Institution Texas Woman's University State Texas Academic Level Graduate Issue Area Academic Program Website https://twu.edu/literacy-and-learning/certificate-of-biliteracy/ Key Personnel Alexandra Babino Program Focus Bilingual /ESL, Mentoring Overview The Certificate of Biliteracy is a post-baccalaureate certification for educators invested in the success of bilingual students’ academic achievement. With over 80% of the bilingual population in Texas comprised of Latino Spanish speakers, it is crucial that Latino students and their families see other Latinos in leadership roles. Program goals: Graduate students complete 4 graduate courses focused on bilingualism and literacy. Students will learn basic biliteracy principles related to theory and practice. Graduates will be able to better serve bilingual students and move into leadership positions in their schools and school districts. Program Description The percentage of Latino graduate students pursuing the Certificate of Biliteracy mirrors the 80% of the bilingual student population in Texas that are Latino Spanish speakers. The program increased the amount of coursework available in Spanish, invited students to complete part of their graduate coursework in Spanish, and recruited professors and graduate assistants knowledgeable in Spanish and English. To obtain the Certificate of Biliteracy, students must: 1) conduct service-learning in a local school with a bilingual child/youth, 2) read deeply and widely about literacy research with bilingual learners, and 3) complete a biliteracy portfolio showing evidence of their knowledge of creating equitable curriculum and assessment in English and a language other than English, such as Spanish. Outcome The following data shows the impact the program has had in the past four years: 2019 Graduates: 11 total and 7 Latino Average total student score on the Biliteracy Portfolio Assessment: 90%. Average Latino student score: 92%. One Latina student's portfolio was selected as an exemplar. 2020 Graduates: 2 total and 2 Latino Average total student score on the Biliteracy Portfolio Assessment: 100%. Average Latino student score: 100%. 2021 Graduates: 3 total and 2 Latino Average total student score on the Biliteracy Portfolio Assessment: 85%. Average Latino student score: 90%. 2022 Graduates: 24 total and 20 Latino Average total student score on the Biliteracy Portfolio Assessment: 92%. Average Latino student score: 97%. Three Latina students' portfolios were selected as exemplars. Learn more about Latino College Completion in Texas Return to Growing What Works Database
