Reading and Literacy: Reading Specialist / Master of Arts
This Master of Arts Reading Specialist degree is a State of Illinois entitled program that leads to endorsement as a Reading Specialist who is a transformational literacy professional committed to social justice. The program is recognized by the International Reading Association. Candidates complete clinical/fieldwork hours, practicum experiences and courses specific to the varied roles of the reading specialist.
In addition to the in College of Education admission requirements, candidates seeking the Master of Arts degree and P-12 Reading Specialist Endorsement via entitlement must meet the following requirements:
1. A valid Illinois Professional Educator License with endorsement for teaching.
2. Fulfillment of Survey of Exceptional Child requirement (105 ILCS 5/21-2a).
3. Evidence of two (2) years of successful teaching experience by the end of the program.
4. Successful completion of the following program requirements. No more than nine (9) hours may be transferred; certain courses may not be transferred.
Degree Requirements
Required courses (39)
| 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 |
150 Clinical/fieldwork hours which are embedded in required courses.
Comprehensive Examination Required
39 credit hours total are required for the MA Reading Specialist.
* The following courses for dual Reading and ESL endorsement may be substituted for 52-527 and 52-538, respectively: 52-542, 52-539.
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.