Montana State to offer new graduate online certificate program for teaching students with language barriers

BOZEMAN - Montana State University is launching a new one-year, online graduate program to help prepare individuals who currently teach or will teach students with limited proficiency in the English language while also reinforcing Indian Education for All pedagogy.

The new Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education Certificate, housed in the MSU College of Education, Health and Human Development's Department of Education and affiliated with its Center for Bilingual and Multicultural Education, was approved by the Montana Board of Regents earlier this year. MSU is enrolling students now to begin the online program on May 19.

The certificate is the only program of its kind in the state, according to Rebecca Turk, director of the MSU Center for Bilingual and Multicultural Education. She said the number of English learners in Montana is growing, so MSU developed the certificate in response to that need.

"The certificate provides support for a critical area of training needed in the state," Turk said.

Turk said the program aims to prepare teachers to serve the needs of their pre-kindergarten through 12th grade students who have limited proficiency in English. She added that the program is delivered entirely online, so that teachers from all parts of Montana can enroll without having to leave their jobs or communities. Courses are targeted toward teaching professionals, but non-teachers interested in the field are also invited to apply, Turk added.

"We are excited to offer this new certificate program that will provide educators with the knowledge, skills and dispositions to help their students master specific course material while improving their academic English literacy skills," Turk said. "Furthermore, this unique program will enhance the statewide efforts to meet federal requirements for serving (limited English proficient) students and making learning accessible through language and cultural barriers."

The certificate requires the completion of four classes: Teaching Culturally and Linguistically Diverse K-12 Students; Literacy Development for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse K-12 Students; Assessment of English Language Learners; and Culturally Responsive Pedagogy. Turk noted that the program is paced to accommodate teachers' busy schedules. The two summer courses are offered back-to-back, with each lasting six weeks, while the fall and spring courses are each eight weeks long.

Turk noted that there is a growing need for services of this kind, with the number of English-learner students statewide doubling in the last five years, from 2,469 to more than 5,000. In Gallatin County, nearly 4% of students enrolled in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade are classified as English learners.

In addition, there are more than 21,000 American Indian students with unique language and cultural needs enrolled in Montana schools. Through Indian Education for All legislation, teachers are required to incorporate Indigenous perspectives in teaching, and training related to that requirement is also included in the Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education Certificate program.

Serena Wright, Title III program specialist in the Montana Office of Public Instruction's Department of School Innovation and Improvement, said the program will benefit both teachers and students, ultimately enhancing the quality of education in Montana.

"The Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education Certificate program empowers teachers with the necessary skills to support K-12 students in our local schools and communities from diverse backgrounds," Wright said. "Teachers will gain practical strategies for addressing the unique challenges faced by English language learners, allowing them to adapt their instruction to meet individual student needs."

Wright added that a focus on culturally responsive pedagogy and targeted literacy development will enable teachers to better support students and make learning more relevant and engaging.

"This certificate program ensures that all students, regardless of their linguistic background, have access to high-quality education, thereby reducing achievement gaps in our local schools," Wright said.

Turk noted that Montana school districts are permitted to use federal Title III funding - which is earmarked for English learner support and training for teachers - to help support their employees' tuition costs.

Individuals interested in the program are invited to apply online at https://www.montana.edu/gradschool/admissions/apply.html.

To learn more about the Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Certificate, visit www.montana.edu/education/grad/ci/ci_clde_cert.html and www.montana.edu/cbme/EnglishSecondLanguage.html. Questions may be directed to Turk at 406-994-4537 or rebecca.turk@montana.edu.