Bilingual/Bicultural Education | Arts & Humanities

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Bilingual/Bicultural Education

Department of Arts & Humanities

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Program Description

In our increasingly diverse world, the study of multiple languages-in-education is in demand. The Program in Bilingual/Bicultural Education acknowledges the need to provide students with a foundation for understanding and working with bilingual learners in diverse educational settings. Our program specializes in education that privileges language minoritized student populations in the U.S. and in the world.

Students who select the course of study offered by our program will be prepared to work in schools, community organizations, and international agencies as teachers, specialists, consultants, curriculum designers, and evaluators. Students may also pursue an interest in policy and research and/or continue further studies.

Through our courses, students will examine the phenomenon of multiple languages and cultures in schools, classrooms, and communities within local and global contexts. The courses will allow students to explore interests in teaching in schools where more than one language and culture are part of the curriculum, particularly within the multilingual, multicultural city schools of New York, and to explore how the local and unique situations of schools connect to those found in other parts of the world.

Furthermore, students can observe and work in enrichment language education models that will enable them to develop the understanding and working knowledge necessary to educate language minorities while working with the goal of developing proficiency in more than one language for both language-majority and -minority students. Students will examine the nature of cross-cultural understanding and knowledge, as it provides support and access for language minority school populations to respect, develop, and preserve their languages within educational settings, to develop and strengthen their identities, and to go beyond themselves to engage in the world as productive citizens. The courses will also help students explore their place within the context of the presence of multiple languages and cultures in schools and communities and in promoting diversity in thinking and social justice in the U.S. and beyond.

Courses within the different departments will allow students to explore the distinction between regular general education teaching and teaching in settings where the curriculum is taught in more than one language, second language learning theory, literacy, and interdisciplinary intellectual endeavors.

Students will plan an appropriate course of study, according to their background, knowledge, and experiences and in relation to their future goals, with their advisor. Students are strongly advised to plan their whole curriculum during their first semester, so as to meet all requirements and to enjoy the multiple possible field experiences in educational settings. Students are also urged to go to the program website https://www.tc.columbia.edu/a&h/bilingual/ for FAQs to explore the multiple strands available at the M.A. level, New York State requirements for teacher certification, and distinctions in the different fields of study that might be important in the selection of the area of Bilingual/Bicultural Education as a major.

Degrees

  • Master of Arts

    • Points/Credits: 33/40 (depending on track)

      Entry Terms: Fall Only

      Certification:

      • NY State Initial: Childhood Education 1-6
      • Bilingual Education Extension
      • Optional Middle School Certification 7-9

      Degree Requirements

      All courses of study require three core foundational courses and a bilingual inquiry course. M.A. programs require an integrative project. The teaching strands with Bilingual/Bicultural Studies and the courses of study leading to NY State initial teacher certification require a practicum or student teaching experience. Students are strongly urged to consult with an academic advisor on all degree requirements.

      Foundation and Inquiry Courses:

      • A&HB 4021 Foundations of Bilingual/Bicultural Education (3)

      • A&HB 4024 Linguistic Foundations of Bilingual/Bicultural Education (3)

      • A&HB 4075 Cross-cultural Communication and Classroom Ecology (3)

      • A&HB 4150 Teacher/Educational Inquiry: Bilingual/Bicultural Education (1-3)

      Each student will choose courses with advisor assistance. The following shows a sample of recommended courses for potential concentrations.

      The Master of Arts - Dual program leading to Initial Teacher Certification in Childhood Education and the Bilingual Extension Certification has two options:

      Strand A (for students with less than 1 year of full-time teaching experience as a head teacher) requires one full year of student teaching with the accompanying courses (a total of 17 additional credits), for a minimum of 40 credits for the degree.

      Strand B (for students with at least 1 year of full-time teaching experience as a head teacher) requires a half-year of student teaching (7 credits) for a minimum of 33 credits for the degree.

    • Points/Credits: 33

      Entry Terms: Summer Only

      Certification:

      • NY State Transitional B Childhood Education 1-6
      • Bilingual Education
      • Optional Middle School Certification 7-9

      Degree Requirements

      All courses of study require three core foundational courses and a bilingual inquiry course. M.A. programs require an integrative project. The teaching strands with Bilingual/Bicultural Studies and the courses of study programs leading to NY State certification require a practicum or student teaching experience. Students are strongly urged to consult with an academic advisor on all degree requirements.

