On November 22, 2017, Governor Baker signed into law the Language
Opportunity for Our Kids Act (LOOK Act). The new law, among other
things, aims to provide districts with more flexibility as to the
language acquisition programs they choose to meet the needs of English
Learners (ELs), while maintaining accountability for timely and
effective English language acquisition. The law directed the Board of
Elementary and Secondary Education to establish licensure endorsements
for various language acquisition program types (for example, Two-Way
Immersion Programs) in order to improve the teaching and learning of
ELs. For an overview of the LOOK Act, please click here. To access the
March 16, 2018 Memo to the Board. For the complete text of the LOOK Act,
please refer here. On June 26, 2018, the Board of Elementary and
Secondary Education promulgated regulations establishing the Bilingual
Education Endorsement.
bilingual teacher qualification
What is Bilingual Education?
An educational program that involves teaching academic content in
two languages, English and another language. Program types determine the
varying amounts of each language used in instruction. Bilingual
education programs include dual language education or two-way immersion
and transitional bilingual education programs, as defined in M.G.L. c.
71A, § 2, and any other bilingual program types that may be approved by
the Department.
Notwithstanding 603 CMR 7.15(9) (a): A core academic teacher
assigned to provide instruction in a language other than English to an
English learner in a bilingual setting, must be properly qualified in
the field and grade level of the assignment, and hold the Bilingual
Education Endorsement.
A core academic teacher responsible for the instructional component
provided in English must hold the Bilingual Education Endorsement or the
SEI Endorsement.
A principal, assistant principal, or supervisor/director who
supervises or evaluates a core academic teacher assigned to provide
instruction to an English learner in a bilingual education setting, such
as dual language education or two-way immersion program, or
transitional bilingual education program, must hold the Bilingual
Education Endorsement or the SEI Endorsement.
A valid Transitional Bilingual Education license or Transitional
Bilingual Learning endorsement issued by the Department shall be deemed
the equivalent of the Bilingual Education Endorsement.
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