CLAD / BCLAD FAQs

Q. What is CLAD?

A. Crosscultural, Language and Academic Development (CLAD), is an authorization to provide specialized instruction to individuals for whom English is a second language.  Specifically, it authorizes instruction for 1) English Language Development (ELD) in preschool, K-12 and adults (restrictions apply to holders of Children Center Permits,Child Development Permits, and Designated Subjects Teaching Credentials) and 2)  Specially Designed Academic Instruction Delivered in English (SDAIE) (in the subjects and grade levels authorized by the prerequisite credential or permit).

Q. What is BCLAD?

A.  Bilingual, Crosscultural, Language and Academic Development (BCLAD), is an authorization to provide specialized instruction to individuals for whom English is a second language.  Specifically , it authorizes instruction for 1) English Language Development (ELD) in preschool,

K-12, and adults (restrictions apply to holders of Children Center Permits, Child Development Permits, and Designated Subjects Teaching Credentials), 2) Specially Designed Academic Instruction Delivered in English (SDAIE) (in the subjects and grade levels authorized by the prerequisite credential or permit), and 3) instruction for primary language development and content instruction delivered in the primary language (in the subjects and grade levels authorized by the prerequisite credential or permit).

Q. Why should I obtain a CLAD/BCLAD?

A.  The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC), in conjunction with the California Department of Education (CDE), has established statewide guidelines for the purpose of determining who is authorized to teach English Language Learner (EL) students.  As part of the compliance review process, school districts are required to monitor the proper assignments of teachers to classes for EL students.

Q. How do I obtain CLAD/BCLAD Certification?

A.  CLAD/BCLAD authorization can be listed on a Single or Multiple Subject Teaching Credential as an emphasis if a college program was completed or, if the applicant met CLAD/BCLAD requirements separate from the teacher training program (i.e. CLAD/BCLAD Examination), a CLAD/BCLAD Certificate may be obtained.

Q. What is the procedure for taking the exams without taking classes or training?
A. You may contact the Master Plan Verification Unit at (213) 241-5862 to request a registration packet. Follow the directions in the packet and mail directly to the National Evaluation Systems (NES).

Q. Where can I get information about the exams, and a copy of the study guides?
A. Information on the exams and an application booklet can be obtained from the Master Plan Verification Unit at (213) 241-5862. Study guides are available online only and may be downloaded at no charge from the CLAD / BCLAD Program web site at www.clad.nesinc.com.

Q. What tests should I take to earn a CLAD / BCLAD?
A. If you choose the examination route to earn a CLAD Certificate, you must pass Tests 1, 2, and 3 of the CLAD / BCLAD Examinations. If you choose the examination route to earn a BCLAD Certificate, you must pass Tests 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 of the CLAD / BCLAD Examinations.

Q. Where can I go to take classes to prepare for the CLAD / BCLAD exams?
A. Training sites are located at FULTON M.S. (Valley), TWAIN M.S. (West), and at WILSON S.H. (East). Applications are available at school sites, from the Master Plan Teacher Training Program (MPTTP) web site at www.lausd.k12.ca.us/lausd/offices/instruct/mpttp/., or click here for a PDF version of the application.
For additional information, contact MPTTP at (323) 932-2277.

Q. Does LAUSD subsidize the cost of the CLAD/BCLAD exams?

A.  Preparation Classes for CLAD/BCLAD examinations will qualify the participant to receive District subsidy for the exam(s) upon successful completion of training courses. 

Q.  What do I do upon passage of CLAD/BCLAD Exam?

A.  When you have met the CLAD/BCLAD Examination requirements and all other requirements for  a CLAD or a BCLAD Certificate, you may apply for the certificate either directly to the Commission on Teacher Credentialing, or to the Commission through your employer.

Q. Where can I apply for CLAD / BCLAD Certificate?
A. Employees are advised to apply for the CLAD / BCLAD Certificate through Human Resources, Certificated Credentials and Contract Services Unit, 333 S. Beaudry Ave. 15th Floor. For additional information, call Certificated Credentials and Contract Services at (213) 241-6520 or click here for their web site.