      Foundation and Inquiry Courses:

      • A&HB 4021 Foundations of Bilingual/Bicultural Education (3)

      • A&HB 4024 Linguistic Foundations of Bilingual/Bicultural Education (3)

      • A&HB 4075 Cross-cultural Communication and Classroom Ecology (3)

      • A&HB 4150 Teacher/Educational Inquiry: Bilingual/Bicultural Education (1-3)

      Each student will choose courses with advisor assistance. 

      The Master of Arts - Transitional B program requires a practicum course in conjunction with full-time teaching, or a student teaching experience if the student does not have his/her own classroom, for a minimum of 33 credits for the degree.

    • Points/Credits: 44

      Entry Terms: Fall Only

      Certification:

      • NY State Initial: Childhood Education 1-6
      • NYS Initial: Students with Disabilities 1-6
      • Bilingual Education Extension
      • Optional Middle School Certification 7-9

      Degree Requirements

      All courses of study require three core foundational courses and a bilingual inquiry course. M.A. programs require an integrative project. The teaching strands with Bilingual/Bicultural Studies and the courses of study leading to NY State teacher certification require a practicum or student teaching experience. Students are strongly urged to consult with an academic advisor on all degree requirements.

      Foundation and Inquiry Courses:

      • A&HB 4021 Foundations of Bilingual/Bicultural Education (3)

      • A&HB 4024 Linguistic Foundations of Bilingual/Bicultural Education (3)

      • A&HB 4075 Cross-cultural Communication and Classroom Ecology (3)

      • A&HB 4150 Teacher/Educational Inquiry: Bilingual/Bicultural Education (1-3)

      Each student will choose courses with advisor assistance. The following shows a sample of recommended courses for potential concentrations.

      The Program in Bilingual/Bicultural Education and the Program in Intellectual Disability/Autism have created this program, Bilingual Special Education Studies (BiSPED) for teacher candidates who wish to work with bilingual students with disabilities. 

      This Master of Arts degree leads to Initial Certification in Childhood Education (1-6), the Bilingual Extension Certification, and the Teaching Students with Disabilities Certification. This degree program is for students who do not hold teacher certification, have an interest in working with bilingual special education children, and have some prior experience with elementary school children in formal or informal contexts.

    • Points/Credits: 33

      Entry Terms: Fall Only

      Certification:

      • NY State Bilingual Extension Certification

      Degree Requirements

      All courses of study require three core foundational courses and a bilingual inquiry course. M.A. programs require an integrative project. The teaching strands with Bilingual/Bicultural Studies and the courses of study leading to NY State teacher certification require a practicum or student teaching experience. Students are strongly urged to consult with an academic advisor on all degree requirements.

      Foundation and Inquiry Courses:

      • A&HB 4021 Foundations of Bilingual/Bicultural Education (3)

      • A&HB 4024 Linguistic Foundations of Bilingual/Bicultural Education (3)

      • A&HB 4075 Cross-cultural Communication and Classroom Ecology (3)

      • A&HB 4150 Teacher/Educational Inquiry: Bilingual/Bicultural Education (1-3)

      Each student will choose courses with advisor assistance. 


      The Master of Arts - Bilingual Extension leads to the Bilingual Extension Certification, requires a half-year of student teaching or a practicum (depending on whether the student has his/her own classroom), for a minimum of 33 credits for the degree.

    • Points/Credits: 33

      Entry Terms: Fall Only

      Certification:

      • Non-Certification Track

      Degree Requirements

      All courses of study require three core foundational courses and a bilingual inquiry course. M.A. programs require an integrative project. Students are strongly urged to consult with an academic advisor on all degree requirements.

      Foundation and Inquiry Courses:

      • A&HB 4021 Foundations of Bilingual/Bicultural Education (3)
      • A&HB 4024 Linguistic Foundations of Bilingual/Bicultural Education (3)
      • A&HB 4075 Cross-cultural Communication and Classroom Ecology (3)
      • A&HB 4150 Teacher/Educational Inquiry: Bilingual/Bicultural Education (1-3)

      MA in Bilingual/Bicultural Education (Academic track, not leading to certification)

      In addition to the four Foundational courses, students in the Academic track also need an additional course within the BBE program during their first semester, which can be selected from the following courses:

      • A&HB 4121 Bilingual/Bicultural Curriculum Design in Elementary and Middle Schools
      • A&HB 5024 Bilingual/Multilingual Education: International Perspectives
      • A&HB 5020 Curriculum & Instruction for Bilingual Students with & without Disabilities

      Each student will choose courses with advisor assistance. The following shows a sample of recommended courses for potential concentrations. For other courses not listed here, consult with your academic advisor.

