U.S. Department of Education statement

APPROVED ESL CERTIFICATION PROGRAMS: WIDA

APPROVED PK-12 SPECIALTY AREA TEACHERS: ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE CERTIFICATION

APPROVED CARLOW UNIVERSITY: MASTERS OF EDUCATION CURRICULUM & DESIGN - ESL

The education of students whose dominant language is not English and who are ELs is the responsibility of every Local Education Agency (LEA). Title 22, Chapter 4, Section 4.26 of the Curriculum Regulations requires the LEA to provide a program for every student who is an English learner (EL).

The goal of language instruction educational programs (LIEPs) is to facilitate the development and attainment of English proficiency and academic achievement of students whose native or first language is not English. Without instruction in social and academic English and appropriate support for learning academic content, these students are at risk of losing the educational opportunities provided to non-EL students. 

English as a Second Language (ESL) is a term for the use or study of the English language by non-native speakers in an English-speaking environment. 
WIDA approves a program specialist certification in ESL through Global Classroom (enrollment active).

The requirements to obtain an ESL Program Specialist certification:

  • Hold an Instructional I or Instructional II certificate

  • Completion of a WIDA-approved certification program

OR

  • Hold a valid state ESL certificate

  • Completion of a state-approved instructional ESL certification program that meets the Guidelines.