Washington State requirements: Beginning in 2020-21, school districts will be required to train teachers to provide appropriate assessments and interventions for all students identified with dyslexia.
Rapidly increasing need: As the need for specialized training in reading instruction increases exponentially over the next few years, school districts statewide will need teachers with expertise.
YOU’LL BE READY: The right certification means you’ll be uniquely prepared to identify students with reading difficulties, understand the appropriate interventions, and be able to implement best practices for designing and delivering instruction.
Dear Educator:
At this unique moment in time, distance learning isn’t just a meaningful concept – It’s a very real thing.
When down time gives you extra time, make it meaningful for you, your students – and your career.
Enroll in Heritage University’s Endorsement Program for an ELL and/or Special Education Endorsement.
This unique program is:
Convenient – Competency based, self-paced, all online- Can be completed in as little as 8 weeks
Affordable – Priced to fit your budget.
Fulfilling – Hone your craft and have more tools available for you to teach those who need you most.
Rewarding – With an immediate boost in salary schedule – for bachelor’s or master’s-degreed teachers.
Washington State requirements: Beginning in 2020-21, school districts will be required to train teachers to provide appropriate assessments and interventions for all students identified with dyslexia.
Rapidly increasing need: As the need for specialized training in reading instruction increases exponentially over the next few years, school districts statewide will need teachers with expertise.
YOU’LL BE READY: The right certification means you’ll be uniquely prepared to identify students with reading difficulties, understand the appropriate interventions, and be able to implement best practices for designing and delivering instruction.
Class Days and Format: Designed for individuals working in the Education field. Endorsement programs are offered in several different delivery methods.
Regions and School Districts Served: Heritage University primarily serves South Central Washington schools in Education Service Districts 105 and 123, but accommodates students throughout Washington State, and nationwide.
Heritage University exists on Yakmumamí Tiichám (the land of the Yakama People). We acknowledge and honor with gratitude the land and the first peoples who have stewarded it throughout the generations, and recognize their continuing connection to the land, to the water, and to their ancestors.
Location – Heritage University’s education programs are offered through our main campus in Toppenish, WA and our satellite campus on the grounds of Columbia Basin College in Pasco, WA.
Additional Teaching Endorsement programs are also available in synchronous online, asynchronous online or competency based, which is not limited by physical location.
Admissions – A Bachelor degree is prerequisite for the Additional Endorsement programs which are offered at a graduate level.
Financial Aid – Unfortunately, the Additional Endorsement program is not eligible for Federal Financial Aid.
| Step 1:
Complete the Heritage University Application |
Step 2:
Complete the Additional Endorsement Program Application |
Step 3:
Decide when you want to start and how you want to pursue your program. |
What is the benefit of earning an endorsement and/or a Master’s in Inclusive Education?
How does a competency-based program work?
In a competency-based model, students move through the sequence of courses required for the endorsement independently. There are no online or face-to-face courses. Instead, candidates demonstrate mastery of the competencies through portfolio assignments and proctored exams.
How does the competency-based endorsement program compare to the course driven synchronous/asynchronous program?
The course driven endorsement, whether synchronous or asynchronous, is the traditional class model. Students will have schedule of classes with instruction at set times or which can be viewed and tasks completed outside of the class schedule.
In a competency-based model, students move through the sequence of courses required for the endorsement independently. There are no online or face-to-face courses. Instead, candidates demonstrate mastery of the competencies through portfolio assignments and proctored exams.
What is a micro-credential?
A micro-credential represents a portion of course equivalence to one credit. For instance, RDG 502 has two micro-credentials: History and Theory of Reading and Dyslexia. To demonstrate mastery of the competencies for each micro-credential, students complete a portfolio assignment and take an online proctored exam.
How are the courses graded?
In the course driven endorsement, assignments and courses are awarded standard letter grades and/or point values.
In the competency-based model, courses are graded as pass/fail. Each portfolio assignment has a rubric for scoring purposes. Each online proctored exam contains 20 multiple choice questions and five short answer/essay responses. Students must successfully complete all assessments for each micro-credential, in order to receive a grade for the course.
What is the timeline and schedule for the course driven endorsements?
