Program Overview
College of Education and Behavioral Sciences
Elementary, Secondary & K-12 Education
K-12 CLD Endorsement
The endorsement program in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CLD) Education provides teacher candidates with the knowledge and pedagogical skills to effectively support K-12 students learning English as a new language. The program provides teacher candidates with deep understanding of theories of second language acquisition, the structures of the English language, linguistically and culturally responsive teaching, the nature of bi/multilingualism, policies and programs impacting bi/multilingual learners, and methods for supporting content-based language learning. Students successfully completing this program will be recommended to the Colorado Department of Education for the Culturally and Linguistically Diverse K-12 endorsement.
Admission Requirements:
To enroll in this program, the student needs to be in a teacher licensure program at UNC.
Prior to beginning your first semester within the CLD endorsement, students must complete the following:
- Attend the mandatory CLD Orientation for new students prior to registration.
- Submit the application for admission to the CLD Endorsement.
- Schedule a meeting with CLD advisor Penelope Mascarenas (penelope.mascarenas@unco.edu) to register for courses.
Program Requirements:
CLD Endorsement candidates must maintain a 2.5 GPA to remain in the program. Faculty also reserve the right to place on probation or to require the withdrawal from the program of any student who fails to satisfy the requirements of scholarship, commitment, performance, or disregard for the UNC Honor Code, based on course or practicum performance.
CLD Endorsement candidates must complete the practicum requirement in a classroom with English learners. The CLD practicum must also be completed independently from other required practicum courses.
CLD Endorsement candidates will complete a summative, standards-based portfolio during their practicum course (ECLD 401) that includes reflection upon artifacts generated throughout the program.
Program Recommendations:
Students are also encouraged to reach out to the Cumbres program to access additional supports provided for education majors with a CLD Endorsement. Please check out their website www.unco.edu/cumbres for more details.
Students are also encouraged to become involved with UNC or community centers that advocate for the rights of minoritized communities, including the César Chávez Cultural Center or the Immigrant and Refugee Center.
Endorsement Requirements — 24 credits
Required — 18 credits
| MAS 275 | Education of Mexican American Students | 3 |
| or | |
| WLC 390 | History and Philosophy of Multilingual Education | 3 |
| | |
| ECLD 260 | Language Acquisition in Multilingual SocietiesLAB3LAMS | 3 |
| ECLD 380 | Introduction to Linguistics for ESL/CLD Educators | 3 |
| ECLD 341 | Content-Based Literacies for Equitable Access to PK-12 Instruction | 3 |
| ECLD 400 | Methods and Approaches of Teaching Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students | 3 |
| ECLD 401 | CLD Practicum | 3 |
CLD Elective #1: U.S. Multicultural Studies - Choose one of the following courses - 3 credits
| MAS 100 | Introduction to Mexican American StudiesLAB3LAMS | 3 |
| or | |
| MAS 110 | Contemporary Chicano LiteratureLAA2LAMS | 3 |
| or | |
| MCS 101 | Multiculturalism in the United States: Concepts and Issues | 3 |
CLD Elective #2: Language and Education - 3 credits
Choose any world language course at any level (Note: 200 level World Language courses count toward LAC Arts & Humanities and International Studies requirement) or provide proof of CO Seal of Biliteracy.
| Any level of world language | 3 |
| or | |
| | CO Seal of Biliteracy | |
Program Notes
Students should complete the required courses in the listed sequence: WLC 390/MAS 275, ECLD 260, ECLD 380, ECLD 341, and ECLD 400 with ECLD 401 (same semester). Electives may be taken at any time.
Credit for a world language course can also be obtained with AP credit accepted by the university or with the Seal of Biliteracy.
Students who are completing the Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CLD) Bilingual Education Specialist (K-12, Spanish/English) endorsement have additional required courses and must complete their practicum in a bilingual classroom.