for the Online ESL Certification Prep Course
To learn more click on the titleCOURSE DESIGN/STRUCTUREDo I have to travel to Texas A&M-College Station or one of the other A&M System campuses? Or is the course completed entirely online?
The entire course is completed via the internet. You do not have to travel to Texas A&M or to any of the A&M System campuses. You can complete everything from the comfort of your own home/school. The required assignments can be completed at your convenience--after school, before school, in the evenings, late at night, whenever you have time to work on it.
How does the program work?
The TAMU ESL Certification Prep Course prepares you to take the TExES ESL Supplemental (#154) Exam, which is the exam required by the state of Texas to earn the ESL Supplemental Certification. This course is not an alternative certification program. It is an intensive test preparation course.
Upon completion of all course requirements, participants receive a certificate of completion documenting 120 clock hours of professional development. Participants are responsible for registering themselves for the certification exam. In order to earn the Texas ESL Supplemental certification, participants must pass the TExES ESL Supplemental examination AND apply for certification from the State Board for Education Certification.
How is the course designed? What are participants expected to do? Will we have homework or additional requirements?
The TAMU Online ESL Course is a 7-week, self-paced course that prepares teachers for the ESL certification exam. There are 10 lesson modules that are organized around the domains and competencies tested in the TExES ESL Supplemental (#154) exam.
Each lesson module begins with a presentation/lecture. The lecture is followed by 2-3 required readings. Each lesson also contains several short reflection or inquiry assignments that require participants to post on electronic discussion boards. Finally, the lessons culminate in short quizzes that are modeled after the TExES exam questions.
MATERIALSWhat materials are needed for the course?
All materials are provided electronically. As long as you have access to a computer and the internet, you will have access to all the materials. There are no extra materials that you need to purchase.
PACINGI understand that the course is 7 weeks long, but within that timeframe, is it somewhat self-paced?
Yes, the course is somewhat self-paced. The instructor guides the pacing of the course by releasing lessons according to the dates on the syllabus. If you keep up with the pace outlined on the syllabus, then you will finish the course in 7 weeks. However, you may choose to spend more time on a given lesson. You will have access to the materials for up to 4 weeks after the course ends.
Will there be a lesson per week to be completed? What is the timeline?
The amount of time allotted to each lesson in the syllabus depends on the length of the lesson. You will have a week to complete the longer lessons. For shorter lessons, you will have about 4 days. But, again, you may complete the lessons at your own pace as long as you complete the course within 4 weeks of the last day of the course.
TIMEHow many hours a day would I need to dedicate to the course as I have also other responsibilities?
We estimate that it would take between 7 and 10 hours per week to complete the required readings, discussion postings, and quiz for each lesson. Readings can be downloaded and/or printed to read offline, so you don't necessarily have to be online for 7-10 hours per week.
Will I have to be at my computer at a specified time each day?
There are not specific meeting times. You may access the course via the internet at any time of day.
How many days per week would you need to spend online?
The course is self-paced, and you are not required to log in every day. However, you are advised to log in daily to check messages and announcements.
How long does each session take to complete? Will I be able to work through a lesson during a conference period?
The lessons are designed to be completed in more than one sitting. You will not be able to finish a whole lesson in one conference period, but you will be able to complete a lesson over several conference periods.
QUALIFICATIONS TO TAKE THE COURSEDo I have to know Spanish?
No, you do not need to know Spanish to register for the course or to become ESL-certified.
I am in the process of becoming a certified teacher. Do I need to hold a teacher certification before registering for this course?
You do not need to hold a certification to enroll in the course. If you are in the process of obtaining your initial certification, you may register for the course and complete the course. However, you should consult your educator preparation program before registering for the TExES exam. Your preparation program may allow you to take the ESL exam, or you may have to wait until you have completed your initial certification. Once you have completed your initial certification, you may take for the TExES ESL Supplemental Exam as Additional Certification by Examination.
I am an educational aide/para-professional. Can I register for the course?
Para-professionals, pre-service teachers, and other interested individuals are welcome to register and complete the course. They will not be eligible to take the TExES exam, but they may complete the course for additional knowledge.
COSTHow much does the course cost?
The course costs $400.00 per individual registration. We do offer group discounts ($350.00/person) to school districts and Education Service Centers when they register 2 or more participants.
DATESCan you start at any time or are there specific starting dates?
There are specific starting dates. Please check the course website for specific start dates.
REGISTRATIONDo I need to apply for admission to the university?
No, you do not need to apply for admission to Texas A&M University . The Online ESL Certification Prep Course is a continuing education course, and admission to TAMU is not required for registration. No academic credit is awarded for the completion of the course; however, participants are awarded 120 clock hours of professional development.
How do I register for the course?
Click here for registration information.
For additional questions please contact us at bilingualed@tamu.edu
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