2021-2022 Graduate Catalog

English as Second Language PreK-12 (MEd)

 

English as Second Language PreK-12 (MEd)

Name of Program

English as a Second Language PreK-12 (MEd)

Credential

Degree:  Master of Education
Certification: PA ESL Program Specialist Certification (PreK-12) 
** To be recommended for certification, students must hold a Pennsylvania Instruction I or II (any area).
** Graduate students not holding a PA certification will not be eligible for PA ESL Program Specialist certification. If they desire to enter the program to earn the degree only without certification, they will need to complete an additional 3 credits in ELL, unless waived by the Program Coordinator.

Introduction

The Master of Education: English as a Second Language seeks to train students from a philosophical basis which reflects a biblical worldview to serve as teachers of English as a Second Language in public and private schools. In order to earn the MEd, each student must complete the professional courses and field placement for a total of 39 credits in the program. Additionally, students must show competencies in Bible and Theology by completing four 1-credit Biblical and Theological Foundation courses or through a transcript evaluation. In order to be eligible for a PA ESL Program Specialist Certification, the student must hold a current PA Instructional I or II certification in any area.

The MEd: English as a Second Language is a blended program with courses containing online and face-to-face components. Students can complete the program in 2 ½ years taking classes during the fall, spring, and summer. Students will need to complete 60 hours of field placement in ESL. The field placement coordinator will aid students in locating appropriate field placements.

 
Locations offered
Lancaster
Program Director
Dr. Robin Bronkema, PhD
 
Faculty List
Certification Officer, Field Placement Coordinator
Robert Dodson, EdD
 
Resident Faculty
Angela Becker, EdD
Robin Bronkema, PhD
Robert Dodson, EdD
Stacey Martin, EdD
 
Adjunct Faculty
E. Penny Clawson, EdD
M. Raluca Snyder, EdD
Diane Menga, MEd

Program Core Competencies

1 - The teacher candidate will demonstrate the ability to integrate knowledge of content, pedagogy, resources and learners to design coherent learning experiences that are aligned with outcomes and that reach all learners. 
 
2 - The teacher candidate will demonstrate the ability to implement safe, equitable, learning-focused environments developed through appropriate rapport between student and teacher, responsiveness to the needs and cultures of all learners, and effective classroom management techniques in an organized physical environment. 

3 - The teacher candidate will demonstrate effective instructional practices as characterized by
a) clear verbal, nonverbal, and media communication
b) reflective and responsive teaching using multiple instructional strategies
c) implementation of a variety of assessment measures
d) engagement of students in higher level thinking and learning,


 
4 - The teacher candidate will demonstrate professionalism by
a) adhering to ethical, institutional and legal guidelines
b) maintaining accurate records
c) seeking opportunities to grow professionally
d) reflecting on his/her own practice
e) collaborating with colleagues, parents, and the community

5 - The teacher candidate will integrate a biblical worldview. The teacher candidate will demonstrate a biblical worldview in his/her personal and professional life.

English as a Second Language (MEd) Curricular Structure/Degree Requirements

Overview of Program Competencies

The MEd in English as a Second Language is comprised of three areas: Professional Core, Program Courses, and Open Electives for a total of 39 credits.

Additionally, students must show competencies in Bible and Theology by completing four 1-credit Biblical and Theological Foundation courses or through a transcript evaluation.

Biblical and Theological Studies Courses (1 credit each)
BTC 521 Biblical Narrative - Old Testament
BTC 531 Biblical Narrative - NewTestament
BTC 561 Biblical Interpretation
BTC 571 Introduction to Christian Theology

Competencies and Credits for Each

Competencies Credits 
Professional Core 15
Program Courses  21
Open Electives 3
 Program Total 39

Electives

Open Elective

Students may choose any course at the 500+ level with the following prefixes: EDU, ESL, SPE.

Professional Core Courses

Professional Core
EDU 519Foundations & Framework for Learning

3

EDU 550Socio-Cultural Perpectives on Education

3

EDU 560Teacher's Life and Work

3

EDU 598Seminar in Action Research

3

EDU 599Project in Action Research

3

Program Courses

Program Courses
EDU 526Diagnostic Reading Assessment

3

EDU 529Collaborative Team Approach

3

ESL 500Culture and Communication

3

ESL 515Language and Literacy Development for the English Learner

3

ESL 517Language Foundations for Teachers

3

ESL 520Instruction and Assessment for the English Learner

3

ESL 610ESL Internship & Seminar

3

Application, Admission, Retention, and Graduation

Admission Requirements

Admissions to MEd English as a Second Language
1. Official transcript of a Bachelor’s degree in Education or its equivalent
2. A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better as documented on an official transcript from the undergraduate accredited institution *
3. A valid Pennsylvania certificate at a minimum level of Instructional I in any area.**
4. Recent (within 1 year of admissions) Child Abuse, Criminal Record, and Fingerprinting Clearances
5. Two references from individuals who can speak of the candidate’s abilities in the classroom
6. Completed MEd application form and submission of required application credentials
https://www.lbc.edu/capital/admissions/
7. Personal interview with the Program Director
 
