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 advance to 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 school level. If interested in pursuing a career as a dual language teacher in middle or high school, a single subject teaching credential will also need to be secured. Most dual language programs at the high school level designate one or two content areas to be taught in the target language (e.g., Spanish, Mandarin, etc.), in addition to their Spanish courses (e.g., Spanish language arts, AP Spanish literature, AP Spanish language, etc.). Usually, the content areas chosen are social studies and/or science. However, each district varies and determines the content areas that will be taught in the target language. The majority of new dual language programs are designated for students enrolled at the elementary school level, but as more become established, the programs extend to middle and high school. There are many established K-12 dual language immersion programs now.
The Bilingual Authorization can be obtained through examination. The cost of each subtest for this authorization is approximately $99. 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 (California Subject Examinations for Teachers) Spanish section. The subtests are offered multiple times throughout the academic year.
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 for Spanish can be found at: CSET Spanish Preparation Materials
Bilingual Authorization in Other Languages
For a Bilingual Authorization in other languages such as Mandarin, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, French, etc., please click the specific language under the California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET) test listed under the tests page on the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing website.
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 Mandarin section. 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 for Mandarin can be found at: CSET Mandarin Preparation Materials
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 is interested in teaching a world language at the secondary level.
Online registration for the CSET Competence for Bilingual Authorization can be completed at: http://www.cset.nesinc.com/
Applying for the Bilingual Authorization
Once all of the requirements for the teacher preparation program are met and the three necessary subtests are passed for the target language, an application for the preliminary teaching credential will need to be completed. After receiving the preliminary teaching credential, an additional application will need to be completed to add the Bilingual Authorization. Please follow the necessary steps found on page 4 of this document, Bilingual Authorization, from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing site. You will need to send proof of your credential (this covers 1a if you have recently graduated from a teaching program), a copy of your score report, application form (form 41-4) and application fee. You may submit the documents to the address listed on pg. 4 or submit them to your new employer.