BCLAD Test Preparation: Spanish Language Test FAQ

How can I study for it?

There is a Spanish Language Proficiency Test Study Guide.

I think the language test is at too high a level for what we will need as Spanish bilingual teachers. I am able to communicate just fine with parents in Spanish. Why do I need to pass this test?

The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing holds us responsible for certifying that you will be able to teach in the language, as well as teach about the language, at a level beyond mere oral proficiency.

How do you score the interview part of the test?

We look for students who are relaxed, who can understand the question, who can use a basic vocabulary to express their ideas in a manner reasonably fluid for Spanish speakers living in the US. You should know the basics of conjugation and word choice. We use a scale of 1-4.

What tests do I have to pass to get a BCLAD in Spanish?

A Spanish Language Proficiency test and the Latino Ethnohistory test.

What are the parts of the Spanish Language Proficiency test prepared by BMED?

There are five categories in the language test: an interview, a dictation, a listening part, a grammar and an essay writing test. It is three hours long.

How long does each part last?

The test is self-paced. This means that you have as many minutes as you need to complete each part, for a total of 2 hours. We administer the interview and writing part after you are done with the multiple choice part.

How is the translation part scored?

Please see the rubric in our Spanish Language Proficiency Test Study Guide.

Who tends to pass the language test?

Students who grew up listening to Spanish at home, can speak it with reasonable fluency, and have taken at least one course in Spanish grammar. Also, non-native speakers who have taken enough coursework in pronunciation, conjugation and grammar to be at an intermediate level or non-native speakers who have lived for at least a few months in a Spanish-speaking country. This does not mean that others cannnot pass, it only reflects the profile of the students who usually pass the language test.

Why can’t we write the Spanish translation on the computer?

The Web CT system developers did not provide for languages using orthographic accents. You’ll have to handwrite the essay in the form provided.