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Center for Language and CultureCenter for Language and Culture

Bilingual Paraeducator Career Ladder Teacher Education Program

BIPACALCFDA 84.L195E (2000 – 2005)

Jorge P. Osterling, Ph.D.

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Vision StatementVision Statement

GMU’s Center for Language and Culture (CLC) provides leadership in promoting educational equity for culturally & linguistically diverse populations from disenfranchised communities.

BIPACAL is a career ladder teacher education program that assists bilingual paraeducators in become highly qualified ESOL teachers, in accordance to NCLB.

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ParticipantsParticipants

Two IHEs:– GMU– NVCC

Three LEAs:– APS– FCPS– PWCPS

http://http://gse.gmu.edu/programs/bpclttp/index.htm(703) 993-8136

ParticipantsEnrollment

NVCC [no, AA degree -- less 60 credits]

12

GMU [no, BA – 60 – 120 credits]

15

GMU [BA or higher, no license]

22

TOTAL 49Left Program (all continue working)

16 (32.7%)

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Participant’s ProfileParticipant’s Profile

Non Traditional Students:

– Average age 41,

– Have family responsibilities,

several single parents with

young dependents

– Have been away from school

for an extended period of time,

– Work full-time at a LEA.

Received a AA, BA, MA or

equivalent degree from an

institution of higher education

overseas.

Majority:

– Non-native English speakers

[BICS level],

– Speak two or more world

languages.

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Academic SuccessAcademic Success September 04 IndicatorsSeptember 04 Indicators

Participants

Enrolled in BIPACAL(2000 – 2005)

49

Left BIPACAL(All undergraduates)

16 (32.7 %)

Earned Bachelor’s Degree 31

Passed PRAXIS-IVA Composite Score 532

25

Received Provisional ESOL Teaching License

6

Earned ESOL Teaching License 4

Projected Teaching Licenses

[by End of Program ]

20

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Academic SuccessAcademic Success September 04 IndicatorsSeptember 04 Indicators

Participants Average Score

GPA Over 3.5 (Dean’s List)

26 3.86

Below 3.5 18 2.97

TOEFL 19 558

PRAXIS-I Passed (532 or higher)

25 536

Took Exam 37 528

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Academic and Student Support Services offered to BIPACAL’s Non

Traditional Students

Academic Advisement Writing Center (e.g., EDUC 301) Math Review courses (e.g., PRAXIS) Tutoring Services Evening and summer classes Personal Counseling Services First year teacher induction

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Need for Paraeducator Career Ladder Need for Paraeducator Career Ladder Teacher Education ProgramsTeacher Education Programs

Challenges/Obstacles BIPACAL Supports

Financial

Difficulty in paying tuition

and supporting self and family.

Tuition paid. Stipends to supplement school division's leave of absence.

School division's willingness to retain paid paraeducators while enrolled in BIPACAL project.

SocialIsolation on an IHE-culture predominantly

designed for native- English, Anglo students,

mostly in their twenties or early thirties.

Provision for child care/ transportation (within the

stipend).

Bilingual/ bicultural counseling/ mentoring

opportunities.

AcademicInadequate academic preparation.

Classes scheduled during work time.

English difficulties.

Need for advising and monitoring.

Flexible schedule. Closely monitored academic advising. Tutoring.

English language instruction [CALPS level].

On-site faculty mentors.

PRAXIS-I review courses