Second Languages and Cultures Education
Language proficiency requirements
Initial licensure and additional licensure candidates in Second Languages and Cultures (SLC) Education
Language proficiency tests are required for all second languages and cultures (SLC) applicants to the following programs:
- the master of education/initial licensure program (M.Ed./ILP)
- the “Alternative Pathway to Initial Licensure” program
- the additional licensure program for world languages
- the additional licensure program for ESL
Nonnative English speakers
Applicants seeking licensure in English as a Second Language (ESL):
Nonnative speakers of English seeking licensure in ESL must take the Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) test in English and the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language). The following minimum TOEFL scores are required—600 (paper-based), 250 (computer-based), or 100 (Internet-based). Minimum OPI score requirements are described below. Test results must be submitted prior to admission to the program.
Applicants seeking licensure in a world language:
Nonnative speakers of English seeking world language licensure in their native language (e.g., Spanish, Chinese) must also take the TOEFL with the following minimum scores: 550 (paper-based), 213 (computer-based) and 80 (Internet-based). Native speakers of French, German, Mandarin Chinese and Spanish are required to take the Minnesota Teacher Licensure Examinations (MTLE): Content Area Test during the program (not required for admission to the program, see more details below). All applicants must provide evidence that university-level academic coursework has been successfully completed in the language in which licensure is sought or show that they have completed at least two upper-division courses focusing on the development of advanced grammar and composition skills in that language. TOEFL scores and official transcripts must be submitted prior to admission to the program.
Native English speakers
Applicants seeking licensure in English as a Second Language (ESL):
Native speakers of English who are seeking ESL licensure must have studied a language other than English for at least two years in college, four years in high school, or have acquired an equivalent language experience through work or study abroad. In addition, they must pass the MTLE: Content Area Test for ESL during the program (not required for admission to the program). See more details below.
Applicants seeking licensure in a world language:
Native speakers of English who are seeking licensure in a world language must demonstrate proficiency in that language. The following licensure options are available: Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Latin, Norwegian, Ojibwe, Polish, Russian, Spanish, and Swedish. Candidates must have advanced proficiency in the language and an understanding of the formal aspects of the language, such as grammar and writing. They also must have familiarity with the cultures of speakers of the language. Candidates demonstrate this knowledge through a combination of advanced coursework in the language and by taking tests. Requirements include transcript of postsecondary coursework with evidence of at least two advanced language courses in advanced grammar/composition or a related topic and submission of results on language proficiency measures (OPI) as described below.
Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI)
Nonnative speakers of English seeking licensure in ESL must demonstrate proficiency in English at the "superior" level on the OPI. Test results should ideally be submitted upon application to the program but must be submitted before student teaching in ESL.
Nonnative speakers of Arabic, Mandarin Chinese, French, German, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Norwegian, Polish, Russian, Spanish, or Swedish who are seeking a K-12 license in any of these languages must obtain a score of at least "advanced low" on the OPI. Test results must be submitted before the first summer term.
Registration
Applicants seeking licensure in Spanish, French, or English may take the OPI test locally with the following official OPI raters:
- Joanne Peltonen (Spanish), 612-624-0862, pelto003@umn.edu
- Maria Luisa Eiffler (Spanish), eiffl002@umn.edu
- Francine Klein (English and French), efmvk@yahoo.com
A check or money order for $60 should be made payable to the interviewer, and the applicant is required to provide a blank 30-minute cassette tape at the time of the interview.
Applicants seeking licensure in languages other than Spanish, French, or English must register for the test through the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL).
Because this test is taken via telephone, it must be proctored. The ACTFL Web site details the ways an applicant can arrange for an exam proctor. One option is to coordinate proctoring services with the University of Minnesota University Counseling and Consulting Services (UCCS) Testing Center for a $30 fee. Contact the testing center at 612-624-3510.
MTLE (Minnesota Teacher Licensure Exams): Content Area Tests
All candidates seeking Minnesota state licensure in French, German, Mandarin Chinese or Spanish and ESL (including native speakers of those languages!) are required to take the MTLE Content Area Tests in their respective language.
Registration
For more information on test content and registration,visit the MTLE website.
MTLE Content Are Test: (Candidates take all the applicable tests corresponding to their licensure areas)
- English as a Second Language (Grades K-12)
- World Language and Culture: Chinese (Mandarin) (Grades K-12)
- World Language and Culture: French (Grades K-12)
- World Language and Culture: German (Grades K-12)
- World Language and Culture: Spanish (Grades K-12)
Students must take the content area test prior to final student teaching.
Additionally, all candidates must take the following MTLE tests:
- MTLE Basic Skills Tests
- MTLE Pedagogy Test: Elementary (Grades K-6) or Secondary (Grades 5-12) (Take just one)
Students must take this test before starting the licensure program. Official test scores must be submitted to Student Services before starting the program.
Students must take the pedagogy test during the semester of final student teaching.
MTLE Test results must be submitted prior to application to the state for the license.
Revised September2010
