Center for Language and Culture Bilingual Paraeducator Career Ladder Teacher Education Program BIPACAL CFDA 84.L195E (2000 – 2005) Jorge P. Osterling, Ph.D. 10/7/2004

Vision 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. 10/7/2004

Participants Participants Two IHEs: Three LEAs: GMU NVCC APS FCPS PWCPS Participants Enrollment NVCC [no, AA degree -- less 60 credits] 12 GMU [no, BA – 60 – 120 credits] 15 GMU [BA or higher, no license] 22 TOTAL 49 Left Program (all continue working) 16 (32.7%) http://http://gse.gmu.edu/programs/bpclttp/index.htm (703) 993-8136 10/7/2004

Participant’s Profile 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. 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. 10/7/2004

Academic Success September 04 Indicators Participants Enrolled in BIPACAL (2000 – 2005) 49 Left BIPACAL (All undergraduates) 16 (32.7 %) Earned Bachelor’s Degree 31 Passed PRAXIS-I VA Composite Score 532 25 Received Provisional ESOL Teaching License 6 Earned ESOL Teaching License 4 Projected Teaching Licenses [by End of Program ] 20 10/7/2004

Academic Success September 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 10/7/2004

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 10/7/2004

Need for Paraeducator Career Ladder Teacher 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. Social Isolation 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. Academic Inadequate 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 10/7/2004