Q. What do I need to submit when applying for a CLAD / BCLAD Certificate?
A. You will need all three of the following:

• A copy of a valid California Teacher Credential (NOTE: The following permits WILL NOT meet this requirement: emergency permits, district / university / individualized internship certificate, pre-intern certificate, special education waiver, sojourn, or exchange credential).
  
• The original Score Verification Letter(s) from CPS and / or NES certifying that all required exam parts have been passed (California Commission on Teacher Credentialing will accept passing scores on BCC exam components or the entire LDS exam toward CLAD / BCLAD Certificates, subject to certain time limits). Please click here for additional information.
  
• The application fee (currently a U.S. Postal Money Order for $55.00 made out to the "CCTC" in order to process and register the CLAD / BCLAD Certificate)
  

VOUCHER FAQ's

Q. What is a Voucher?
A. A voucher is a payment to the National Evaluation System (NES) from the Los Angeles Unified School District verifying sponsorship for an employee to take the CLAD / BCLAD test(s) at District expense.

Q. How do I get a voucher from the District to pay for the CLAD / BCLAD exams?
A. Contact the Master Plan Verification Unit at (213) 241-5862 to have your training verified or email mpvu@lausd.k12.ca.us

Q. Can I cancel the exam and still use the voucher that I have?
A. You must return the original voucher to Master Plan Verification Unit, 333 South Beaudry Avenue, 14th Floor, Los Angeles, California, 90017. Upon request, an updated voucher may be reissued for the new test date.

Q. Is training from a University equivalent to the district training and equivalent for a voucher towards the CLAD / BCLAD exams?
A. Equivalent training through a university can be verified by the Master Plan Teacher Training Program at (323) 932-2277. A voucher may be issued for eligible applicants. Please click here to contact the MTTP.

Q. Do I still need to pay for the processing fee if I have a voucher?
A. The processing fee is waived for applicants using a District issued voucher. Please note: the voucher will not cover any late fee(s).

FLUENCY FAQ's

Q. What is the District Fluency exam?

A.  The District Fluency exam is a District language assessment of fluency and literacy in a language other than English.

Q. Where can I taker the District Fluency exam?
A. District Fluency exam can be taken at the Certificated Recruitment Selection Unit, 15th Floor. Contact the District Fluency office at (213) 241-5300 ext. 29146 to schedule an appointment. For additional information, please click here.

Q. Can I get a voucher for BCLAD Exam, test 6 of a specific language if I have an “A” of “B” fluency for that specific language?
A. Yes. If you are “A” or “B” fluency based on the District Fluency Test, you are eligible to receive a District voucher for Test 6 without the need to participate in any of the District sponsored classes.

GENERAL FAQ's

Q. What is SB395?

A.  The Certificate of Completion of Staff Development (Senate Bill 395) authorizes the holder to teach English Language Development (ELD) and Specially Designated Academic Instruction Delivered in English (SDAIE) to English Learner (EL) Students, both within the subject matter content of the holder's basic credential.  For additional information click here.

Q. Where can I enroll for the class of SB395?
A. There are a limited number of SB 395 classes being provided by the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE). You may contact the Master Plan Teacher Training Program (MPTTP) at (323) 932-2277 or click here for additional information.

DIFFERENTIAL FAQ's

Q. Do I become eligible to receive a bilingual differential if I have an “A” level fluency?
A. As an “A” level fluency teacher, you will not be eligible to receive a bilingual Differential unless you have passed the Methodology (Test 1, 2 & 4) and Culture of Emphasis (Test 5) within the grace period of 2 years (4 semesters). A - level teachers may be potentially eligible for a differential provided they are in a Master Plan Program and serving a percentage of LEP students. For continuing eligibility, A - level persons are required passage of the Methodology and Culture of Emphasis BCLAD examinations.