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BTP Admissions

Teaching to transcend all barriers

Application deadline
April 8, 2013

How to apply

Selection for admission to the BTP Program is a competitive process. Qualified candidates will be selected based on district recommendations and an application evaluation. Yearly cohorts will not exceed 30 and will begin each fall.

Undergraduate pathway

The undergraduate pathway is designed for students who have completed at least 90 transferable credits (100 or above level courses) of community college or university work and are eligible to enter PSU at the junior level. Undergraduate pathway students will work toward completion of a bachelor’s degree, initial teacher licensure and ESL/Bilingual Endorsement.

Graduate pathway

The graduate pathway is for students who have already earned a bachelor's degree and who will work toward initial teacher licensure and ESL/Bilingual Endorsement. Graduate credits earned while in the BTP Program can then be applied toward a master’s degree through PSU’s Curriculum and Instruction Department.

BTP application criteria

Selection for admission to the BTP Program is a competitive process. Qualified candidates will be selected based on district recommendations and an application evaluation. Yearly cohorts will not exceed 35 and begin each Fall. To be eligible you must:

  • Be employed either part-time or full-time as an instructional assistant by a school district that has an intergovernmental agreement/contract with Portland State University
  • Be eligible for admission to PSU
  • Be bilingual/bicultural
    • Bilingual – oral and written proficiency at the near-native level as evidenced through interview and essay
    • Bicultural – ability to relate in a socially acceptable manner with members of a cultural group other than your own
  • Receive a passing score on one of the following  Basic Skills tests:
    • California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST), National Evaluation Series Essential Academic Skills, or Praxis Preprofessional Skills Test I

 

Prerequisites

Completion of prerequisites is strongly recommended prior to starting the program. Extended time may be added should you need to take some during the program.

Early Childhood and Elementary Authorizations (multiple subjects):

Psy 311 - Human Development Waiver information
Art 312 - Art in the Elementary School
Mus 381 - Music Fundamentals
Lib 428 - Children's Literature
Mth 211, 212, 213 - Foundations of Elementary Mathematics

Middle Level and/or High School Authorization (single subject):

Psy 311 - Human Development Waiver information
All required courses listed on Department Recommendation Form*pdf

* Content area prerequisite courses are determined by various academic departments at Portland State University. Please use the following link to access information pertinent to specific subject area endorsement: Prerequisite courses recommended and approved for your subject area(s). At least four weeks before the December 1st application deadline, meet with the appropriate Content Area Advisor to determine the required prerequisites; those courses are listed on the Department Recommendation Formpdf and serve as an applicant’s required prerequisites.

Many of these courses have substitutions from other colleges and universities, please see the Course Equivalency Chart.pdf

University admission criteria

Undergraduate

  • Cumulative grade point average of 2.5 from previous community college or university
  • TOEFL score of 525 for students for whom English is a second language UNLESS you are a U.S. citizen or resident alien
  • Click here for more information on general university undergraduate admission

Graduate

  • Cumulative grade point average of 2.75
  • TOEFL score of 550 unless you have the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree from an English-speaking university (this can be either in the U.S. or your native country)
  • Visit the PSU Admissions site for more information on general university graduate admission.

Application process

  • Attend an information session in your district or contact Lynda Pullen at lpullen@pdx.edu.
  • Complete the two applications described below

University application components

  • Undergraduate application form – declare liberal studies major
  • Graduate application form – declare master’s in education (MEd)
  • $50 application fee
  • Submit one official transcript, in sealed envelope, from every college or university attended (except PSU)
    • Foreign transcripts should be submitted in original language AND certified English translation
  • Graduate students: submit a copy of diploma in original language
  • Copy of INS status for non-citizens

Bilingual Teacher Pathways (BTP) Application (online application)

Please access our online application through the link above to create a free application account, then complete your application following the steps below. Be sure to write down your user name and password so that you can track the progress of your application as it is reviewed.

Once you have an account and have logged in:

  • Click the "Create a New Application" button
  • Select BTP Application
  • Fully complete all pages of the online application. You can save and return to your application before it is completed if necessary, however you must click the "Submit Application Now" button when it is complete, before the April 8 deadline if you want your application to be considered.

Please note: You will find instructions for submitting your references, test scores and transcripts to the program admissions committee on page 1 of the application.

After submitting your application you will be able to track the review process through this site using the user name and password that you receive when you create your application account.

  • If you need assistance accessing the BTP online application, please email tkhelp@pdx.edu.
  • If you have questions about the BTP application process, please email lpullen@pdx.edu

Your completed application will include:

  • Two essays (submitted as part of the online application)
    • One in native language
    • One in second language

You will also send the following to BTP Program, PO Box 751, Portland, OR 97207-0751:

  • One unofficial transcript for every college or university attended
  • Three BTP recommendation forms/letterspdf to be sent directly to BTP office from:
    • Immediate supervisor
    • Other licensed professionals who have observed you in your current role during this school year
  • Copies of your basic skills test score report(s)

TOEFL Exam

Prior to official university admission, you must submit a TOEFL score if your program was not in English. See the TOEFL Exam site for testing information.

Passing scores:

  • Paper-based test: 550
  • Computer-based test: 213
  • Internet-based test: 79

Application timeline

Prior to official university admission, you must submit a TOEFL score.

  • BTP application: due by April 8 to be eligible for fall 2013 admission

Pathway options

A BTP Pathway is your academic map towards obtaining your teaching license in Oregon. There are two different pathways that have been established to meet your educational background: the Undergradate Pathway and the Graduate Pathway. These pathways are determined by how much college or university education you have completed thus far.