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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
bilingual potential is left undeveloped because of lack of bilingual
classes. The three largest language groups are Spanish, Russian,
and Vietnamese, but there are more than 50 other languages currently
represented in the schools.
Upon completion of the BTP Program and successful completion of
professional exams you will be eligible to apply for initial teacher
licensure and an ESL/Bilingual Endorsement. The BTP core sequence
of classes includes between 19 - 22 credits of ESL/Bilingual Endorsement
courses. The goals for this component of the BTP Program include:
- Develop a greater understanding of how diversity affects the
teaching and learning process
- Identify and appreciate cultural factors affecting cultural
adjustment and learning
- Develop strategies using an anti-bias curriculum to help all
students learn
- Understand other cultures' orientation to education and school,
and fostering better relationships with students and their families
While the BTP core courses are limited to BTP students, you will
be attending ESL/Bilingual Endorsement courses along with other
students who may be Portland State students from various programs,
teachers, specialists, administrators or other education professionals.
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