The Bilingual Authorization (formerly known as the BCLAD) in Spanish or other languages will allow future teachers to teach content in the target language. For example, teachers seeking employment in a Spanish dual language immersion program will need a Bilingual Authorization in Spanish because the majority of the day will be taught in Spanish and as students progress through the upper grades, subject matter will be taught in both English and Spanish (see Dual Language Immersion Schools). Most dual language immersion schools only hire teachers with a Bilingual Authorization in the target language. In addition, teachers must hold a valid multiple subject teaching credential in order to teach at the elementary level. Although some programs extend to grade 12, the majority of existing dual language programs are designated for students enrolled in grades K-6.
The Bilingual Authorization can be obtained through examination. The cost of each subtest is currently $69. It is highly recommended that these subtests be taken before seeking employment at a dual language immersion school or program.
Bilingual Authorization in Spanish
Students seeking a Bilingual Authorization in Spanish will need to take three subtests listed under the CSET: LOTE (California Subject Examinations for Teachers: Languages Other Than English) Spanish section of the CSET bulletin. The subtests can be taken on September 8, November 3, January 12, March 9, May 4, and/or July 13 for the 2012-13 academic year. Test areas can be located in the test bulletin. Scroll down to CSET: Languages Other Than English (used toward a Bilingual Authorization) and click the test areas link for Spanish (third green box).
The three required subtests include:
Spanish Subtest III: Language and Communication: Listening Comprehension; Language and Communication: Reading Comprehension; Language and Communication: Written Expression; Language and Communication: Oral Expression
Spanish Subtest IV: Bilingual Education and Bilingualism; Intercultural Communication; Instruction and Assessment
Spanish Subtest V: Geographic and Historical Contexts; Sociopolitical and Sociocultural Contexts
Subject matter test structure, descriptions, requirements and sample questions can be found at: CSET Spanish Test Guide
Bilingual Authorization in Other Languages
For a Bilingual Authorization in other languages such as Mandarin, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, French, etc., please see: http://www.cset.nesinc.com/CS_testguide_opener.asp
Scroll down to the section, Specific Information About Each Examination of the CSET, and select the language(s) you are interested in obtaining a Bilingual Authorization. Similar to the authorization in Spanish, the other languages also have three subtests that will need to be passed. For example, anyone interested in obtaining a Bilingual Authorization in Mandarin will need to take the following subtests listed under the CSET: LOTE Mandarin section of the CSET bulletin. These three subtests include:
Mandarin Subtest III: Language and Communication: Listening Comprehension; Language and Communication: Reading Comprehension; Language and Communication: Written Expression; Language and Communication: Oral Expression
Mandarin Subtest IV: Bilingual Education and Bilingualism; Intercultural Communication; Instruction and Assessment
Mandarin Subtest V: Geographic and Historical Contexts; Sociopolitical and Sociocultural Contexts
Subject matter test structure, descriptions, requirements and sample questions can be found at: CSET Mandarin Test Guide
Please note that some of the languages listed in the bulletin also include subtests I and II. An individual would need to take subtests I, II and III if he/she were interested in teaching a world language at the secondary level.
Online registration for the CSET LOTE can be completed at: http://www.cset.nesinc.com/