Bilingual Authorization (BILA)

Designed For

Teachers who are fluent in Spanish whom would like to teach in a Bilingual and/or Dual Immersion classroom.

What You'll Learn

• Methods of instruction for bilingual education and the concept of bilingualism, including language acquisition and development.
• Effective approaches to understanding cross-cultural, intercultural and intra-cultural relationships and interactions.
• The role of primary language instruction in the dual-language setting.
• Overview of the historical, legal and legislative contexts of bilingual education in the U.S.
• A detailed look into the four domains of language – listening, speaking, reading and writing.
• The relationship between culture/cultural diversity and academic achievement/development.
• Language systems, forms, functions, and factors that influence second language development.
• Effective assessment tools and strategies for English Learners, and methods for academic content instruction.

What You Can Do With This Certificate

Dual Immersion and Bilingual teaching positions are available in both private and public schools.

Professional Licensure and Certification

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).

Completion Requirements

To earn the Bilingual Authorization, individuals must complete all five courses listed below for a total of 18 quarter units, with a grade of B or better; or participants may combine passed CSET World Language IV or CSET Spanish V subtests with coursework, to meet all requirements.

EDUC X426.50 Orientation: Bilingual Authorization (Credit)
EDUC X426.51 Survey of Bilingual Issues (4 units)
EDUC X426.52 Assessment and Methods of Instruction in Bilingual Settings (6 units)
EDUC X426.53 Reading and Biliteracy in a Second Language (4 units)
EDUC X426.54 Culture and Diversity in Bilingual Settings (4 units)

Earning the Bilingual Authorization through UCR Extension carries an added benefit that very few programs offer; the “blended” option. Instead of having to pass all subtests of the CSET exam or complete all of the required coursework to become certified, this “blended” option allows you the flexibility to combine CSET exams with coursework.

Blended Option

Must complete the orientation and apply for candidacy.

Upon program completion: The candidate must request the assistance of UCR Extension to file the appropriate paperwork with the CTC. To request a verification, complete the online application here. Pay a $75 administrative fee, as well as a $102.50 credential fee, paid directly to the CTC, upon recommendation.

Earning the Certificate

Prior to enrolling, please ensure that you meet the following minimum requirements:

1. Bachelor's degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution
2. Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
3. One of the following valid California teaching credentials:
   • Multiple Subject
   • Single Subject
   • Education Specialist Level I or II
   • Education Specialist Preliminary or Clear
   • Speech-Language Pathology or Clinical or Rehabilitative Services with a Special Class Authorization
   • School Nurse Services Credential with Special Teaching Authorization in Health
   • Visiting Faculty Permit
   • Children's Center Permit (excluding emergency)
   • Child Development Permit (excluding Assistant or Associate Permits)
4. English Learner Authorization or CLAD certificate; can be earned and verified by:
   • a valid Language Development Specialist (LDS) Certificate, CLAD Certificate, teaching credential with an English Learner Authorization or CLAD emphasis, or
   • eligibility for a CLAD Certificate or teaching credential with an English Learner Authorization based on one of the following:
     • passing scores on Subtests 1, 2, and 3 of the California Teacher of English Learners (CTEL) Examination; scores used for certification purposes may be no older than ten years from the individual passed exam dates.
     • possession of an out-of-state credential showing an English Learner Authorization.
     • possession of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Certificate in Early and Middle Childhood/English as a New Language or Early Adolescence through Young Adulthood/English as a New Language.
5. Passing score on CSET Spanish III exam
   • scores used for certification purposes may be no older than ten years from the individual passed exam dates, or
   • teachers who hold a valid, non-emergency California Single Subject or Standard Secondary Teaching Credential in Spanish need not take CSET Spanish III to qualify for a bilingual authorization in that language; teachers who hold a three-year or higher degree from a foreign institution in which all instruction is delivered in Spanish also do not need to take CSET Spanish III to qualify for a bilingual authorization in that language; the foreign institution must be equivalent in status to a regionally-accredited institution of higher education in the United States; an official foreign transcript evaluation is required for verification.
   • NOTE (5/8/20): As a result of COVID-19, CSET exams are not currently being offered. However, you may still begin this program pending Spanish Language fluency. Email us for additional information.
6. Access to a Dual Immersion or Bilingual classroom for the duration of the program.

Applying for Candidacy

Your first step is to enroll in the orientation course, EDUC X426.50. This course is open year-round and is comprised of a brief, 40-minute PowerPoint presentation and a mini quiz. An application is also required to start the program. The application is only available to students enrolled in the orientation course. Please verify the application deadline prior to enrolling in the orientation.