The Spanish specialization offers students the opportunity to study in a broad spectrum of academic fields while developing proficiency in a second language. Graduates of this program may choose to use their high level of bilingual skills and liberal arts education to enter the field of teaching or to work for international corporations or government agencies which value these skills. To qualify for the bilingual fifth year credential program, students must pass competency tests required by the College of Education. While students who complete the Spanish specialization are generally well qualified, there is no guarantee that they will pass the tests. They may choose to enter either the bilingual elementary program or one of the regular elementary programs.
Bilingual teachers are more than people who speak two languages.
They are specifically prepared to teach English as a second language and to teach children in a second language while the children are learning English. In addition, each student completes a 12-unit specialization in an approved subject area. At the beginning of the junior year, students take Liberal Studies 300, the cornerstone course for the major. As part of this class, they spend 30 hours observing in an elementary school and begin preparing their assessment portfolio. The portfolio includes 13 samples from upper division courses plus other special entries.