Reading and Literacy
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Reading Endorsement?
The Reading Endorsement is a 21-hour program that can be obtained on an early childhood, elementary, secondary or special certificate and does not lead to a master's degree. Three credit hours in reading are a prerequisite for this program, so that the state of Illinois requirement for 24 hour in reading is met. If a student does not have reading hours, these may be added to the program.
The Reading Teacher is responsible for teaching reading to students; any teacher who teaches reading in other than a self contained classroom must have this endorsement. The requirements involve passing either the reading specialist (see below program) or reading teacher Illinois Certification Test and completing a minimum of 24 semester hours in reading, including a practicum, in these six areas:
- Foundations of reading
- Content-area reading
- Assessment and diagnosis of reading problems
- Developmental and remedial reading instruction and support
- Developmental and remedial materials and resources
- Literature appropriate to students across all grade levels.
What is the MEd in Curriculum and Instruction with Reading Teacher endorsement?
The Curriculum and Instruction is a 30-hour program that involves content in the six areas above as well as additional coursework revolving around curriculum and instruction. This is a Master of Education Program and does lead to a degree. At the conclusion of the program, candidates seeking a reading teacher endorsement must pass the Illinois Certification Test for the Reading Teacher and apply to the state for endorsement.
What is the Reading Specialist program?
The Reading Specialist is a 39-hour program that involves coursework content in the six areas above as well as leadership. The Reading Specialist is eligible to teach reading to students and provide technical assistance and professional development in reading to other teachers. This endorsement requires completion of an approved program for a Special certificate and also requires two years of teaching experience. At the conclusion of this program, candidates seeking a Type 10 Reading Specialist Certificate must pass the Illinois Certification Test for the Reading Specialist, as well as the Assessment of Professional Teaching for grades K-12. The Shorewood and Tinley Park sites offer the Reading Specialist curriculum.
What campuses are the programs offered?
Courses are offered at the Romeoville campus, beginning every semester. In addition, cohorts are also offered at the Shorewood and Tinley Park regional campuses on a two-year cycle.
How long do I have to complete the program?
Typically, students can complete the program in six semesters or less, but should complete the program within five years of beginning. If state requirements change while the student is in the program, additional coursework may be required.
What if I began a reading program at another institution and want to transfer my credit over?
Students can transfer in up to 12 hours of coursework from another institution, provided it has not already counted toward another master’s degree, has been earned in the last five years, and the grade was not lower than a B-.
How many clinical hours are required, and can I complete them outside of the standard school day?
There are varying hours required for each of the reading programs. The Reading Endorsement requires a minimum of 65 clinical hours with experiences focused in one’s current level of certification. This includes an intensive and extensive practicum in which the candidate will assess the needs of a student and carry out supportive tutoring. The Reading Specialist program requires a minimum of 150 clinical hours with experiences across grades Pre-K to 12. This includes three intensive and extensive practicum experiences in which the candidate participates in assessment, developing case reports, planning instruction and carrying out instruction.
Most students in the Reading and Literacy program are already teaching in the classroom during the school day. As a result, the program has been built around the ability for the students to complete the majority of their clinical hours outside the typical school day. Some of the intensive hours are placed for the students in the evening, which makes it more convenient to fulfill the hour requirement.
Do I need to take any entrance tests before beginning the program?
Students need to complete a writing exam within their first semester in the program. The program advisor will explain more about this requirement in the orientation session.
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