New Requirement for New Bilingual Teachers
Effective December 31, 2013, all new bilingual teachers must pass the Bilingual Target Language Proficiency Test (BTLPT) before they can be recommended for their Probationary Certificate. New teachers in alternative certification programs teach for one year under a Probationary Certificate. After one year of successful teaching and completing requirements, they earn their Standard Certificate.
In the past, new interns (new teachers) were hired after passing only the Generalist EC-6 and Bilingual Supplemental, or the Bilingual Generalist EC-6 (which combines the Generalist EC-6 and Bilingual Supplemental). Most districts would allow new teachers to take the BTLPT after they started teaching, and the state of Texas allowed Probationary Certificates to be recommended before the BTLPT was passed.
Now teachers must pass the Generalist EC-6, Bilingual Supplemental, AND the BTLPT before they may start their job. Alternatively, they may pass the Bilingual Generalist EC-6 and BTLPT before they start teaching.
What Does This Mean For Existing Bilingual Teachers?
Because this new requirement will significantly decrease the available pool of new hires for bilingual positions, it is very possible that there will be a greater shortage of bilingual teachers in the next couple of years. Districts may need to offer stipends, or larger stipends, to recruit and retain highly qualified bilingual teachers.
Suggestions for Future and New Bilingual Teachers
Study now and sign up for the BTLPT! Of course, you also need to study for and pass the Generalist EC-6 and Bilingual Supplemental exams, or the combined Bilingual Generalist EC-6.
The BTLPT is unique because it is only offered in testing windows. Although the registration deadline is not until August 23, you should sign up as soon as possible. Test centers fill up quickly since the exam is not offered that often. The test will be offered in September, and scores are released about one month later.
Since the BTLPT covers reading and listening comprehension, as well as written and oral proficiency, it is important to practice all aspects before you take your exam. Immerse yourself in the target language as much as possible.
Email me at courtneyschonefeld@hotmail.com to receive more tips!
The latest education news in Texas public education, including hiring or jobs information, salary, moving to Texas to teach, and teacher certification. To buy study material, go to www.texeshelp.blogspot.com
If this doesn't go into effect until 12/31/2012, does that mean I can apply for a probationary certificate if I have only passed the Generalist EC-6 and the spanish supplemental?
ReplyDeleteHi Susan, You should be OK until 12/31/2013 (not 2012). However, it depends on the district. Each district can require whichever exams they want, even if the state is not yet requiring it. We have not heard what will happen if someone has a Probationary Certificate started before December 31, 2013, and does not pass the BTLPT by that deadline. So, it's in your best interest to take it as soon as you can. Courtney
ReplyDeleteWhat is the test number for the supplemental exam? Is it the texes 164?
DeleteHi,
DeleteYes, the TExES Bilingual Education Supplemental exam is 164. Please visit and like my Facebook page- TexasTeacherToday. You may private message me on Facebook for some free tips for taking the TExES exams.
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