M.A. in TESOL/Bilingual and Dual Language Immersion
Curriculum
This 30-credit program is based on the accreditation standards of the TESOL International Association used by the State of Rhode Island for certification of both PK-12 TESOL and Bilingual and Dual Language Immersion teachers. The certification tracks are designed to serve the needs of educators who hold base certifications in areas such as, but not limited to, Early Childhood Education (grades P-2), Elementary Education (grades 1-6) or Secondary Education (grades 5-12).
Required Coursework
View the M.A. in TESOL/BDL Curriculum Sheet for details about course sequence here.
Required courses for certification*:
- EDC 420/LIN 420: Second Language Acquisition and Assessment (3 credits)
- EDC 501: Socio-Cultural Aspects of Language Minority Education (3 credits)
- EDC 526: Applied Linguistics for TESOL/BDL (3 credits)
- EDC 563: Literacy for Multicultural Populations (3 credits)
- EDC 516: Teaching Dual Language/English as a Second Language (3 credits)
- EDC 515: Structured English Immersion and Sheltered English (3 credits)
- EDC 519: Teaching Internship in TESOL/Dual Language Immersion (3 credits)
Remaining courses required to earn the M.A. in TESOL/BDL:
- EDC 506: Researching Language in Educational Settings or
EDC 529: Foundations of Educational Research (3 credits) - Professional Elective (3 credits)
- Professional Elective (3 credits)
Additional Certification Requirements
Demonstrate proficiency in the Science of Reading and Structured Literacy
Candidates can demonstrate proficiency in the Science of Reading and Structured Literacy through one of the following options:
-
- Undergraduate Transcripts from RI institution of higher education from one of the following programs: early childhood education, elementary education, special education (graduation date of spring 2025 or later for non-URI institutions). If you graduated from URI in one of those programs in 2024, you will have met the requirement.
- Certificate of proficiency from a RIDE-approved Science of Reading provider or examination pathway (e.g., LETRS, AIMS, KPEERI, Foundations of Reading Test)
- URI graduate transcripts demonstrating evidence of having passed EDC 527 with a B or higher.
Pass state’s testing requirements
Each state requires candidates to pass a certification test to be eligible for initial licensure. Check your state’s certification testing requirements. Rhode Island’s tests and passing scores are listed here.
Rhode Island certification for All Grades English as a Second Language Teacher (ESOL – 11594) and Bilingual Dual Language Education Teacher (BDL) require a minimum score (155) on the Praxis test English to Speakers of Other Languages (5362). URI offers Praxis preparation resources found here. All candidates in URI’s TESOL/BDL program must attempt the certification assessment prior to their final internship (EDC 519).
Certification for BDL also requires candidates to pass the appropriate language test to demonstrate proficiency in a language other than English. Information for the Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) and Writing Proficiency Test (WPT) may be obtained at www.actfl.org.
The table below lists the current BDL testing requirements in Rhode Island:
| English to Speakers of Other Languages (5362) | 155 |
And the appropiate language test:
| Language | Passing Score |
| American Sign Language Proficiency Interview(ASLPI)(0634) | 170 |
| Chinese (Mandarin)World Language(5665) | 164 or ACTFL OPI & WPT |
| French World Language(5174) | 162 or ACTFL OPI & WPT |
| German World Language(5183) | 163 or ACTFL OPI & WPT |
| Latin (5601) | 161 |
| Spanish World Language(5195) | 168 or ACTFL OPI & WPT |
| Japanese World Language(5661) | 156 or ACTFL OPI & WPT |
| Russian World Language(5671) | 130 or ACTFL OPI & WPT |
| All other world languages – Oral Proficiency Interview(OPI) and Writing Proficiency Test (WPT) | Advanced Low |
Partnerships
Applicants who successfully complete the 150-hour BridgeTEFL Diploma may use their TEFL certification as 3-elective credits towards the MA in TESOL/BDL program. For more information on BridgeTEFL, click here.
Applicants who successfully complete the ARCTEL program may use their CT TESOL certification as 6-elective credits towards the MA in TESOL/BDL program. For more information about the ARCTEL program, click here
Applicants who successfully complete the ExcEL Leadership Academy program may transfer up to twelve credits towards the M.A. in TESOL/BDL program. For more information about the partnership, click here.