      Area of Focus on Research for Academic Track Students - Choose among the following courses:

      • A&HB 4140 Latina Women Narratives
      • A&HL 4104 Discourse Analysis
      • EDPS 5020 Methods of Social Research
      • EDPS 5022 Sociological Analysis of Educational Systems
      • HBSK 5085 Observing and assessing preschool children
      • HUDM 4050 Introduction to Measurement 
      • ITSF 5000 Methods of Inquiry: Ethnography & Participant Observation
      • ITSF 5016 Ethnography of Education
      • ITSF 5519 Research in Language and Literacy

      Area of Focus on Policy for Academic Track Students - Choose among the following courses:     

      • A&HB 4199 Topics in Bilingualism and Bilingual/Bicultural Education
      • A&HB 5024 Bilingual/Multilingual Education: International Perspectives
      • C&T 4010 Immigration & Curriculum
      • EDPS 4000 Education and Public Policy
      • EDPP 5042 Urban Politics in Education
      • EDPP 5045 Race, Ethnicity and U.S. Educational Policy
      • ITSF 4010 Cultural & Social Bases-Education
      • ITSF 4024 Dynamics of Family Interactions
      • ITSF 4025 Languages, Society, and Schools
      • ITSF 4060 Latinos in Urban School
      • ITSF 4098 Educational Development Policies in China
      • ITSF 4198 Language and Educational Rights
      • ITSF 5023 The Family as Educator
      • ITSF 5500 Education Across the Americas
      • A&HF 4090 Philosophies of Education

      Area of Focus on Teaching for Academic Track students:

      Students interested in teaching but not in the NYS teaching certification, and who aspire to be placed in a teaching context for the Practicum, should take 3 BBE methods courses. They are encouraged to follow the Stream A courses as closely as possible and choose from the following courses:

      • A&HB 4020 Foundations of Bilingual Special Education (3)
      • A&HB 4028 Teaching Literacy in Bilingual Settings (3)
      • A&HB 4029 Latino Children’s Literature and Literacies
      • A&HB 4121 Bilingual/Bicultural Curriculum Design in Elementary and Middle schools (3)
      • A&HB 4133 Curriculum and Methods for Bilingual Teachers: Science (2-3)
      • A&HB 4134 Curriculum and Methods for Bilingual Teachers: Mathematics (2-3)
      • A&HE 5518 Teaching English Diverse Socio Cultural Contexts
      • A&HF 4091 The Call to Teach
      • A&HH 4076 History or Urban Education
      • A&HL 4076 TESOL Methodologies for PK-6 (3)
      • A&HW 5030 Diversity & Social Studies Curriculum
      • ORLD 4051 How Adults Learn

  • Advanced Certificate

    • Points/Credits: 15

      Entry Terms: Spring/Summer/Fall

      Certification:

      • Bilingual Extension

      Degree Requirements

      The Advanced Certificate is for students who are pursuing a master’s degree in another program (must already hold or be pursuing Initial Teacher Certification in that program), or non- degree students who already have teacher certification and want the Bilingual Extension Certification but not a Master’s degree in Bilingual Bicultural Education. This is not a degree program. It may be completed in as little as 1 year.

      Required Courses Points

      • A&HB 4021 Foundations of Bilingual/Bicultural Education 3, Fall

      • A&HB 4028 Teaching Literacy in Bilingual Settings 3, Spr

      • A&HB 4121 Bilingual/Bicultural Curriculum Desgn Elem/Middle Sch 3, Fall

      • A&HB 4323* Practicum in Bilingual/Bicultural Education 3-4, Fall

      Note: If student have a total of 12 credits from required courses, they take a 3-credit elective. If students have a total of 13 credits from required courses, they take a 2-credit elective.

      Electives (one or more courses)

      • A&HB 4024 Linguistic Foundations of Bilingual/Bic Education 3, Spr

      • A&HB 4075 Cross-Cultural Communication & Classroom Ecology 3, Spr

      • A&HB 4133 Curriculum & Methods for Bilingual Ed: Science 1-3,Spr

      • A&HB 4134 Curriculum & Methods for Bilingual Ed: Math 1-3,Spr

      Other courses offered in the Bilingual/Bicultural Program – see current course schedule *For Advanced Certificate students, the Practicum experience consists of 50 fieldwork hours in a bilingual setting, plus weekly class meetings. If you already have your own classroom, take the Practicum for 3 credits. If you need a classroom placement, you must take the Practicum for 4 credits.

