Requirements of the K-12 Reading Specialist Degree

Coursework Requirements

1.        EIS 500 Methods of Research (3 s.h.)

2.        LLA 523 Advanced Young Adult Literature (3 s.h.)

3.        RDG 568 Teaching Reading in Middle and High School (3 s.h.)

4.        RDG 570 Teaching Reading in the Elementary School (3 s.h.)

5.        RDG 571 Assessment of Reading Abilities & Disabilities (3 s.h.) 
           (Prerequisite:  RDG 570)

6.        RDG 573 Correction & Remediation of Reading Difficulties (3 s.h.) 
           (Prerequisite:  RDG 570, RDG 571)

7.        RDG 576 Psychology of Reading (3 s.h.)  
           (Prerequisite:  RDG 568 or RDG 570)

8.        RDG 587 Practicum in Reading K-6 (3 s.h.) 
            (Prerequisite:  RDG 570, RDG 571 and RDG 573)

9.        RDG 589 Practicum in Reading 7-12 (3 s.h.)
           (Prerequisite:  RDG 568, RDG 571, RDG 573)

10.      RDG 588 Leadership in Reading (3 s.h.)
           Prerequisite: Completion of at least 24 hours in reading to include RDG 568,
          or RDG 570, RDG 571, RDG 573, and RDG 587 or RDG 589)

11.      Reading/Literacy Elective (3 s.h.):  Choose from RDG 508, RDG 553,
           RDG 569,  RDG 580, RDG 584, RDG 586, LA 567, LA 577, LA 578,
           LLA 443g, LLA 513

Total Semester Hours:  33 s.h.

Children’s Literature:  This list of coursework does not include a children’s literature class. Most, but not all, teachers have taken it at the undergraduate level.  If a children’s literature course has not been taken, you will need to complete LLA 513.  LLA 513 can be used as an elective.

Illinois K-12 Reading Specialist Endorsement Requirements
*     master’s or higher degree
*     two years teaching experience, which can be completed during the program
*     Successful completion of the Reading Specialist content test; the Illinois Test
      of Basic Skills (if not taken during the completion of initial certification), and the       appropriate Assessment of Professional Teaching (APT)
*     completion of an approved reading specialist program (coursework above)

Iowa I-12 Reading Specialist Endorsement Requirements
Additional requirements:
*     course addressing psychology/human growth and development (EIS 587 or              equivalent)
*     course addressing language learning and reading disabilities (RDG 586 or                 equivalent)  
*     standard license in Iowa and a teaching endorsement
*     present evidence of at least one year of experience, which included the           teaching of reading as a significant part of the responsibility.