Education Studies (EDS) at UCSD offers a two-year teacher training program which culminates in the awarding of the:

• Master of Arts in Teaching and Learning: Emphasis in American Sign Language-English Bilingual Education of Deaf Children



• Education Specialist: California Deaf and Hard of Hearing Specialist Teaching Credential



• Preliminary Multiple Subject Teaching Credential (BCLAD emphasis)

This program of study includes extensive practicum experience combined with the latest research and innovation in bilingual education and deaf education. Students in the program participate in research and development on the leading edge of bilingual, multicultural education for deaf and hard of hearing children culminating in a thesis.

In keeping with its aim of training teachers who will be able to meet the needs of deaf and hard of hearing children from various language and cultural backgrounds, EDS requires fluency in American Sign Language (ASL) for acceptance into the program. Education Studies’ teacher training program is designed to prepare teachers to work in various types of school settings from residential school classrooms to local public school classrooms for deaf and hard of hearing children. EDS recognizes that deaf and hard of hearing children need teachers who are themselves bilingual and knowledgeable about the role of culture in human development.

Please print this instruction sheet and keep it as a referral.

Applicants must complete the Official Application for Admission online (which is included at the end) after reading this instruction sheet.

Please make sure to enter the following information on the online application: The department is “EDS”, and the specialization is “M.A. (ASL) Teaching and Learning: Bilingual Education". Admission is for “Summer” only.

This instruction sheet is for you to know what additional documents must be submitted to Education Studies in order for your file to be considered for admission. In addition to applying online, applicants must submit the following items no later than March 3, 2009.

Education Studies - Melissa
ASL-English Bilingual Emphasis
University of California, San Diego
9500 Gilman Drive, MC 0070
La Jolla, CA 92093-0070

1. Two official transcripts from each college or university attended. A 3.00 cumulative GPA is required from the institution awarding the bachelor's degree.
   
2. At least three letters of recommendation (one of these letters should include an assessment of your ASL fluency).
   
3. Official scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), General Test. Look at the GRE website for information or call (800) 473-2255.
   
4. Statement of Purpose. This should be in the form of a one to two page typed essay focusing on the following four areas:
   
   
   
   1. Your reasons for choosing deaf education as a career and for applying to Education Studies at UC San Diego.
      
   2. Your experience working with deaf people (particularly children) from various cultural and language backgrounds.
      
   3. Your community service experience.
      
   4. Your involvement with the ASL signing community and any other life experience you think we should know about.
   
   
5. A videotape to help us assess your ASL fluency. The videotape should be approximately 10 minutes long. In your most comfortable signing style, respond to the following:
   


1. Explain a little about yourself and why you are interested in becoming a teacher.
2. What has been your experience with deaf children and the ASL community?
3. You are applying for a program which focuses on bilingual education for deaf and hard of hearing children. Why does a bilingual approach appeal to your more than a more traditional approach to the education of deaf and hard of hearing children?
   

The following items are not required at the time of application; however, they must be submitted prior to the first day of class in June:

6. Verification of passing CBEST, to meet basic skills requirement. Please send EDS one original 4x4 CBEST transcript. We do not receive this card from the testing agency and it is required for the credential. You must have passing status by the time of the orientation in June. It is recommended that you take this exam no later than April to allow time for the results to be mailed. Register online or by phone at (916) 928-4001.

   OR New Option:

   MA-ASL candidates are also able to meet this basic skills requirement by taking and passing the CSET: Multiple Subjects (item # 8 see below-which is already required) + The new CSET: Writing Skills Examination (test code # 142).

   By passing this new test (142), candidates will be exempt from taking the CBEST.
   

7. U.S. Constitution requirement. Completion of a course including the provisions and principles of the U.S. Constitution, or passage of the appropriate exam offered through University Extension or the County Office of Education. Contact the EDS office at (858) 534-1680 for additional information.
   
   
8. California Subject Examination for Teachers (CSET) for Multiple Subject (subtests 101, 102, 103). Completion of this requirement is mandatory regardless on how the basic skills requirement is satisfied (item #6). The official, original CSET score report must be sent to EDS. We do not receive this transcript from the testing agency and it is required for the credential. You must have passing status by the time of the orientation in June. It is recommended that you take this exam no later than March to allow time for the results to be mailed and for the test to be retaken if necessary. This test is available in many locations across the nation. Register for the exam online or by phone at (916) 928-4003.
   
   
9. Medical report (copy acceptable) showing negative results from TB test, dated after 9/1/08.

If you have any questions, contact Tom Humphries at (858) 534-1586 TDD, (858) 534-1684 Voice, or email: thumphries@ucsd.edu. For questions regarding the admissions process, please contact Melissa Wolf at 858-822-2177, or mawolf@ucsd.edu

Information regarding the university may be found in the following web site which provides a helpful guide for incoming graduate students. Included in this web site, you will find specific information and details regarding housing opportunities in San Diego.

http://ogs.ucsd.edu/welcome/index.htm

Applicants interested in applying must complete the online Official Application for Admission.