This fall, Texas Woman’s University will launch a new graduate certificate in biliteracy, the only one of its kind in the state of Texas. Biliteracy is the ability to read and write proficiently in two languages, as opposed to bilingualism, which is the ability to fluently speak in two languages.
“This is the only graduate program I know of that brings together sometimes disparate fields of bilingual education, linguistics, and literacy education,” said Mandy Stewart, an associate professor in the university’s department of reading.
The new graduate certificate program consists of four courses focuses on preparing any educator to understand the biliteracy development of their students. The courses are taught in English so that educators taking the classes do not have to be bilingual themselves. Additionally, the courses also count toward a master of education degree in reading at the university, with the opportunity to become a certified reading specialist.
“An educator could add the certificate to their teaching or administrative degrees, which could make them more marketable in districts with a large bilingual student population,” Dr. Stewart said.
More information on Texas Woman’s University’s certificate of biliteracy can be found here.