The Reading Program is designed for educators interested in developing their teaching or in qualifying as reading teachers or specialists. The program meets the guidelines of the International Reading Association, NCATE and the State of Illinois -guidelines for the preparation of reading teachers and reading specialists. The sequence of courses provides an in-depth understanding of the research, theory, and practice related to the reading process and reading instruction. Courses deal with the nature of reading and its development and then relate that foundation to instructional approaches, assessment, and instruction for divergent readers and staff development in the schools. Application of learning is ensured in practicum, classroom, and school-based experiences.
State Endorsement and Certification in Reading
State Guidelines
The reading sequence fulfills the State of Illinois guidelines for the preparation of reading teachers and specialists by including 18 hours of course work in the areas prescribed by the Illinois State Board of Education. The areas are:
Foundations of reading fundamentals, including reading in the content areas
Testing procedures and diagnosis of reading disabilities
Diagnostic teaching/corrective techniques and materials
Clinical or laboratory practicum in reading
Literature appropriate for the age of students included in the program
(Illinois State Board of Education booklet, Minimum Requirements, undated, p. 47.)
The above minimum requirements must be met by applicants for reading positions. Endorsement is available through individual application to the Illinois State Board of Education. Endorsement is available only to holders of state standard elementary, or secondary certificates and may require course work in other areas, such as middle schools.
Type 10 Standard Special Certification
Students who complete the full 36-hour program may apply for Special Type 10 Certification in Reading in one of two ways:
Direct application to the State of Illinois. The Reading program provides 26 of the 32 hours required by the state, including all the required course areas as indicated in the state endorsement standards above. Testing, certification, experience, and other requirements must also be met.
Through institutional entitlement. The 36-hour program supplies all the Reading Specialist course requirements for certification by entitlement. Graduates may apply if they: hold a valid, regular, state of Illinois elementary or secondary certification with constitution test passed; meet state general and professional education requirements; pass the appropriate state tests; have two years of contracted teaching experience; have worked with students at elementary and secondary levels in the classroom or in the NCE/National-Louis University practicum.
Students are responsible for keeping abreast of all information and changes contained in published standards and are encouraged to request the booklet Minimum Requirements for State Certificates from Illinois State Board of Education, 100 N. First St., Springfield, IL62777-0001, or from the appropriate regional office.
Reading Supervisory Endorsement
The two courses required for the reading endorsement are:
Along with Type 10 certification, the Reading Supervisory endorsement may be obtained through entitlement by including these two courses in the master's degree or C.A.S. program in reading. Reading Specialists who already hold Type 10 certification may individually apply to the State of Illinois for supervisory endorsement after completing EDL510 and EDL533.
Core Course Requirements: M.Ed.(10) M.S.Ed. (14) C.A.S. (3)
Program Requirements: M.Ed.(26) M.S.Ed.(23) C.A.S.(26)
RLL520*t Survey of Literature for Children and Adolescents 2 or
RLL528 Multicultural Literature (K-12) 2
RLR501* Teaching Beginning Reading 3
RLR502* Teaching Comprehension and Content Reading 3
RLW 541* Teaching Writing 2
RLR510* Diagnostic Techniques for the Reading Specialist 3
RLR51 1 Corrective Techniques for the Reading Specialist 3
RLR518 Supervising the Reading Program 3
RLR592A, B* Practicum in Remedial Reading Instruction 2, 2
RLR593 Seminar in Reading Research (M.S.Ed. students complete a thesis in reading instead) 3
Reading Electives (for CAS only) 1
Total Minimum Hours M.Ed.(36) M.S.Ed. (37) C.A.S.(32)
*MeetStateDocument I Guidelines.
Courses needed to meet State of Illinois general and other professional education prerequisite requirements are not included.
C.A.S. Options
Students interested in a C.A.S., not oriented toward certification, should so indicate at the time of making a study plan to be advised of appropriate program options.
Reading Recovery Program
A Reading Recovery Teacher Leader training program is offered in consortium arrangement with the State of Illinois and with the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. This program is open only to post-master's applicants through special district-based arrangement with the Reading Recovery Program.
