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:
- A valid Illinois Professional Educator License with endorsement for teaching.
- 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.
- Fulfillment of Survey of Exceptional Child requirement (105 ILCS 5/21-2a).
- Evidence of two (2) years of successful teaching experience by the end of the program.
- Successful completion of the following program requirements:
Degree Requirements
Required courses
| 52-504 | Technology in the Reading and Writing Program | 1 |
| 52-509 | Child and Adolescent Literature | 3 |
| 52-523 | Foundations and Methods of Teaching Reading Grades 4-12, Including the Content Areas | 3 |
| 52-524 | Foundations and Methods of Teaching Reading Grades P-3 | 3 |
| 52-527 | Teaching Reading to the Diverse Learner | 3 |
| 52-529 | Methods and Practicum in Reading Diagnosis and Remediation | 3 |
| 52-533 | Methods and Strategies for Reading Comprehension Instruction, Including Instructional Practicum for the Reading Teacher | 3 |
| 52-534 | Teaching Writing in the Literacy Program | 2 |
| 52-536 | Remediation of Reading Difficulties | 3 |
| 52-538 | Assessment and Diagnosis of Reading Problems | 3 |
| 52-547 | Supervising the P-12 Reading Program | 3 |
| 51-548 | Organizational Systems in Educational Leadership | 3 |
| 52-575 | Practical Research for Learning Communities | 3 |
| 52-598 | Practicum 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.