Education (EDTL)

ELL Online Endorsement FAQs

1. What is the ELL Online Endorsement?

ELL Online Endorsement is a set of state-approved coursework geared at preparing teachers to effectively educate linguistically diverse students. The online endorsement provides access for place-bound or time-strapped teachers.

2. How is the instruction delivered?

The courses are delivered via an online electronic delivery system. Canvas is the software program currently used at Central Washington University. Canvas training tutorials are available on Central’s website. Some courses offer optional synchronous class meetings online.

3. What does it cost to go through the endorsement?

This endorsement is part of the regular offerings at CWU. Consequently, the costs are standard tuition and fees. The exact figure cannot be calculated at this time due to possible rate changes as determined by state and university administration. The current tuition rates for the regular academic year can be found at https://www.cwu.edu/admissions-aid/financial-aid-scholarships/financial-aid/about/2023-2024-cost-attendance.php

4. Do I pay undergraduate or graduate tuition?

If you are seeking the endorsement only, you are officially classified as post-baccalaureate and pay the undergraduate tuition rate during the regular academic year. If you are applying these courses towards a master's degree at CWU, you will pay the graduate tuition rate. During the summer sessions, the cost per credit is determined by the level of the course; undergraduate rates for courses numbered in the 400's and graduate rates for courses numbered in the 500's.

5. Could I use the courses in this endorsement for a graduate degree?

Central Washington University does not offer a master’s degree in TESOL. However, you can complete a Master Teacher (MEd) degree with an area of emphasize/specialization in ELL.

6. Do I need to take all the classes in one year?

Our online endorsement has been designed with the idea that all courses will be taken during a single year. However, if you need to extend the time for completion, it could easily be divided into a two-year cycle. Please discuss your options with your faculty advisor at the beginning of your coursework.

7. What if I do not want the endorsement but would like some training in working with ELL students?

Our Bilingual Education and Teaching ELL programs at CWU also offers a post-baccalaureate certificate entitled Teaching and Linguistic Diversity. The coursework required includes: EDBL 514, EDBL 530, EDBL 531, and EDBL 550.

8. How do I become part of this endorsement?

There are two steps to enrolling this endorsement.

Step 1 : Office of Teacher Certification, Endorsement-Only Application

This form enrolls you in the teacher certification endorsement system. It is used to monitor your progress and to report your completion to the state certification office. There is a $40.00 application fee due with the application.

This link takes you to the application form:
https://secure.touchnet.net/C20530_ustores/web/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCTID=83

If you have additional questions about the Teacher Certification application or process, please e-mail teachercertification@cwu.edu.

Step 2 : CWU Office of Registrar, Non-matriculated application

This form is for admission to Central Washington University as a non-matriculated student. This implies that you are not seeking a degree from CWU at this time. If you are planning to use these courses for a graduate degree at CWU, please contact your graduate advisor and you will be directed in how to apply as a matriculated student. $40.00 Application fee payable with tuition.

Non-Matriculated Application https://www.cwu.edu/about/offices/registrar/academic-information/forms.php

Look under N for non-matriculated student application

*Please note that you have the option of entering the endorsement as a non-matriculated student. If you choose this route, you will need to fill out paperwork each quarter.* To complete the application as a matriculated student, click on https://www.cwu.edu/admissions/apply-cwu and follow Graduate Admissions. Choose online as your campus of choice. If online is not an included option, choose CWU-Ellensburg. Matriculation is required in order to receive financial aid.

9. What about the test?

The State of Washington requires that all teachers adding an endorsement pass an approved test - the Washington Educator Skills Tests-E (WEST-E), test 51. Information for registering and preparing for the test can be found at this site: http://www.west.nesinc.com/

10. How much time should I dedicate to my weekly studies?

Each of the six courses in the program are 3 credits, which means that you should expect 3 hours of “contact time” or instruction via lecture videos, class discussion, or synchronous course meetings. Every course at any university has outside of class that is expected of students that includes: reading textbooks, viewing videos, working on group projects, or doing homework. The Humbold Learning Center recommends 2 hours of study time for every 1 credit, so 2 x 3 credits= 6 hours per week. We recognize that the educators enrolled in the ELL endorsement do not have much time, so we try to keep work to a minimum. You should expect to spend time 1-2 hours on these study tasks to be successful in your courses for a total of 4-5 hours weekly. Reddit has a good discussion of weekly study time per credit.