      New York State Education Department (NYSED) mandates teacher certification requirements that are needed for program completion and graduation which are listed in the Office of Teacher Education section of the catalog.

      Online Advanced Certificate in Bilingual/Bicultural Education 15 Credits 

      The online format enables students to participate in an interactive experience from their home without having to travel to our campus in New York City. The online and in-person programs follow primarily the same curriculum, with the following exception: The in-person program includes an elective. The online format does not include an elective. 

      Required Online Course Points

      • A&HB 4021 Foundations of Bilingual/Bicultural Education 3, Su A

      • A&HB 4028 Teaching Literacy in Bilingual Settings 3, Fall 

      • A&HB 4075 Cross-Cultural Communication & Classroom Ecology 3, Su B 

      • A&HB 4121 Bilingual/Bicultural Curriculum Desgn Elem/Middle Sch 3, Spring 

      • A&HB 4323 Practicum in Bilingual/Bicultural Education 3, Fall 

Faculty

  • Faculty

    • Patricia Martinez Alvarez Associate Professor of Bilingual/Bicultural Education
    • Carmen Martinez-Roldan Associate Professor of Bilingual/Bicultural Education

  • Lecturers

    • Sharon Chia-Ling Chang Senior Lecturer

  • Adjunct Faculty

    • Belinda Arana Adjunct Assistant Professor
    • Rosa Alcalde Delgado Adjunct Assistant Professor
    • Yi Han Adjunct Professor
    • Estrella Liliana Olivares Orellana Adjunct Assistant Professor
    • Lucia Rodriguez Adjunct Assistant Professor (BBE)

