English Learner (EL) services may fall under one of three types:
English Language Development (ELD)
Specially Designed Academic Instruction in English (SDAIE)
Instruction in the Primary Language or Bilingual Education
These authorizations are tiered, with each subsequent authorizations subsumed within the higher authorization level:
Currently issued teaching credentials with the following English Learner authorizations may provide Integrated and Designated ELD services:
- Single Subject Teaching Credential with ELAS
- Multiple Subject Teaching Credential with ELAM
- Education Specialist Instruction Credential with ELAE
Following the adoption of the California ELD Standards in 2010 by the State Board of Education, the Commission reviewed the standards within the preparation programs related to teaching English learners. In 2014, the Commission determined that the EL authorizations for the Multiple Subject, Single Subject, and Education Specialist teaching credentials should be limited to providing ELD instruction within their content area and SDAIE based on their preparation. Therefore, these teachers would need to complete additional preparation to earn a full EL authorization that includes ELD instruction provided in a departmentalized ELD course. Integrated ELD, Designated ELD, and SDAIE all encompass the components of a comprehensive program for English learners.
Note, Departmentalized ELD requires special preparation and the appropriate authorization, and therefore cannot use core setting flexibility.
Dual Language or Bilingual Primary Language Instruction
An educator must hold a teaching credential authorizing the content being taught as well as the Bilingual Authorization (or other previously-issued comparable authorization such as BCLAD) in order to teach in a dual language or bilingual primary language instruction classroom.
Note, Bilingual Authorizations do not authorize the educator to teach the authorized target language in general education settings.