Title: Revision of the Master of Arts in the Teaching (M.A.T.) Ofspanish

Title: Revision of the Master of Arts in the Teaching (M.A.T.) ofSpanish

Revision of the Concentration in Teaching of Spanish to Heritage Speakers

Sponsor:Department of Hispanic and Italian Studies

School of Literatures, Cultural Studies, and Linguistics

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Executive Summary:

The Master of Arts in the Teaching of Spanish was created to better prepare students for the challenges and opportunities afforded to themin theurban and global context ofthe city of Chicago. The targeted student population wasteachers who currentlywork inhigh schools and who have earned an Illinois teaching certificate (Type 10 certificate, K-12).The Department of Hispanic and Italian Studies wishes to add a second track to the M.A.T., which will include the possibility of obtaining an Illinois Teaching Certificate (Type 10 certificate, K-12) in conjunction with the M.A.T. In addition, coursework in the concentration in the Teaching of Spanish for Heritage Speakers has been adjusted to reflect state-mandated courses for teaching certification.

Descriptions and Justifications:

Currently, graduate students in Spanish do not have the possibility to earn a master’s degree and an Illinois teaching certificate at UIC. Until Fall 2011, graduate students in the College of Education were able to earn an M.Ed. with a concentration in Spanish, which included the possibility for certification. This is no longer possible. The concentration was eliminated because of budget cuts. The M.Ed. graduated about 5 students each year. Additionally, the department if Hispanic and Italian Studies has been receiving requests from students who wish to earn the M.A.T. with teaching certification. We anticipate 8-10 students each year.

The proposed track is similar to the existing option in the department of English (MA with a

Concentration in English Education).In the proposed track students are required to complete three

courses that specifically address the learning and teaching of Spanish (teaching methodology), two

courses in student teaching, as well as three electives in Spanish literature and cultural studies and

linguistics.

The required coursework for the M.A.T. with teaching certification is different from the required

coursework for the M.A.T. because students pursuing certification need to complete foundational

coursework which students in the M.A.T. track without certification have already completed as they were

earning a B.A. with teaching certification.

The Department of Hispanic and Italian Studies is the logical place to house the program because of its

strength in teacher education. The department has all necessary courses in place for the MAT, as well as

an advisor who can guide students through the two-tiered process of earning a master’s degree and a

teaching certificate. Presently, she advises B.A. students earning a teaching certificate, as well as the

present certified MAT students. The program can be administered within the department without any

additional staffing needs or costs.

Requirements for the M.A.T. track with certification are as follows:

Letters of recommendation will only be accepted from professors, not from present professional relationships. Special cases will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Justification: Because students applying to the program will not have had employment experience in a teaching setting, letters of recommendation from professors will be sufficient to provide the necessary insights into students’ ability to pursue the degree program.

Minimum semester hours will be increased from 36 to 55. The additional 19 credit hours will be completed through the College of Education: Ed 402 or Ed 403 (3), Ed 421 or Ed 445 (3), CI 504 (4), SPED 410 (4) ED 432 (5).

Justification:The additional coursework (19 credit hours) is mandated by the State of Illinois for the Type 10 Teaching Certificate.

The MAT with certification will require the following 5 courses: SPAN 401(4 credit hours), SPAN 448 (4 credit hours), SPAN 449 (4 credit hours), SPAN 451 (6 credit hours) and SPAN 452 (6 credit hours), which includes a one-semester teaching internship at the K-12 level.

Justification:The student population addressed in this program will need a strong background in language pedagogy (SPAN 448 and SPAN 449) and experience in classroom instruction in order to fulfill the requirements for teacher certification (SPAN 451 and SPAN 452). SPAN 451 and SPAN 452 are mandated by the State of Illinois.

Students in the MAT-with-certification track will complete 3 additional courses (12 credit hours). Courses may be selected from among 400- and 500-level (Literature and Latin American/Latino Cultures; Hispanic Linguistics, Language Policy, and Teaching; Latin American and Latino Studies)

Justification: Because the number of required courses increases from 4 to 5 and SPAN 451 and SPAN 452 are 6 credit hours each, additional course requirements are reduced to 3 courses to stay within the 36 credit hours of coursework completed in Spanish. The selection does not include courses in education because students already take required courses (see point II above) in the College of Education.

