Time is running out. The CLAD Certificate is being replaced by a new CTEL Certificate and all teachers who have not completed their CLAD coursework by January 31, 2008 will be required to meet the new CTEL coursework standards.

What is CLAD?

CLAD is California’s common acronym for Cross Cultural Language and Academic Development. Other states may carry different designations and may use other terminology for their English Language Development requirements.

Critical CLAD Deadlines

As of now, and in accordance with California Senate Bill No. 395, teachers with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) students or those who intend to teach LEP students, must complete their CLAD requirements. Although the CCTC will be replacing the CLAD certificate with a new California Teachers of English Learners (CTEL) certificate, candidates will have until January 31, 2008 to complete coursework under the current CLAD guidelines.

Additional Detail

If you are planning to take the CTEL exam rather than the courses, please visit the following site Welcome to California at http://www.ctc.ca.gov/notices/coded/050003/050003.html. However, if you are interested in obtaining the CLAD certificate through coursework, the University of San Diego’s California CTC-approved CLAD certificate program is designed as a practical application of English language instruction concepts and techniques. Teachers can still fulfill their CLAD coursework before the 2008 deadline by taking this 12-semester unit program, offered as four online, instructor-led courses. These courses are in lieu of the state’s CTEL examination. Each course is three semester units and is aligned to the three domains of the CLAD:

• Domain 1: Language structure and first and second language acquisition
• Domain 2: Methodology of bilingual instruction, instruction for English language development, and specially designed academic instruction delivered in English
• Domain 3: Culture and cultural diversity

These courses are ideal for:

• Credentialed teachers who wish to teach Limited English Proficiency (LEP) students
• Credentialed teachers seeking professional development units and/or salary advancement

As stated above, the last date for candidates to complete coursework under the current CLAD guidelines is January 31, 2008, and we encourage students to not waste time in deciding to enroll in a CLAD program or in completing CLAD coursework. Check here or the CCTC website frequently for further information.

University of San Diego also offers these same courses in an independent study DVD format. Please go to http://www.usd-online.org and click on “Independent Studies” for more information or to register for independent study DVD CLAD courses.

Note: ONLINE COURSES DO NOT USE DVDS.