Abstract
This research brief presents a study on the Bilingual Teacher Professional Development Program (BTPDP), a legislature-approved initiative to help California schools meet the growing demand for bilingual teachers in alignment with increasing state policies promoting multilingualism. The BTPDP funded eight grantees to support their preparation and professional development of bilingual educators. The study examines the BTPDP implementation from 2017-2021 to document trends in program impact and develop policy and program recommendations that address bilingual teacher shortages. Key findings revealed successes in increasing the bilingual teacher workforce as well as challenges that must be addressed to ensure the state’s vision can be realized. Given these findings, the authors propose three recommendations to help state and local policy actors develop a coherent and sustainable bilingual teacher education system: (1) Ensure adequate investments in California’s multilingual workforce; (2) Expand multilingual/dual language teacher credential/authorization programs and testing options; and (3) Intentionally develop multilingual/dual language programs, and provide the encouragement and support needed to promote successful multilingual/dual language teachers and leaders.
Publication Date
10-2023
Disciplines
Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education | Secondary Education and Teaching | Teacher Education and Professional Development
Included in
Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education Commons, Secondary Education and Teaching Commons
Recommended Citation for Full Report
Kaminski, L., Lavadenz, M., Armas, E. (2023). The Impact of the Bilingual Teacher Professional Development Program: Expanding Opportunities to Grow the Profession. [Educational Policy Brief No.12]. Loyola Marymount University Center for Equity for English Learners. http://doi.org/10.15365/ceel.policy.13