CSULB program aims to make teachers bilingual

This past fall, Cal State Long Beach started a teacher credential program with the Mexicali campus of Universidad Pedigogica Nacional.

The program was enacted in order to increase the number of bilingual teachers in Southern California. With the influx if the number of students who don't speak English, bilingual teachers have become a necessity.

And after one semester, it can be labeled a success according to John J. Attinasi, director of bilingual teacher education.

"The teachers and the program are doing extremely well," Attinasi said. "We have had a lot of people interested in the program. Also, we have received a lot of attention on the national level, both in the United States and in Mexico."

Attinasi said he receives at least two calls a week from people wanting to get into the program. A couple examples of some people interested include a medical doctor and a teacher from Nevada.

There are 24 students in the program and they are taught by teachers from the Mexicali campus. The teachers drive up every weekend from Mexicali, teach on Saturday and Sunday, stay for one night at a local hotel and then drive back to Mexicali.

The students are taking the basic liberal studies curriculum.

The curriculum was created by UPN and approved by CSULB. In the past semester, the students completed math and biology classes and this semester are taking U.S. history. Initial courses were taught in Spanish but they are working English in and soon hope to have it bilingual.

Semesters are usually 12 to 15 weeks and are regulated by UPN. The program is free to the students. The fees are being paid for by UPN.

The program lasts more than three years and when they are finished, the students will move on and take the credential program at CSULB. When the students begin taking classes they will have to pay for their own tuition but Attinasi is hoping for some grants to make it easier for them.

"This program is something that has never been done before," Attinasi said. "We hope to continue adding a group each year. Then evaluate the program and try to make it better."

To get into the program contact CSULB's department of teacher education or the Mexican Cultural Institute in Los Angeles. The program is looking for a person's level of education in Mexico and if they are committed to this type of education.

The program has reached an agreement with the L.A. Unified School District to have the students work as teacher aides.

Attinasi feels that the program could be picked up in other states like Texas and Arizona but in California, CSULB will probably be the only school to impose this program.