College of Education
Lingistically Diverse Education (LDE) Program
(formerly known as ESL) - FAQ
Below you will find answers to common questions for the LDE (formerly ESL) Program. If you have further questions please contact us at: cbrown@uccs.edu.
FAQ
Q: Do you offer English classes in your program?
A: No, this program is to teach teachers the theory and methods of how to teach English language learners. There is an excellent English Language Institute at Pikes Peak Community College here in Colorado Springs that teaches English to English Language Learners.
http://www.ppcc.edu/Academics/Departments/EnglishLanguageInstitute/
Q: Do I have to speak Spanish or any other language to take these courses?
A: No, as an LDE teacher you do not have to speak any other language other than English. There is no language requirement as English Language Learners (ELLS) come in all languages.
Q: What are the different programs?
A: There are 5 different programs at English as a Second Language Education Program:
- TLDE Certificate - 9 credits
- Undergraduate Endorsements - 21 credits
- Undergraduate Paraprofessional Certificate of Training - 21 credits
- Graduate level Endorsement - 21 credits
- Masters of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction, with an emphasis in LDE and an LDE Endorsement - 30 credits
Q: Are there classes in the summer?
A: The research courses for the LDE Education Program will be available on campus inthe summer months. Please see the LDE schedule
Q: How long does it take to complete the 7 course LDE endorsement program?
A: Depending on your professional work load you may take 1 course per semester and take 7 semesters or 3.5 years to complete the program. You can accelerate the program by taking more than one course per semesters.
Q: What is the cost of the courses?
A: Onsite Cost: Each course is billed at the current credit hour rate of University of Colorado at Colorado Springs plus applicable university fees.
Online Cost: Each course is billed at $421.00 per credit hour plus a $99.00 technology fee . Online tuition rates are always subject to change.
Q: Can I transfer credits?
A: You may transfer up to 9 graduate credits from graded university (not pass/fail) courses that have the same or nearly similar requirements and course work from other Universities. All transfer credits are reviewed and approved by the faculty advisor.
Q: Is there financial aid?
A: Please call our financial aid office and speak with Michelle Toro Dietz 719-262-3460 about financial aid opportunities. You may also visit our financial aid information link by going to the LDE Financial Aid Info page.
Individuals in the Troops For Teachers program are eligible for funds please call Joe Morgan 719-262-4131.
Q: Who can take the LDE program, who is this program for?
A: The LDE endorsement program was originally designed for in-service teachers and paraprofessionals who want to work towards an Endorsement Teaching English as a Second Language. We have expanded the program to accommodate pre-service teachers, and individuals who are seeking a 9 credit certificate in TLDE for overseas teaching. Anyone with interest in teaching LDE may take our courses.
Q: Can I transfer from onsite to online or vice versa?
A: Yes, the courses in either format are the same. You choose the format that best suits your needs and learning preferences.
Q: When are courses offered?
A: There are courses offered every semester. Please visit the LDE courses page to see what and when the courses are offered.
Q: Can I take more than one course in a semester?
A: That depends on two things. First, is your ability to handle rigorous and challenging university courses. Second, you may take more than one course as long as you have met the prerequisites for those for which you are registering.
Q: How do I register?
A: For onsite classes you may register with the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs Admissions and Records office.
For online classes call Cindy Brown at the College of Education Extended Studies office719-262-4344.
Q: Can I take the Teacher Education Program (TEP) and LDE courses at the same time?
A: Yes, but that really depends on you. Both programs are rigorous and demanding, in terms of time and effort.
Q: How does my LDE Endorsement apply to other schools throughout the nation?
A: At the end of your program you must take and pass the PRAXIS exam. It is a nationally recognized exam. Anyone completing the 7 courses for endorsement must take the PRAXIS exam.
Q: As a paraprofessional what can I do with my Certificate of Training?
A: The Certificate of Training for paraprofessionals meets the requirements for No Child Left Behind law. And it provides you with the knowledge and experiences necessary to be an effective educator.
Q: What is a Certificate of Training for paraprofessionals?
A: A Certificate of Training is a document stating that you have successfully completed the 21 credit hours needed to be "highly qualified" as per the No Child Left Behind law. It will be kept on file at the Colorado Department of Education. If at anytime you were to complete a Teacher Education program and become a licensed teacher you could request that the Certificate of Training become an Endorsement.
Contact Us
Linguistically Diverse Education Program
Departmental office is located in Columbine Hall 4014
Phone: (719) 262-4344 Fax: (719) 262-3915
email: cbrown@uccs.edu