Students will have to pass the following tests, as dictated by the certification process in the State of Illinois: Basic Skills test, Spanish Content Area Test, Assessment of Professional teaching test, as well as the Oral Proficiency Test.

Justification:The additional tests are mandated by the State of Illinois for the Illinois for the Type 10 Teaching Certificate.

Revision of the Concentration in the Teaching of Spanish toHeritage Speakers

Coursework in the concentration in the Teaching of Spanish for Heritage Speakers has been adjusted to

reflect state-mandated courses for teaching certification.

The MAT in Spanish with certification, with the Concentration in the Teaching of Spanish to Heritage Speakers will require the following courses: SPAN 401(4 credit hours), SPAN 448 (4 credit hours), SPAN 449 (4 credit hours), SPAN 451 (6 credit hours), and SPAN 452 (6 credit hours), which includes a one-semester teaching internship at the K-12 level.

Justification:The student population addressed in this program will need a strong

background in language pedagogy (SPAN 448 and SPAN 449) and experience in

classroom instruction in order to fulfill the requirements for teacher

certification (SPAN 451 and SPAN 452). SPAN 451 and SPAN 452 are mandated by the State of Illinois.

Students pursuing the MAT with certification, with a concentration in the Teaching of Spanish to Heritage Speakers mustcomplete 3 additional courses chosen from the following: CI 413 or CI 504; LALS 501 or LALS 502; SPAN 406 or SPAN 440.

Justification:Students pursuingthe concentration in the Teaching of Spanish to Heritage Speakers have limited choice in which additional courses to take. The courses specifically address the learning needs of heritage speakers. All of the courses address linguistic, sociolinguistic, social, or sociocultural aspects of heritage speakers and will provide students insights into educational needs of heritage speakers.

Catalog Statement:

Present
The Department of Hispanic and Italian Studies offers work leading to a Master of Arts in the Teaching of Spanish. This program is designed to meet the needs of certified elementary, middle, and high school teachers, and leads to the Master of Arts in the Teaching of Spanish. A concentration in Heritage Language is available to students pursuing the MAT Spanish degree. The department also offers degrees in Hispanic Studies at both the master’s and doctoral levels. The Hispanic Studies master’s and doctoral programs offer two concentrations: Hispanic Literary and Cultural Studies and Hispanic Linguistics. See Hispanic Studies for more information.
Admission Requirements
Applicants are considered on an individual basis.In addition to the Graduate College minimum requirements,applicantsmustmeetthe following programrequirements (please consult the department Web site details):
Master of Arts in in the Teaching of Spanish

Baccalaureate Field Spanish or related field.

Grade Point Average At least 3.50/4.00 for the final 60 semester hours (90 quarter hours) of study.

Tests Required Applicants are urged to take the GRE.

Language Proficiency Applicants must give evidence of proficiency in spoken and written formal standard Spanish.

Present

Minimum English Language Competency Test Score
TOEFL 550 (paper-based); 213 (computer-based); 80, with subscores of Reading 19, Listening 17, Speaking 20, and Writing 21 (new Internet-based TOEFL), OR,
IELTS 6.5, with subscores of 6.0 for all four subscores.

Sample of Writing in Spanish Applicants are required to submit one sample of their written work in Spanish in the form of an essay for an academic course.

Letters of Recommendation Three required from professors or supervisors in a teaching position; at least one should be from a professor in an upper-level or graduate Spanish course.

Personal Statement A statement of 300 words is required in which applicants should address their reasons for applying to the Master of Arts in the Teaching of Spanish.

Nondegree Applicants Nondegree applicants must apply and pay online, as well as submit transcripts from all institutions where a degree or academic credit was earned during the last eightyears.

Present

Other Requirements For the Master of Arts in the Teaching of Spanish only candidates who hold a current Type 03, Type 09, Type 10, or Type 29 Illinois certification are eligible to apply.

Degree Requirements
In addition to the Graduate College minimum requirements, students must meet the following program requirements:
Master of Arts in the Teaching of Spanish
•Minimum Semester Hours Required36.
•Course Work All 36 must be taken in the Department of Hispanic and Italian, Studies, the Latin American and Latino Studies Program, the Department of English, and the College of Education. No more than eight (8) semester hoursof credit (two courses)will be accepted for transfer as part of the 36 required hours, and thesecredits must comply with Universityregulations and be approved by the program. Credittoward the degree is notgiven for any course in which the student receivesa grade of less than B.

