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The English Learner Authorization (ELA) signifies that the teacher has acquired the skills and expertise required to promote EL learners’ English language attainment.
The State of California urges that all English learners (ELs) be trained by specialized instructors with English Learner Authorization (ELA) or instructors currently associated with the approved training programs to get the required certification.
In order to obtain an English Learner Authorization, you can choose between one of four options. Firstly, you can take a CTEL exam. The second option is to complete university coursework. Or option three is doing a combination of the two. The final option is completing the ELA through a education specialist level 2 credential.
We will go into detail about the four options for you today to help you better understand English Learner Authorization and what you can do to get it.
Whether you’re looking to get ELA or are simply curious, this article is for you.
Let’s jump in!
Options for English Learner Authorization (ELA)
California statute requires that every teacher who provides instructional services to an English Learner be authorized to provide specialized instruction for those learners. This instruction would either 1) help the learners to understand instruction that is taught only in English, 2) help the learners develop their ability to listen, speak, read and write in English, 3) be provided in the learners’ primary language as English is acquired, or 4) be taught in a language other than English for those learners in a dual immersion program.
California.gov
As mentioned above, there are several options available to attain English Learner Authorization.
Here, we will highlight them in detail so that you can choose the right option:
Option no. 1: CTEL Exam (formerly known as CLAD Exam)
This option includes undertaking three sub-tests of CTEL, known as California Teacher of English Learners.
This exam is held four times a year.
Two of their exams are offered in the fall, while two of them are offered in the spring season.
The three sub-tests of CTEL include:
- CTEL no. 1: Language and Language Development
- CTEL no. 2: Assessment and Instruction
- CTEL no. 3: Culture and Inclusion
The registration process typically starts at the end of August.
If you want to have the CTEL test reviewed, it is accessible in the District or the County Office.
The district training includes the analysis of exams and training guides, while the County training comprises more detailed training and guidelines.
This test also includes fees.
Teachers are responsible for taking up the test fee expenses.
For more information, click here.
Option no. 2: University Coursework
To attain English Learner Authorization (ELA), it is compulsory to complete twelve (12) units of college coursework.
It is allowed to complete the courses through on-campus classes, online mode, or independent study.
Teachers are responsible for paying the course fee.
To check the programs available, click here.
If you’re looking to teach English as a Second Language (ESL) in the United States, click the guide below for more information!
Related Article: How to Become an ESL Teacher in the United States – Guide
Option no. 3: A combination of university Coursework and CTEL Exam
You can also combine the university course and the CTEL (California Teacher of English Learners) exam.
You can combine the two by getting approval from the IHE.
It is mandatory that you have passed one or more CTEL examinations combined with the completed university coursework determined by the CTC-approved CTEL program.
Again, the teacher is responsible for paying all the fees and expenses.
If you want to look at the complete list of CTC-supported IHEs (those who accept the grouping of university coursework and CTEL examination), you can check out CTC’s website.
In order to check the approved programs, click here.
All the requirements mentioned above can be fulfilled in any order you want.
Each of these requirements is mentioned on the website of CTC in detail.
To check the detail, click here.
Option no. 4: Education Specialist Level II Credential (EL Coursework)
Since January 2007, Education Specialist Credential programs have been allowed to offer English Learner Authorization (ELA) embedded in the Level II credential.
Educators associated with special education and who need to finish the level II program can take extra courses to get English Learner Authorization (ELA).
In case you want to get more information, you can contact the credential program at the university.
In case an individual is already a certified member who has English Learner Authorization (ELA), he or she doesn’t require any further action and is eligible for the following authorizations:
· CLAD
· BCLAD
· R359 (embedded in Ed Specialist Level II)
· R142 (embedded in SB2042 Induction Credential)
· BCC
· LDS
· Bilingual Specialist Credential
· Supplementary Authorization in ESL
· CCSD (AB2913, SB1969, SB395)
What is Bilingual Authorization?
It allows the holder to provide instructions for English Learner Development (ELD) and SDAIE, formally known as specially designed academic instruction delivered in English, along with the instructions for language development in the primary language.
Bilingual Authorization allow teachers to work with students whose primary language is not English.
In fact, it allows instructors to teach in a setting where primary language can be used to develop English speaking and writing skills among the learners.
A Bilingual Authorization program will train teachers to guide, instruct, and support English learners in a variety of settings.
If you are in a bilingual position and don’t have Bilingual Authorization (BA), you must opt for emergency credentials.
These emergency credentials will allow you to teach in a bilingual position.
Now the question arises of which type of emergency credential you may require.
Well, the type of emergency credentials depends on whether you have passed CSET Bilingual Subtest III and have a clear certification.
If you want to get more information about Bilingual Authorization, click here.
If you’re interested in whether you need to be bilingual to teach ESL, find out in the article below!
Related Article: Do You Need to Be Bilingual to Teach ESL? – Teacher’s Answer
Conclusion
In conclusion, this guide has provided insights and steps to attain English Learner Authorization and Bilingual Authorization in bilingual positions.
We encourage you to visit the websites mentioned above to find relevant sources about getting an ELA.
These resources will provide you with detailed information that complements what we have discussed here.
We hope that this has served as a valuable resource and supports you on your journey.
If you have any further questions or require additional assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.
We are here to help you succeed in your teaching career.
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