Applying to BTP

Guiding Principles of the Graduate School of Education:

1.	We create and sustain educational environments that serve all students and address diverse needs.
2.	We encourage and model exemplary programs and practices across the life span.
3.	We build our programs on the human and cultural richness of the University's urban setting.
4.	We develop collaborative efforts that foster our mission.
5.	We challenge assumptions about our practice and accept the risks inherent in following our convictions.
6.	We develop our programs to promote social justice, especially for groups that have been historically disenfranchised.
7.	We strive to understand the relationships among culture, curriculum, and practice and the long-term implications for ecological sustainability.
8.	We model thoughtful inquiry as a basis for sound decision making.

What is it?

The Bilingual Teacher Pathway is a teacher preparation program designed to fill critical shortages of bilingual education/ESL teachers in the Portland metropolitan area. This is accomplished by recruiting and supporting bilingual/bicultural educational assistants so they can become licensed teachers.

Why the need?

Our region is rapidly growing into a linguistically and culturally diverse urban area. The Center for Population Research predicts that the Asian/Pacific Islander population will double in the next two decades, while the Hispanic/Latino population will more than triple. Immigrants from Russia, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East are also moving to our region in increasing numbers. As a result, the number and variety of ELL (English Language Learner) students in the schools has increased dramatically. Schools in the Portland metro area and southern Washington currently report 15,460 ELL students and estimate the same number of bilingual students whose academic potential is left underdeveloped. The three largest language groups are Spanish, Russian, and Vietnamese, but there are more than 70 other languages currently represented in the schools. (Guiding Principle 6)

What are the purposes of the program?

1.	Recruit and support bilingual/bicultural paraprofessionals from our partner school districts into the BTP Program each year. (Guiding Principles 3, 4)
2.	Provide a research-based program of coursework to prepare bilingual/bicultural pre-service teachers to effectively teach all students, especially those with limited English. (Guiding Principles 2, 4, 8)
3.	Provide specialized practical experiences for bilingual/bicultural teacher education students. (Guiding Principles 3, 4)

What is a BTP "Pathway"?

A BTP Pathway is your academic map towards obtaining your teaching license in Oregon. The good news is that you don’t need to stop your work as an employee with your school district to participate in the BTP program. Our goal is to provide you with a part-time program that will help you achieve your goal of initial teacher licensure. There are two different pathways that have been established to meet your educational background. These pathways are determined by how much college or university education you have completed thus far.

Pathway #2
Pathway 2 is designed for students who have completed at least 90 transferable credits (100 or above level courses) of community college or university work and are will enter PSU at the junior level. Pathway 2 students will work toward completion of a bachelor’s degree, initial teacher licensure and ESL/Bilingual Endorsement.
Pathway #3
Pathway 3 is for graduate students who will work toward initial teacher licensure and ESL/Bilingual Endorsement only. Graduate credits earned while in the BTP Program can then be applied toward a Master’s Degree through PSU’s Curriculum and Instruction Department.

BTP Application Criteria

Selection for admission to the BTP Program is a competitive process. Qualified candidates will be selected based on district recommendations and an application evaluation. Yearly cohorts will not exceed 25 and begin each Fall. To be eligible you must:

Be employed either part-time or full-time as an instructional assistant by a school district that has an Intergovernmental agreement/contract with Portland State University.
Be eligible for admission to PSU.
Be bilingual/bicultural:
- Bilingual - Oral and written proficiency at the near-native level as evidenced through interview and essay.
- Bicultural – ability to relate in a socially acceptable manner with members of a cultural group other than your own.
Have written endorsement from your school district liaison.

University Admission Criteria

Undergraduate:
Cumulative grade point average of 2.5 from previous community college or university work. TOEFL score of 525 for students for whom English is a second language UNLESS you are a U.S. citizen or resident alien. Click here for more information on general university undergraduate admission.
Graduate:
Cumulative grade point average of 2.75. TOEFL score of 550 unless you the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree from an English-speaking university (this can be either in the U.S. or your native country). Click here for more information on general university graduate admission.

Application Process

Attend the information meeting in December.
Contact your school district liaison for an application.
Complete the university application:
- Undergraduate application form – Declare Liberal Studies major.
- Graduate application form – Declare Master’s in Education (M.Ed).
- $50 application fee.
- Submit one official transcript, in sealed envelope, from every college or university attended (except PSU).
- Foreign transcripts to be submitted in original language AND certified English translation.
- Graduate students: copy of diploma in original language.
- Copy of INS status for non-citizens.

BTP Application Process

Application form.
Current resume.
Copy of completed application form submitted to the Office of Admissions.
One unofficial transcript for every college or university attended.
TWO BTP recommendation forms/letters to be sent directly to BTP Office from:
- Immediate supervisor.
- Other licensed professional who has observed you in your current role during this school year.
Two essays (two prompts will be given):
- One in native language.
- One in second language.
Provide copy of your entire application packet to your school district liaison.
Begin your personal file of all documents submitted.

TOEFL Exam

Prior to official university admission, you must submit a TOEFL score. Please contact a Sylvan Learning Center to make an appointment:

Northeast Location: (503) 254-2009
Southeast Location: (503) 659-9575

Application Timeline

Prior to official university admission, you must submit a TOEFL score. Please contact a Sylvan Learning Center to make an appointment:

BTP Application: due by April 1 to be eligible for Fall 2008 admission
PSU Application: due by March 1, 2008
Applicants notified no later than May 15, 2008
Admitted students are recommended to enroll in prerequisite classes during summer term prior to beginning BTP Core courses in the Fall
*BTP applications are due April 1st, regardless of what year you are applying*

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