Required Courses:Span 401, Span 407, Span 556/Ling 556, and CI 413 or CI 504. Candidates must complete 5additional courses chosen fromthe following categories:

Literature and Latin American/Latino Cultures:Span 411, 414, 421, 422,430, 431, 434, 435, 494.

Linguistics, Language Policy, and Teaching:Span 400, 406, 408, 409, 427, 440, 487.

Present

Latin American and Latino Studies:LALS 501, LALS 502.

Education:CI 464, 482, 540; EPSY 446, ED 430.*

Ofthe five additional courses, at least 3 must be Spanish courses, at least 1 must be an Education course, and 1 course must be selected fromthe following: Span 400, 406, 408, 409, 427, 440, 487; CI 540.

•Comprehensive Examination Required.
•Thesis, Project, or Course-Work-Only OptionsCourse work only. No other options are available.
*ED 430 is 3 hours: students will need to take one additional credit hour in order to meet the total hours required for the degree.
Concentration in Teaching of Spanish to Heritage Speakers
Candidates who wish to pursue the MAT in Spanish with a concentrationin TeachingofSpanish to Heritage Speakers must completethe following: SPAN 401, SPAN 407, SPAN 556, andCI 413 or CI 504; either LALS 501 or LALS 502; either SPAN 406 or Span 440; and three (3) additional courses chosen fromthe above categories, one ofwhich mustbe fromthe Education category. / Proposed
The Department of Hispanic and Italian Studies offers work leading to a Master of Arts in the Teaching of Spanish. This program is designed to meet the needs of certified elementary, middle, and high school teachers, as well as those who do not yet hold an Illinois Teaching Certification. A concentration in Heritage Languageisavailabletostudentspursuing the MAT Spanish degree. The department also offers degrees in Hispanic Studies at both the master’s and doctoral levels. TheM.A. and Ph.D. program offer twoconcentrations: Hispanic Literaryand Cultural Studies and Hispanic Linguistics.
SAME
Proposed
SAME

Letters of Recommendation
For applicants who possess an Illinois teaching certification: three required from professors or supervisors in a teaching position;at least one should be froma professor in an upper-level or graduate Spanishcourse.

For applicants seeking Illinois teaching certification: three required from professors; at least one should be from a professor in an upper-level or graduate Spanish course.Special cases will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
SAME
Proposed

Other RequirementsApplicants for the Master of Arts in the Teaching of Spanish who possess an Illinois teaching certification need a current Type 03, Type 09, Type 10, or Type 29 Illinois certification to apply to the program.

SAME
Master of Arts in the Teaching of Spanish
For applicants who possess an Illinois teaching certification:
SAME
SAME
Proposed
SAME
Master of Arts in the Teaching of Spanish
For applicants seeking Illinois teaching certification:
•Minimum Semester Hours Required: 55
•Course Work All 55 must be taken in the Department of Hispanic and Italian Studies, the Latin American and Latino Studies Program, the Department of English, and the College of Education. No more than eight (8) semester hoursof credit (two courses)will be accepted for transfer as part of the 55required hours, and thesecredits must comply with Universityregulations and be approved by the program. Credittoward the degree is notgiven for any course in which the student receivesa grade of less than B.
•Required Courses: SPAN 401, 448, 449, 451, 452; ED 402 or 403; ED 421 or 445; ED 432; CI 504, SPED 410. Candidates must complete three additional 400- or 500-level courses chosen from the categories below:
°Literature and Latin American/Latino Cultures:Span 411, 414, 421, 422, 430, 431, 434, 435, 494
°Linguistics, Language Policy, and Teaching: Span 400, 406, 408, 409, 427, 440, 487,505, 507, 540, 556, 557
°Latin American and Latino Studies:LALS 501, LALS 502
•Comprehensive Examination Required.
•Thesis, Project, or Course-Work-Only OptionsCourse work only. No other options are available.
Concentration in Teaching of Spanish to Heritage Speakers
Candidates who wish to pursue the MAT in Spanish with a concentrationin the TeachingofSpanish to Heritage Speakers and an Illinois teacher certification must completethe following: SPAN 401, 448, 449, 451, 452; CI 413 or CI 504, LALS 501 or LALS 502,and SPAN 406 or Span 440. In addition, students have to complete the following certification courses: ED 402 or 403; ED 421 or 445; ED 432; CI 504, SPED 410.
The teaching certificate is not automatically awarded upon successful completion of certification and degree requirements. Before the certificate is issued, the candidate must file an application for the Illinois teaching certificate with the Council on Teacher Education. The candidate must also pass a series of examinations required by the Illinois State Board of Education. The Basic Skills Test must be passed prior to applying for candidacy with the Council on Teacher Education. The Content Area Test must be passed before the candidate is allowed to student teach. The Assessment of Professional Teaching must be passed prior to certification. For information on application procedures, contact the Council on Teacher Education located in 3015 EPASW. See Council on Teacher Education and Secondary Education Program in the College of Education section of the catalog.

