Virginia Law

A. The dual language (English) preK-6 endorsement is to teach dual language (English). Individuals who hold a valid Virginia teaching license with an elementary education endorsement may teach in dual language (English) in the corresponding grade levels noted on the license (such as early/primary education preK-3 or elementary education preK-6). Even though individuals holding a valid Virginia teaching license with an elementary education endorsement in the assigned dual language (English) assignment do not need the dual language (English) preK-6 add-on endorsement, the endorsement recognizes the candidate's additional preparation in dual language (English) preparation.

B. The program in dual language (English) preK-6 add-on endorsement shall ensure that the candidate holds a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university and an active teaching license with an elementary education endorsement issued by the State Board of Education and has demonstrated the following competencies and completed a 45-clock-hour practicum in dual language (English) from a regionally accredited college or university. One year of successful, full-time teaching experience in a public school or accredited nonpublic school in dual language (English) may be accepted in lieu of the practicum.

1. Skills in this area shall contribute to an understanding of the principles of learning; dual language acquisition; theories of second language acquisition; the application of skills in discipline-specific methodology; varied and effective methods of communication with and among students; selection and use of materials, including media and contemporary technologies; and selection, development, and use of appropriate curricula, methodologies, and materials that support and enhance student learning and reflect the research on unique, age-appropriate, and culturally relevant curriculum and pedagogy.

2. Understanding of the principles of online learning and online instructional strategies and the application of skills to deliver online instruction shall be included.

3. Instructional practices that are sensitive to culturally and linguistically diverse learners, including English learners, gifted and talented students, and students with disabilities, and appropriate for the preK-3 or preK-6 endorsement shall be included.

4. Teaching methods shall be tailored to promote student engagement and student academic progress and effective preparation for the Virginia Standards of Learning assessments.

5. Study in (i) methods of improving communication between schools and families; (ii) communicating with families regarding social and instructional needs of children; (iii) ways of increasing family engagement in student learning at home and in school; (iv) the Virginia Standards of Learning; (v) English Language Development Standards (WIDA); and (vi) Virginia Foundation Blocks for Early Learning: Comprehensive Standards for Four-Year-Olds prepared by the Virginia Department of Education's Office of Early Childhood shall be included.

6. Early childhood educators shall understand the role of families in child development and in relation to teaching educational skills.

7. Early childhood educators shall understand the role of the informal and play-mediated settings for promoting students' skills and development and shall demonstrate knowledge and skill in interacting in such situations to promote specific learning outcomes as reflected in Virginia's Foundation Blocks for Early Learning: Comprehensive Standards for Four-Year-Olds.

8. Demonstrated proficiency in the use of educational technology for instruction shall be required.