Bilingual Authorization (BILA) Spanish

1-4.5 Units
Credit Validation

Course Description

Credit Validation for San Diego County Office of Education Participants Only

BILA candidates are prepared to support multilingual learners by understanding the historical, legal, philosophical, and research foundations of bilingual education, as well as effective, research-based program models. They develop culturally and linguistically responsive teaching practices that foster inclusive environments, promote home–school connections, and address historical biases.

Candidates collaborate with colleagues to design standards-aligned instruction and assessments that incorporate strategies such as scaffolding, comprehensible input, and critical inquiry, using current ELA/ELD and World Languages Standards. They plan instruction that integrates language development with content learning to promote biliteracy and bilingualism, incorporating the four language domains and foundational literacy skills, while using a range of assessments to inform and improve their teaching practices.

Course Details

PLEASE READ ALL COURSE DETAILS

IMPORTANT: YOU MUST ENROLL WITH THE PARTNERED ORGANIZATION AND PAY ALL REQUIRED FEES BEFORE PURCHASING UNITS THROUGH USD.

Number of Units: 1 - 4.5 graduate level extension credit(s) in semester hours. Please select credits at checkout. 

Who Should Attend: This course provides continuing education for SDCOE Participants.

University of San Diego – Graduate-Level Extension Credit Information

The University of San Diego partners with this program to offer graduate-level extension credit(s) in semester hours through the Credit Validation Program. To earn units, participants must register for and successfully complete coursework through the external program provider.

Credits earned through USD’s Credit Validation Program are widely accepted by many school districts and universities across the United States for purposes such as license renewal, required professional development hours, short-term skill building, salary advancement, credentialing, and potential advanced degree pathways.

These units do not apply toward a master’s or higher degree program at the University of San Diego; however, they may be transferable to advanced degree programs (e.g., MA, EdD, PhD) at other institutions that accept external graduate-level credits.

Participants are responsible for confirming acceptance, transcript requirements, deadlines, and applicability of units with their employing district or intended institution prior to enrollment.

Directions to Enroll for Credit 

Step 1: Register with the Partner Organization (SDCOE)
Complete your registration directly with the partner organization. Follow their instructions to begin the course and pay any required enrollment fees.

Please Note: USD does not provide course materials, manage instruction, or assign grades. All coursework is evaluated by the program’s instructor or coordinator.

Step 2: Register for University Credit
After confirming your registration with the partner organization, return to USD’s website.

  • Locate the same course on our listings page
  • Click Add to Cart
  • Click Check Out
  • You will be prompted to either log into your USD Student Account or create one, and then pay for your units

If this course displays Request Information, it means the course is either not yet open for enrollment (please check the enrollment dates) or enrollment has already closed. If enrollment has closed, you may still contact the organization directly to see if they will accept a late enrollment or if the course will be offered again in the future.

Step 3: Complete the Course
Participate fully in the course through the partner organization and complete all required assignments, activities, and assessments.

Step 4: Partner Organization Submits Grades
After you finish, the partner organization will submit your final grade to USD.

Step 5: Receive Your Transcript
Once your grade has been processed, USD will issue an official transcript reflecting your earned credit. Transcripts are mailed to the address listed in your USD student account. 

Transcript Process: Final grades submitted by the program provider will initiate the transcript process. Grades should be submitted within 7 days of the official course end date or the course enrollment deadline—whichever comes last. Participants are responsible for ensuring their mailing address is accurate and up to date in their USD student account to avoid delays in transcript delivery.

Transcript Delivery Timeline:

  • U.S. addresses: 2–3 weeks
  • International addresses: 3–4 weeks

For detailed information regarding the University of San Diego Credit Validation Program, please consult our Participant Guide.

Course Options

Course Date Units Price
EDC-X782Z – 001 24 Aug 202613 Dec 2026 1-4.5 $79-355

Bilingual Authorization (BILA) Spanish

24 Aug 202613 Dec 2026
1-4.5
$79-355
Credit Validation
Online

Audience: Educators working in bilingual, dual immersion settings (Spanish)

Refund Policy: All Credit Validation enrollments are refundable, minus a $25 processing fee, if the refund is requested within 30 days of the enrollment date. Refunds will not be issued once a grade has been assigned or after the 30-day period has passed.

Enrollment Open Through: September 24, 2026 – February 1, 2027 (11:59pm PT)

What You Will Learn

  • Analyze the historical, legal, philosophical, and research foundations of bilingual education in California and the U.S. to advocate for multilingual learners
  • Apply research on bilingualism, biliteracy, translanguaging, and cognitive development to design engaging and inclusive instructional practices
  • Evaluate research-based bilingual program models and select appropriate instructional approaches aligned to program goals and settings
  • Create culturally and linguistically responsive learning environments that foster inclusion, respect, and social-emotional development
  • Integrate language development and content instruction using current standards, incorporating the four language domains and foundational literacy skills
  • Collaborate with colleagues and families to design standards-aligned instruction, interpret assessment data, and support student success across contexts
  • Design instructional materials and assessments that support diverse learners’ linguistic, cultural, and academic needs in bilingual settings
  • Advocate for equitable, asset-based practices by addressing bias, promoting intercultural understanding, and supporting biliteracy and bilingualism development

Instructors

Professional development courses offered by the University of San Diego’s Division of Professional & Continuing Education are taught by faculty that possess a depth and breadth of academic and real-world professional experience.

Why USD?

The Professional and Continuing Education program nurtures key partnerships on the local, national, and international level. The goal is to better serve working professionals who seek to enhance or build their careers and help achieve their highest value and potential. Contact us today to learn more.

Informative Stats and Facts

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Learning Method Information

Courses offer a convenient, yet rigorous style of learning that allows you to structure your education to suit your schedule while keeping you on pace toward achieving your educational.

Credit Validation

The University of San Diego’s Division of Professional and Continuing Education offers graduate-level extension credit for work completed in trainings, workshops, conferences, induction, credentials, and other professional development programs not offered directly by USD. Complete one of the above and a member of our division will help you earn credit for your hard work and dedication to continuing your education.

Key Benefits of Credit Validation Courses

Make Your Work Count

Earn credit for your previous work in trainings, workshops, and conferences through a simple process.

Advance Faster

Save money by earning credit for work you completed and get one step closer to salary advancement.

Work Towards a Degree

Many receiving institutions may accept credits towards degree programs, giving you a head start in earning a graduate degree.