  • Instructors

    • Andrea García

Courses

  • A&HB 4020 - Foundations of Bilingual Special Education
    This course is a solid introduction to the field of special education with an added emphasis on its intersection with bilingual education. It engages students in the study of the nature, psycho-social, and educational needs of individuals across the educational lifespan with disabilities. Within this course we consider issues in special education from the historical philosophical, legal, cultural, linguistic, and ethical viewpoints, and the responsibilities of teachers and other professionals toward students with disabilities and their families. Additionally, the course offers an opportunity to analyze the research in bilingual education in relation to the complexity of the over- and under-representation of bilingual students in special education, issues in relation to differentiating cultural and linguistic-related learning variations from special education issues, and instructional implications (including assistive technology). This course involves working in groups with other classmates to conduct a case study with one bilingual child with a disability. Access to educational contexts and being bilingual is preferable but not required to take this course.
  • A&HB 4021 - Foundations of Bilingual/Bicultural Education
    Review of the linguistic, socio-cultural, philosophical, political, and historical foundations that have shaped bilingual education policies, program models, and teaching and assessment practices. This course addresses both elementary and middle school/secondary education content. Analysis of how diverse bilingual education elementary and middle school program models throughout the world respond to different linguistic, social, and educational goals.
  • A&HB 4024 - Linguistic Foundations of Bilingual/Bicultural Education
    Introduction to the study of bilingualism. Study of sociolinguistics and psycholinguistics as applied to the design and implementation of bilingual/bicultural educational models and materials.
  • A&HB 4028 - Teaching Literacy in Bilingual Settings
    Approaches to developing literacy in a second and native language in elementary and middle schools. Techniques for developing listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills; developing language and literacy through the content areas; using children's literature; and assessing students' literacy development in the second and native language. Strategies to develop biliteracy in dual language programs.
  • A&HB 4029 - Latino Children's Literature and Literacies
    Participants will become familiar with literature for children and adolescents portraying Latino/a characters and themes, with various Latino/a authors, poets and illustrators, and with resources available for educators. The course provides criteria for the selection of such literature, specifically criteria to identify cultural authenticity. The experiences provided in the course will build a foundation for developing research and practice using Latino literature to support all readers in mainstream and bilingual classrooms.
  • A&HB 4075 - Cross-cultural Communication and Classroom Ecology
    Examination of the influence of culture in the design and implementation of school instruction. Identification of salient theoretical issues related to culture and social organization as they relate to the education of ethnolinguistic and minoritized children. Exploration of the learning/teaching processes within the context of multicultural and bilingual classroom settings from a cultural perspective. Reflection upon the role of the teacher in creating cultural learning environments. Survey of research approaches which serve as tools to examine classroom interaction. Use of technology for exploring the knowledge of minoritized learners.
  • A&HB 4121 - Bilingual/Bicultural Curriculum Design in Elementary and Middle Schools: Social Studies
    Prerequisites: Proficiency in the English language and one additional language. The course focuses on three aspects addressing both elementary and middle school contexts: (a) linguistic, cognitive, developmental, and socio-cultural considerations in the design of bi/multilingual curricula; (b) exploration of bi/multilingual instructional methods and materials for use in language arts and content areas; (c) critique of current commercially prepared products.
  • A&HB 4133 - Curriculum and Methods for Bilingual Teachers: Science
    Intensive review of curriculum and methods appropriate to the teaching of the subject areas in bilingual elementary and middle school instructional settings. Offered for those wishing to obtain elementary, bilingual extension, and/or middle school certifications.
  • A&HB 4134 - Curriculum and Methods for Bilingual Teachers: Mathematics
    Intensive review of curriculum and methods appropriate to the teaching of the subject areas in bilingual instructional settings. Offered as needed for those wishing to obtain bilingual teacher certification.
  • A&HB 4140 - Latina Narratives
    The Latina Narratives class is a class in which we explore language not just in what people say about themselves or about how others characterize them, but also in relation to the historical concept of erasure, defined as the social organization of forgetting, an always-almost forgotten denial of form, life, and validity of place, and where only ghostly traces and residual mass remain. Students will read Latina narratives, read about narrative methodologies, and will do a narrative of a Latina woman.
  • A&HB 4150 - Teacher/Educational Inquiry: Bilingual/Bicultural Education
    Open only to students registered in any of the M.A. Programs in Bilingual/Bicultural Education. Reflective inquiry focused on bilingualism or biculturalism in relation to instruction in the native language, native language development, second language learning, and the relationship between the theory and practice of learning and/or teaching in bi/multilingual/multicultural settings. Course supports students in development and presentation of their Integrative Project.
  • A&HB 4323 - No Title Found in Banner
    Permission required. This course is for current teachers or students with prior teaching experience. Practical application of bilingual and bicultural classroom practices in all content areas, the teaching of an additional language (ESL or LOTE), and the development of bilingualism. Classroom observations and supervision will be provided for full-time teachers and student teachers. Weekly seminars focus on teaching strategies for a variety of bilingual settings, including teaching content and developing language. Requires an additional 40 hours per week of work outside the classroom.
  • A&HB 4720 - No Title Found in Banner
    Permission required. Student teaching in bilingual elementary classroom. Practical application of bilingual and bicultural classroom practices in all content areas, the teaching of an additional language (ESL or LOTE), and the development of bilingualism. Classroom observations and supervision will be provided for student teachers. Weekly seminars focus on teaching strategies for a variety of bilingual settings, including teaching content and developing language. Emphasis on the use of technology (such as video recording) for informing one’s teaching. Requires an additional 40 hours per week of work outside the classroom.
  • A&HB 4721 - Student Teaching in English with Students With and Without Disabilities
    Permission required. Student teaching in the English elementary classroom teaching students with and without disabilities. Practical application of bilingual and bicultural classroom practices in all content areas while teaching in English and attending to the development of bilingualism. Classroom observations and supervision will be provided for full-time teachers and student teachers. Weekly seminars focus on teaching strategies for a variety of settings teaching in English, including teaching content and developing English as a second language. Emphasis on the use of technology (such as video recording) for informing one’s teaching. Requires an additional 40 hours per week of work outside the classroom.
  • A&HB 5024 - Bilingual/Multilingual Education: International Perspectives
    A survey of bilingual/multilingual educational policies and practices throughout the world. While such models and designs are analyzed from a comparative educational perspective, much attention is given to the ethnolinguistic, social, economic, and political contexts.
  • A&HB 6202 - Advanced Fieldwork
    Permission required.
  • A&HB 6402 - Internship in Bilingual/Bicultural Education
    Permission required. Occasional opportunities in areas represented by the department. Students must inquire to see if opportunities are available during any given semester. Requires an additional 40 hours per week of work outside the classroom.
  • A&HB 6521 - Seminar in Bilingualism/Bilingual Education
    A review of research in bilingual/bicultural education from an interdisciplinary perspective. The focus is on the analysis of research, evaluation methodologies and findings, and their potential application to current theory and practice.
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