OAR 584-225-0050: Bilingual Specialization

(1) Purpose: A Bilingual specialization indicates that an educator has met the Commission-approved language proficiency standard as provided in the TSPC Program Review and Standards Handbook. The Bilingual specialization does not authorize the holder to teach the language associated with the specialization. An educator must have the appropriate endorsement to teach a language. For example, a teacher must hold a teaching license with a World Language: Spanish endorsement to teach Spanish. (2) A specialization is an optional indication of specialized expertise or preparation in an area the Commission recognizes as “added value” on a license. A specialization indicates the educator has demonstrated exceptional knowledge, skills and related abilities in that area. A specialization must meet standards set by the Commission. A specialization is not required to teach in the specialization area indicated on the license. (3) Eligibility Requirements: To be eligible to add a Bilingual specialization to an Oregon educator license, an applicant must submit: (a) (A) Official certification of a passing score on the Commission-approved language proficiency exam as provided in the TSPC Program Review and Standards Handbook; or (B) A statement from an American Indian Tribe, as defined in ORS 97.740, that certifies that the applicant is qualified for the bilingual specialization in the American Indian language. (b) Submit a complete and correct application to obtain the specialization in the form and manner required by the Commission, including payment of all required fees as provided in OAR 584-200-0050. NOTE: The Commission will return the original certification to the applicant upon request when applying for the license or specialization. NOTE: Adding the specialization at the time of renewal will not require an additional cost to the licensure renewal process. (4) The following licenses and registrations may not hold or add a bilingual specialization: (a) Charter School Registry (teacher and administrator); (b) Emergency teacher, administrator, school counselor, or school nurse; (c) Restricted substitute, teacher, administrator, or school counselor; (d) Reciprocal teaching, administrator, superintendent, school counselor, school psychologist, or school social worker; and (e) Teacher Associate; (5) The Bilingual Specialization will be indicated as follows on the license: Bilingual Specialization: (Proficient Language), for example: Bilingual Specialization: Spanish. (6) Removal of Specialization: Once the specialization is indicated on a license, it may only be removed at the educator’s request. (7) All licensees issued an ESOL/Bilingual endorsement prior to January 1, 2016 will be provided with a Bilingual specialization upon renewal of their teaching license.