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 Literacy Association (ILA) and aligns with ILA standards. Candidates complete clinical/fieldwork experiences, practicum experiences, and courses specific to the varied roles of the reading specialist.
In addition to the Department 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-3
Comprehensive Examination Required
Required courses (39)
| RDLT-50900 | Child and Adolescent Literature | 3 |
| RDLT-52300 | Foundations and Methods of Teaching Content Area Reading and Intermediate-Adolescent Literacy | 3 |
| RDLT-52400 | Foundations and Methods of Teaching Developmental Reading and Early Literacy | 3 |
| RDLT-52700 | Teaching Reading to the Diverse Learner | 3 |
| RDLT-52900 | Methods and Practicum in Reading Diagnosis and Remediation | 3 |
| RDLT-53300 | Strategic Comprehension Instruction and Practicum for the Reading Teacher | 3 |
| RDLT-53600 | Theory and Practice for Intervention and Remediation of Reading | 3 |
| RDLT-53900 | Assessment of Literacy and English Language Learning | 3 |
| RDLT-54400 | Instruction and Resources for Developing Multiliteracies | 3 |
| RDLT-54700 | Supervising the P-12 Reading Program | 3 |
| EDLD-54800 | Organizational Systems in Educational Leadership | 3 |
| RDLT-57500 | Practical Research for Learning Communities | 3 |
| RDLT-59800 | Practicum for the Reading Specialist | 3 |
Clinical/fieldwork experiences are embedded in course assignments and practicum courses include specific experiences that address ILA standards.
The following courses may be substituted:
- RDLT 53800 for RDLT 53900
- ENLE 54200 for RDLT 52700
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.