Minority Impact Statement: The revisions being made to improve the program will have no negative impact on minority students, but will benefit all students.

Budgetary and Staff Implications: Courses will have increased enrollments and teaching staff will have to teach more students.

Library Resource Implications: There will not be any implicationsfor library resources because the library already has all the necessary books and journals.

Space Implications:Only for few of the required courses larger classrooms will be needed.

Unit (e.g. department) approval date: 09/12/2012

College (educational policy committee, faculty) approval dates:

LAS Educational Policy Committee: 02.06.12

LAS Faculty: 02.21.12

Contact persons:Luis Lopez, Professor and Head, Hispanic and Italian Studies

Susanne Rott, Acting Associate Director, School of Literatures, Cultural Studies, and Linguistics

Proposed Effective Date: Spring 2013

Creation of a Second Track in the Master of Arts in the Teaching of Spanish with Certification

Revision of the Concentration in the Teaching of Spanish to Heritage Speakers

REVISED COURSES

Linguistics (LING)

556Second Language Learning

4 hours. An introduction to research findings and methods in second language learning. Same as SPAN 556. Prerequisite(s): Consent of the instructor.

Spanish (SPAN)

448Foundations of Second Language Teaching

3 OR 4 hours. Provides an introduction to second language acquisition research and its implications for communicative language teaching. Emphasis is on creating activities to develop high school students' communicative abilities in speaking and listening. Same as FR 448, and GER 448. 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. Taught in English. Prerequisite(s): Junior standing or above; and consent of the instructor and three courses at the 200 and 300 levels.

449Teaching Second Language Literacy and Cultural Awareness

3 OR 4 hours. Examines the nature of literacy as a reciprocal relationship between readers, writers, texts and culture. Students learn the practical and theoretical foundations of classroom teaching of second language reading and writing skills. Same as FR 449, and GER 449. 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. Taught in English. Prerequisite(s): Junior standing or above; and consent of the instructor.

451Educational Practice with Seminar I

6 hours. The first half of a two-segment sequence of practice teaching, including seminar, to meet certification requirements for teaching in grades six through twelve. Graduate credit only with approval of the department. Prerequisite(s): Good academic standing in a teacher education program, completion of 100 clock hours of pre-student-teaching field experiences, and approval of the department.

452Educational Practice with Seminar II

6 hours. The second half of a two-segment sequence of practice teaching, including seminar, to meet certification requirements for teaching in grades six through twelve. Graduate credit only with approval of the department. Prerequisite(s): Good academic standing in a teacher education program, completion of 100 clock hours of pre-student-teaching field experiences, credit or concurrent registration in SPAN 451, and approval of the department.

505Seminar in Spanish Theoretical and Descriptive Linguistics

4 hours. Topics in phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, pragmatics or dialectology of Spanish. May be repeated to a maximum of 16 hours if topics vary. Prerequisite(s): Consent of the instructor.

507Seminar in Second Language Acquisition and Bilingualism

4 hours. Current theoretical and research directions of bilingualism and second language acquisition by non-natives. May include original empirical research projects. May be repeated to a maximum of 8 hours. Prerequisite(s): Consent of the instructor.

540Seminar on Language in Context

4 hours. Past and current theoretical and empirical directions as applied to the study of oral and written discourse and its social context. May be repeated to a maximum of 8 hours. Prerequisite(s): SPAN 406; or consent of the instructor.

556Second Language Learning
4 hours. An introduction to research findings and methods in second language learning. Same as LING 556. Prerequisite(s): Consent of the instructor.