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 transformative 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 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 2 years of successful teaching experience by the end of the program.
  4. Successful completion of the following program requirements.
  5. No more than 9 hours may be transferred; certain courses may not be transferred.
Degree Offered: Master of Arts
Total Credit Hours: 39 + Comprehensive Examination

Degree Requirements

Program: MA-RDSP-E

Comprehensive Examination Required

Required courses (39)

RDLT-50900Child and Adolescent Literature

3

RDLT-52300Foundations and Methods of Teaching Content Area Reading and Intermediate-Adolescent Literacy

3

RDLT-52400Foundations and Methods of Teaching Developmental Reading and Early Literacy

3

RDLT-52700Teaching Reading to the Diverse Learner

3

RDLT-52900Methods and Practicum in Reading Diagnosis and Remediation

3

RDLT-53300Strategic Comprehension Instruction and Practicum for the Reading Teacher

3

RDLT-53600Theory and Practice for Intervention and Remediation of Reading

3

RDLT-53800Assessment and Diagnosis of Reading Problems

3

RDLT-54400Instruction and Resources for Developing Multiliteracies

3

RDLT-54700Supervising the P-12 Reading Program

3

EDLD-54800Organizational Systems in Educational Leadership

3

RDLT-57500Practical Research for Learning Communities

3

RDLT-59800Practicum for the Reading Specialist

3

150 Clinical/fieldwork hours embedded in required courses

The following substitutions are allowed for dual Reading and ESL endorsement students:
  • RDLT 54200 for RDLT 52700
  • RDLT 53900 for RDLT 53800

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.