Application Deadlines:
August 1 for Fall Semester start
December 1 for Spring semester start
April 1 for summer semester start
 
*Graduate students with a GPA lower than 3.0 may be admitted to the program under provisional status with Program Coordinator approval. In provisional admittance status, the student must maintain a 3.0 in the first 12 credits of the program in order to be fully admitted into the program.
* Graduate students not holding a PA certification will not be eligible for PA ESL Program Specialist certification.  If they desire to enter the program to earn the degree only without certification, they will need to complete 3 credits in ELL, unless waived by the Program Coordinator.
 
Current LBC undergraduate students, already admitted into Teacher Certification Studies, who wish to apply will go through the admissions process the semester following their completion of 45 credits. Applications for these students must be completed and submitted by April 19 (Fall start) and November 11 (Spring start).
 
Students wishing to take courses solely for personal enrichment or Act 48 credits are classified as nonmatriculating students. Permission for enrollment in courses is based on completion of the Nonmatriculating Application and the adequacy of class space. If at a later time the student wishes to be admitted into the program, that student will need to go through the formal application process. Granting credit for courses taken while a nonmatriculating student is not automatic. The Program Coordinator will evaluate course work and grant or not grant credit on an individual basis.
 
Upon review of application materials, prospective students will be contacted by the Program Coordinator regarding their admission.

Advanced Standing

Retention

Retention in MEd English as a Second Language
1. Minimum Cumulative GPA = 3.0
 
The criteria for retention are reviewed at the conclusion of each semester. Should the GPA fall below a 3.0 during the first three courses, the student is considered on probation for any certification. The student must meet with the advisor to determine a plan to raise the GPA to the minimum level. Student study groups and adjustment to schedules may help to restore the required grade levels. Further matriculation for the degree alone may also be in jeopardy.

If at the completion of the 4th course, the student has not raised the GPA, then the student will receive notice of academic dismissal. The student has the right to appeal through writing to the Registrar. The appeal will be considered by the appeals committee. If the appeal is denied, the student may appeal to the Provost.
 
Eligibility to enter Field Placement in ESL 520 Instruction & Assessment for the English Learner
1. Successful formal admission and retention in the ESL Program Specialist Certification
2. Minimum Cumulative GPA = 3.0
3. Renewed Child Abuse, Criminal Record, and Fingerprinting Clearances (within 6 months)
4. TB test (within 6 months)
5. Proof of Liability Insurance 
6. Completion of all ESL 500, ESL 515, and ESL 517
7. In good standing with Lancaster Bible College

Exit Criteria - Eligibility to be Recommended for Certification
1. Completion of all program requirements and field placement requirements
2. Minimum Cumulative GPA = 3.0
3. Minimum of basic on evaluation form from supervisor and cooperating teacher
4. Submitted application to TIMS for PA teacher certification. See appendix.
5. The recommendation of the LBC Certification Officer

Program Completion
The program must be completed in a maximum of five years. If a student wishes to temporarily withdraw from a program, the student must notify the Program Director in writing. If a student needs an extension to continue the program after the five years, a written request must be submitted to the advisor and Program Director. 


Academic Advising

Students will be assigned an advisor to monitor student progress and to provide encouragement through their studies. Advisors are available for in-person and email meetings. Students will receive and have access to the Handbook for policies and procedures. Additionally, the handbook contains advisement sheets. The Program Director will monitor student progress each semester and alert the student and advisor regarding any deficiencies to be addressed and criteria not being met. Prior to field placement, the Program Director will audit the student’s file to ensure completion of necessary requirements for graduation and certification. 

Continuous Enrollment

Even though students are part-time, continuous enrollment is expected. It is understood that extenuating circumstances occur which may prevent a student from enrolling in a given semester.  However, this should be viewed as the exception in order to complete the program.  Should a student not enroll for six months, he/she will be placed on non-student status and will need to reapply.