Reading and Literacy, Reading Specialist M.A.

To obtain a Master of Arts degree with a specialization in Reading and Literacy, Reading Specialist, candidates must satisfactorily complete 39 credit hours of coursework and a comprehensive examination. This program leads to a Type 10 Reading Specialist Certificate. See complete admission requirements in College of Education introduction.

Candidates seeking the Master of Arts degree and Type 10 Specialist Certificate in Reading (P-12) via entitlement must meet certain criteria. These include the following:

  1. A valid initial or standard Illinois Teaching Certificate (Type 03, 04, 09, 10).
  2. Submit evidence of passing grade on Illinois Certification Basic Skills Test.
  3. Fulfillment of Survey of Exceptional Child requirement (105 ILCS 5/21-2a).
  4. Evidence of two (2) years of successful teaching experience by the end of the program.
  5. Successful completion of the following program requirements:

Degree Requirements

Required courses

52-504Technology in the Reading and Writing Program

1

52-509Child and Adolescent Literature

3

52-523Foundations and Methods of Teaching Reading Grades 4-12, Including the Content Areas

3

52-524Foundations and Methods of Teaching Reading Grades P-3

3

52-527Teaching Reading to the Diverse Learner

3

52-529Methods and Practicum in Reading Diagnosis and Remediation

3

52-533Methods and Strategies for Reading Comprehension Instruction, Including Instructional Practicum for the Reading Teacher

3

52-534Teaching Writing in the Literacy Program

2

52-536Remediation of Reading Difficulties

3

52-538Assessment and Diagnosis of Reading Problems

3

52-547Supervising the P-12 Reading Program

3

51-548Educational Organization and Administration

3

52-575Practical Research for Learning Communities

3

52-598Practicum for the Reading Specialist

3

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Comprehensive Examination

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150 Clinical Hours

52-523, 52-524, 52-527, 52-529, 52-533, 52-598: clinical hours

State Assessment Requirements

At the conclusion of the program, candidates seeking a Type 10 Reading Specialist certificate must pass the Illinois Certification Test for the Reading Specialist, as well as the Assessment of Professional Teaching Test for grades K-12.