An Overview of the Preparation and Certification of Teachers Working with Limited English Proficient (LEP) Students.

This study combined survey data with qualitative analysis to explore the preservice preparation of teachers of English language learners (ELLs). The American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education disseminated surveys to member institutions and Web site users, examining the breadth and depth of preparation programs for such teachers. The National Clearinghouse for Bilingual Education compared survey findings to its analysis of both state level bilingual education teacher licensure requirements and the content of courses required by institutions for degrees/licensure in bilingual education. Licensure and course requirements were categorized by areas of knowledge, revealing that while typically emphasizing the areas of pedagogy and cultural/linguistic diversity, linguistics received less emphasis at both state and institutional levels. There was great variance in how states mandated requirements for bilingual education teacher licensure, though state requirements did impact institutions' programming. Programs varied in the depth of their coverage of areas of knowledge, with bachelor's programs more likely to cover studies within an area of knowledge through a broad overview or survey course combining various topics within one course. Very few higher education institutions offered programs that specifically prepared bilingual education teachers. Even fewer required preparation for mainstream teacher regarding ELL education. (Contains 44 references.) (SM)