Schedules can vary but the courses are offered in a synchronous and asynchronous format over three semesters Fall, Spring and Summer. The courses are listed below.
| READING | ELL/BLE | SPECIAL EDUCATION |
| RDG 502: Theoretical Foundations of Reading (2)
RDG 504: Literacy through Children and Adolescents’ Literature (2) RDG 505: Beginning Literacy (2) RDG 506: Instructional Methods in Reading, Writing and Communication (2) RDG 507: Assessment and Diagnosis of Reading, Writing and Communication (2) RDG 509: Content Area Literacy (2) RDG 573: Reading /Literacy Internship (2) ENG 538: Applied Linguistics (2) |
BLE 520: History and Theory of Bilingual Education (2)
BLE 522: ESL in the Content Areas (2) BLE 526: Literacy and the Bilingual/ESL Student (3) BLE 527: Instructional Methods in Teaching Bilingual/ESL (3) BLE 530: Educational Linguistics (2) BLE 532: Culturally Responsive Teaching Practices (2) BLE 572: Practicum (2) |
SPED 525: Introduction to Special Education (3)
SPED 533: Behavior Management and Positive Behavior Support (3) SPED 536: Curriculum and Instruction Strategies for Students with High Incidence Disabilities (3) SPED 537: Curriculum and Instruction Strategies for Students with Low Incidence Disabilities (3) SPED 538: Assessment and Evaluation of Students with Disabilities (3) SPED 568: Special Education Law (2) |
| Total = Credits 16 | Total = Credits 16 | Total = Credits 17 |
What is the course sequence for the competency-based endorsements?
| Course Sequence for Competency-Based Endorsements | |
| Reading | ELL |
| RDG 502- 2 credits | BLE 527- 3 credits |
| RDG 505- 2 credits | BLE 522- 2 credits |
| ENG 538- 2 credits | BLE 520- 2 credits |
| RDG 506- 2 credits | BLE 532- 2 credits |
| RDG 509- 2 credits | BLE 530- 2 credits |
| RDG 507- 2 credits | BLE 526- 3 credits |
| RDG 504- 2 credits | BLE 572- 2 credits |
| RDG 573- 2 credits | |
| Total : 16 credits | Total: 16 credits |
Is there a timeline for completing the competency-based courses?
This program is self-paced and allows for rolling enrollment options. In this way, students can enroll in a course as soon as the previous course is completed. There is no need to wait for the beginning of a semester to begin a course. Similarly, students have the ability to wait between courses if they are not prepared to move forward.
How do I get the endorsement after I take the course, and/or what test do I need to take?
This depends on the state in which you live. In Washington State, after you complete the coursework you will need to take the following assessments: NES Essential Components of Elementary Reading Instruction (104), the English Language Learners (051), or the WEST-E Special Education (070) . For more information, please visit the Washington Educator Skills Test website at: http://www.west.nesinc.com/PageView.aspx?f=GEN_Tests.html. If you live in another state, please contact us at 509-865-8650 for state-specific information.
Can I use these credits to meet the requirements of a Master’s Degree?
ABSOLUTELY! The credits from the ELL/BLE and Reading endorsements are designed to contribute to our Master’s in Inclusive Education: Dyslexia, ELL, and Cultural Competence. If you complete both endorsements for 32 credits, the only additional requirement for the Master’s Degree is a three-credit research sequence.
What qualifications are required for this program?
Required: Students must hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Education. While not required, it is preferable that a student be working as a P-12 classroom teacher while pursuing the endorsement options. Candidates have to complete the Heritage University Application and a College of Education Endorsement/M.Ed application. Students are not required to take any entrance exams.
What technology do I need for this program?
Students need access to the internet and a webcam/headphones. This is especially important to fulfill testing requirements in the competency-based model.
How do the exams work?
The cost for your exam and portfolio assessments is included in your tuition; however, should you need to repeat an assessment, additional fees ($125) will apply. You will contact your advisor to schedule your exams when you are ready, at which time you will receive access information. Please plan to have a webcam (i.e. webcam is one word) installed in/on your device to permit remote proctoring of exams. Detailed instructions will be provided prior to your scheduled exam.
How much does earning an endorsement cost?
The cost of an endorsement depends on how you pursue the endorsement program.
Heritage University graduate tuition rate for individual participants pursuing the class in a traditional face to face, synchronous online or asynchronous online is $811 per credit and the program of courses takes a year to complete.. Total cost for 16-17 credits = $12,976 – $13,787.
Districts or combined district partnerships with 15 or more participants can have the program offered on your campus or in your area at a discounted rate of $9,000 -$9,500 (total tuition only cost) verses regular HU cost of $12,976—$13,787 per participant.
The cost per credit for the competency-based program is $437.50. This reflects a discount of $373.50 per credit. Total discount for the endorsement is $5,976-$6,349.50. This includes testing fees for the first attempt. If a student fails the test and/or portfolio, a retesting fee of $125 will be assessed. Students will pay for each course as they progress through the program. In this way, the payment schedule is individualized to each student based on course enrollment.
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English Language Learners
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When you’re ready to take the next step, give us a call. Our helpful staff is available to answer your questions and help you through the process.
3240 Fort Road
Toppenish, WA 98948
2600 N 20th Ave, MS: HU
Pasco, WA 99301
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