Reading and Language

Four programs fall under the Reading and Language umbrella: (1) Reading, which has M.Ed., M.S. and C.A.S. degrees; (2) Language and Literacy which also has M.Ed., M.S. and C.A.S. degrees; the Educational Specialist Program in Reading and Language (Ed.S.); and the Doctoral Program in Reading and Language (Ed. D). These programs combine research, theory, and practice to give teachers, supervisors, administrators, and other professionals an understanding of literacy acquisition, development, and instruction along with issues in professional development and research.

Reading Program (M.Ed., M.S. Ed., C.A.S.)

The Reading Program is designed for teachers already holding initial certification who are interested in developing their teaching or in qualifying as Reading Teachers or Reading Specialists. The program meets the guidelines of the International Reading Association, NCATE and the State of Illinois for thepreparation 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 and experiences deal with the nature of reading and its development and then relate that foundation to instructional approaches, assessment, and instruction for developmental and divergent readers and staff development in the schools. Application of learning is ensured in practicum, classroom, and school-based experiences.

State Guidelines

The reading sequence fulfills the state of Illinois guidelines for the preparation of Reading Teachers and Reading Specialists. Candidates are referred to the website of the Illinois State Board of Education (www.isbe.net) for specific requirements, updates and amendments. It is not required that students apply for either endorsement.

Reading Teacher Endorsement.  Students who complete the 24 of the 36 semester hour Reading Teacher option may apply the State of Illinois for endorsement on regular or special certificates. This requires prior certification, passing the Reading Teacher Content test and all other testing and other requirements of the state of Illinois.  Candidates are encouraged to monitor these requirements, and their updates and amendments, on the Illinois State Board of Education website. 

Reading Specialist.  Students who complete the 36 semester hour Reading Specialist option may apply the State of Illinois for endorsement on regular or special certificates or for a Special

Type 10 certificate with endorsement.. This requires prior certification, two years of experience, completion of all program and portfolio requirements, passing the Reading Specialist Content test and all other testing and other requirements of the state of Illinois. Candidates are encouraged to monitor these requirements, and their updates and amendments, on the Illinois State Board of Education website.

Reading Program Requirements

Reading options may be fulfilled within any of three degrees:  Master of Education (M.Ed.-Total Program = 36 SH)); Master of Science in Education (M.S. Ed-Total Program = 37 SH); Certificate of Advanced Study (option for candidates who already hold a Master’s degree in Education-Total Program = 32 SH).

Institutional Core:

M. Ed.	SH	M.S. Ed	SH	C.A.S.	SH
ESR 505 FND 511 EPS 541	3 3 2	ESR 503 ESR 506 ESR 507 FND 504 FND 505 RLR 599 (Thesis)	2 2 2 2 2 4	EDL 546	3

Reading Program Core

 

Reading Teacher Option		Reading Specialist Option
RLR 501-Teaching Beginning Reading	3	RLR 501-Teaching Beginning Reading	3
RLR 502 Teaching Comprehension and Content Reading	3	RLR 502 Teaching Comprehension and Content Reading	3
RLW 541 – Teaching Writing	2	RLW 541 – Teaching Writing	2
RLL 520/528-Survey of Juvenile/Multicultural Literature	2	RLL 520/528-Survey of Juvenile/Multicultural Literature	2
RLR 510-Diagnosis and Assessment of Reading	3	RLR 510-Diagnosis and Assessment of Reading	3
RLR 511- Corrective Reading	3	RLR 511- Corrective Reading	3
RLR 592A,B-Practicum in Remedial Reading	2,2	RLR 592A,B-Practicum in Remedial Reading	2,2
		RLR 518- Staff Development in Reading	3
		RLR 593- Seminar in Reading Research (not required for M.S. Ed)	3

 

Approved Electives-must be chosen with advisor

 

M.Ed. – 6 sh M.S. Ed- 6 sh C.A.S.= 9 sh

C.A.S. = 3

 

Other Requirements:

• Candidates must complete an electronic portfolio reflecting IRA/NCATE/ISBE standards and must become an active member of a professional literacy organization. 
• Students who receive more than one “C” grade in any courses may not continue in the program. 
• Courses needed to meet State of Illinois general and professional education courses and other state pre-requisite requirements are not included in this listing.