing elements; English oral/aural fluency; social/academic English and content language; metalinguistic skills and vocabulary appropriate to cognitive, academic, and language proficiency levels.
Technology for Linguistically Diverse Classrooms
ESL 625 3 credit(s)
Participants develop knowledge of language and linguistics functions and registers of language, discourse varieties, aspects of social/academic language, rhetorical registers, and writing conventions. They reinforce knowledge of practices for development of listening, speaking, reading, and writing vocabulary, approaches for developing writing skills and use of writing tools. They reinforce knowledge of social/academic English and academic language for content areas. They apply knowledge of planning/implementing standards-based ESL and content instruction. They develop knowledge of instruction, assessments, resources, research, and advances in the field of ESL.
Equitable Assessment for ESL Learners
ESL 630 3 credit(s)
Assessment of English Language Learners (ELLs) is affected by federal/state regulations, including state-wide adoption of the WIDA ACCESS Test for ELLs. Course participants will understand laws and issues pertinent to the education of ELLs, and user of tests, performance tasks and self-assessments for identification, placement, and reclassification of ELLs. They will learn to interpret ACCESS results, consider the effects of socio-cultural, psychological, political, and individual learning variables, and apply these to design differentiated assessment measures that enable ELLs to use academic language in demonstrating content knowledge and English proficiency. Participants will have the opportunity to observe and interact with ESL students in field-based classroom situations.
Second Language Acquisition and Culture
ESL 631 3 credit(s)
Participants in this introductory course develop knowledge of language and linguistics: system, functions, registers, variations, changes. They discuss language acquisition theory/research; cultural/linguistic differences affecting reading instruction; ESL socio-cultural, socio-economic, socio-emotional, and developmental factors influencing bilingualism/multilingualism; cultural intersection with teaching and learning; cultural/racial/ethnic/linguistic identity; inter-cultural communication, role of community, families, and schools in ELL education. They apply theoretical, political, historical foundations of education for ELLs, and strategies for school collaboration, family outreach, and community.
Sheltered Instruction and Assessment
ESL 635 3 credit(s)
This course is designed for teachers and administrators experiencing the challenge of meeting the academic needs of multilevel, diverse classrooms PreK-12 that require sheltered instruction techniques and state mandated assessment instruments for English language learners (ELLs). This course will provide participants with multiple opportunities to learn and apply sheltering content instruction strategies to enable ELLs to meet grade level academic standards by utilizing the Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol (SIOP) as demonstrated in national research on best practices for effective instruction. Pre-practicum hours of directed field-based training required.
Identification and Instruction of ESL Learners with Disabilities
ESL 640 3 credit(s)
This course will provide a framework for developing a comprehensive system for the assessment and instruction of ESL learners preK-12 with disabilities and/or limited or interrupted formal schooling. Participants will gain an understanding of the second language acquisition process, literacy development in the second language, culture, alternative assessment measures, and appropriate instructional methodology for ESL learners with disabilities and/or ESL learners with limited or interrupted formal schooling. They will identify key issues in the assessment and instruction of ESL learners with disabilities and/or limited or interrupted formal schooling, including under-representation and over-representation in special education, appropriate assessment measures, and legal responsibilities. Participants will have the opportunity to discuss the use of alternative assessment measures for distinguishing between disability, literacy development, and developmental process of second language learning. They will also develop appropriate second language instruction for ELLs with disabilities and/or limited formal schooling.
Teaching Content to ESL Learners
ESL 650 3 credit(s)
This course provides educators working with second language learners a theoretical and practical framework for integrating academic language development into content area instruction in grades preK-12. Students will be presented with an overview of instructional concepts and approaches that recognize the role that language plays as the major medium of instruction and learning including language across the curriculum, CALLA (cognitive academic language learning approach), process writing, cooperative learning and cognitive instruction. Participants will have guided practice in using and applying effective teaching strategies that support the linguistic and academic development of ESL learners within the context of the content area classroom. They will learn how to plan and deliver instruction to help ESL learners understand academic content, develop academic language, increase higher order thinking skills, and strategically apply learning strategies.
Elective
2-3
Credits

One approved 2- or 3-credit School of Education elective.

Practicum Readiness
EDU 704 1 credit(s)

This course is specifically designed to determine readiness for the practicum. It will assist the teacher candidate to develop his/her skills to be ready to assume the role of student teacher from the first day of practicum. Students will understand the requirements of CAP by engaging in and completing the forms for each of the "essentials" and completing their own goals. All of the Tevera components, other than the practicum documents, will be completed. MTELs will be completed. Those having difficulty with the MTELs will be directed for support. Fieldwork assignments will be required.

Program Chair

Core Faculty

Senior Instructor

Pages

Admissions

  • Admission Test:

    No standardized graduate school tests required for admission into non-licensure programs

  • Admissions Office:
    1-800-829-4723
  • Application Form:
  • Application Fee:
    $50 ($100 for international students)

Program Requirements

This program accepts students for the Fall term. Although the School of Education accepts applications on a rolling basis, program applications will not be accepted for the Fall in the four weeks prior to the start of the Fall term.

Health Requirements for Massachusetts Students 

The Massachusetts Health Department and Cambridge College require the following of students in Massachusetts:

Immunizations – All students in Massachusetts are required to get certain immunizations before you can register for your first term. See form

Health Insurance – In Massachusetts, undergraduate students taking nine or more credits/term and graduate students taking six or more credits/term must enroll in the College’s health insurance plan. Students who have insurance with comparable coverage may request a waiver. See information and enroll or waive.

 

School Requirements

International Students 

International students need to provide supplemental documentation:

  • Official demonstration of English language proficiency
  • Supplemental documentation for issuance of I-20
  • International transcripts, evaluated by an accepted evaluation service

Transfer Credit 

Please complete the transfer credit request form if you wish to have prior course work evaluated for transfer. Learn more about transferring credits.

 

Tuition

  • Credits:
    30-31
  • Cost per credit hour:
    $639
  • Application Fee:
    $50 ($100 for international students)
  • Health Insurance Fee:
    $3,940 - Required for Massachusetts students only. See waiver details on Tuition & Fees page.)
  • Internship/Practicum Fee:
    $400

Note: Rates are as of July, 2022, and are subject to change without notice. Rates apply to all students, unless otherwise noted.

Financial Aid

Cambridge College offers financial aid to students in our degree programs who are enrolled at least half time. Undergraduate students must be enrolled in at least 6 credits each term. Graduate and doctoral students must be enrolled in at least 4 credits each term. Learn more

Grants, Scholarships and Loans

Cambridge College welcomes the opportunity to support your efforts to pay for college.  Federal, state and local resources in the form of grants, scholarships, loans and work-study, including Cambridge College Scholarships, are available to help defray the cost of tuition. Learn more

Getting Your Company to Help

Many companies have tuition assistance programs, designed to help their employees with their professional development. Learn more

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