Section 360. Foreign language preK-12

A. The specific language of the endorsement will be noted on the license.

B. Foreign language preK-12 – languages other than Latin. Endorsement requirements:

1. The candidate must have (i) graduated from an approved teacher preparation program in a foreign language; or (ii) completed 30 semester hours above the intermediate level in the foreign language. (Endorsement in a second language may be obtained with 24 semester hours of coursework above the intermediate level.) The program shall include (i) courses in advanced grammar and composition, conversation, culture and civilization, and literature and (ii) a minimum of 3 semester hours of methods of teaching foreign languages at the elementary and secondary levels.

2. Native speakers or candidates who have learned a foreign language without formal academic credit in a regionally accredited college or university must complete the following requirements:

a. Achieved a minimum score of 600 on the Test of English as a Foreign Language, if English is not the native language. Native speakers of English are exempt from this test;

b. Achieved a qualifying score on a foreign language assessment in the appropriate language as prescribed by the Board of Education; and

c. Earned a minimum of 3 semester hours of methods of teaching foreign languages at the elementary and secondary levels from a regionally accredited college or university in the United States.

C. Foreign language preK-12 – Latin. Endorsement requirements. The candidate must have:

1. Graduated from an approved teacher preparation program in Latin; or

2. Completed 24 semester hours of Latin above the intermediate level. Up to six hours of Roman history, Roman life, mythology, or archaeology may be included in the total hours and 3 semester hours of methods of teaching Latin at the elementary and secondary levels are required.

D. Foreign language preK-12 – American Sign Language. Endorsement requirements:

1. The candidate must have (i) graduated from an approved teacher preparation program in a foreign language – American Sign Language or (ii) completed a major in American Sign Language or 24 semester hours above the intermediate level in American Sign Language. The program shall include (i) courses in advanced grammar and syntax, conversation, and culture and (ii) a minimum of 3 semester hours of methods of teaching foreign languages at the elementary and secondary levels.

2. Native users or candidates who have learned American Sign Language without formal academic credit in a regionally accredited college or university must complete the following requirements:

a. Competency in American Sign Language demonstrated by written documentation of one of the following:

(1) Hold a current, valid qualified or professional certification by the American Sign Language Teachers Association; or

(2) Hold a current, valid Virginia Quality Assurance Screening Level III Interpreting certification or higher issued by the Virginia Department for the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing; or

(3) Hold a current, valid Registry of Interpreters for Deaf certification in at least one of the following: Certificate of Interpretation (CI), Certificate of Deaf Interpretation (CDI), Reverse Skills Certification (RSC), or Comprehensive Skills Certificate (CSC); or

(4) Hold a current, valid National Association for the Deaf Level IV certification or higher; or

(5) Complete requirements of an assessment demonstrating proficiency in American Sign Language prescribed by the Board of Education.

b. Earned a minimum of 3 semester hours of methods of teaching foreign languages at the elementary and secondary levels from a regionally accredited college or university in the United States.

Historical Notes

Derived from Volume 23, Issue 25, eff. September 21, 2007.

Statutory Authority

§ 22.1-298.1 of the Code of Virginia.