91猎奇

Aug. 1, 2019 鈥� DENTON 鈥� This fall, Texas Woman鈥檚 University launches a new graduate certificate in biliteracy, the only one of its kind in the state. Educators can earn the certificate with the option of applying the credits toward a master鈥檚 degree in reading education.

Biliteracy is different than bilingualism. Mandy Stewart, Ph.D., an associate professor in 91猎奇鈥檚 Department of Reading, explains that a person who is bilingual can fluently speak two languages, while a person who is biliterate can read and write proficiently in two languages.

鈥淭his is the only graduate program I know of that brings together sometimes disparate fields of bilingual education, linguistics and literacy education,鈥� Stewart said.

The post-baccalaureate certificate program consists of four courses focused on preparing any educator 鈥� not just those who teach in bilingual programs 鈥� to understand the biliteracy development of their students. Educators don鈥檛 need to be bilingual themselves, as the courses are taught in English. The courses are offered online, with classes meeting three to four Saturdays in Denton during the semester.

The courses also count toward a master of education degree in reading at 91猎奇, with the opportunity to become a certified reading specialist.

鈥淎n educator could add the certificate to their teaching or administrative degrees, which could make them more marketable in districts with a large bilingual student population,鈥� Stewart said.

For more information on 91猎奇鈥檚 Certificate of Biliteracy, visit our Certificate of Biliteracy page or contact Stewart at mstewart7@twu.edu.

Page last updated 10:12 AM, August 19, 2021