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 Reading Specialist Endorsement on the Professional Educator License. See complete admission requirements in College of Education introduction.

Candidates seeking the Master of Arts degree and P-12 Reading Specialist Endorsement via entitlement must meet certain criteria. These include the following:

  1. A valid Illinois Professional Educator License with endorsement for teaching.
  2. Submit evidence of passing grade on Illinois Basic Skills Test, Test of Academic Proficiency, or have a composite score of 22 on the ACT Plus Writing Exam taken within the last ten years.
  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

51-548Organizational Systems in Educational Leadership

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

Clinical/field work hours are embedded in required courses.

State Assessment Requirements

At the conclusion of the program, candidates seeking a Reading Specialist Endorsement on a Professional Educator License must pass the Illinois Test for the Reading Specialist, as well as the Assessment of Professional Teaching Test for grades K-12, or the State-approved equivalent of each.