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Reading, M.Ed. (Reading Specialist)

This program is designed for teachers already holding a Professional Educator License who are interested in developing their literacy teaching or in applying to be Reading Specialists. The reading sequence fulfills the state of Illinois guidelines for the Reading Specialist Endorsement. Visit the Illinois State Board of Education for specific requirements, updates and amendments.

Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs):

  1.  Have a strong knowledge base in literacy teaching, learning, and assessment practices and the inquiry and reflection tools to continue updating their knowledge and practice;
  2. Exhibit dispositions of reflective practice, ethical and professional behavior, ability to use self- and other-critique for learning, appreciation for diversity, advocacy, and collegiality;
  3. Use technology appropriate to their roles and to enhance literacy assessment, instruction, and environment;
  4. Design, implement, and coach for equitable assessment and instructional practices for culturally, linguistically, and socio-economically diverse learners;
  5. Create literate environments for all students that consider physical, social, emotional, cultural, linguistic, and intellectual factors.
  6. Administer, score, analyze, and interpret a broad range of literacy assessments for all students, including those from racially, culturally, and linguistically diverse backgrounds and students with learning differences;
  7. Plan, design, and implement individualized and culturally responsive literacy interventions for students experiencing difficulties in various areas of literacy;
  8. Provide coaching, professional development, and other support to teachers and paraprofessionals to impact student learning positively. 

Program Details:

  • Requires 34 SH for completion
  • Students cannot receive more than one grade of "C" or below in any Reading courses (RLR, RLL, RLW prefix). Students who earn a second grade of "C" or below must receive approval from Reading program faculty to have the opportunity to retake a course. If Reading program faculty deny the request, students will have the option to petition the Academic Policies Committee for the chance to retake the course or continue in the program with more than one "C" grade.
  • Requires a summer practicum
  • Proof of membership in a professional literacy organization is strongly recommended (monitored by the reading program faculty in the last two courses in the program)

Program Learning Outcomes

Reading and Language Program Graduates:


  1. Have a strong knowledge base in literacy teaching, learning, and assessment practices and the inquiry and reflection tools to continue updating their knowledge and practice;

  2. Exhibit dispositions of reflective practice, ethical and professional behavior, ability to use self- and other-critique for learning, appreciation for diversity, advocacy, and collegiality;

  3. Use technology appropriate to their roles and to enhance literacy assessment, instruction, and environment;

  4. Design, implement, and coach for equitable assessment and instructional practices for culturally, linguistically, and socio-economically diverse learners;

  5. Create literate environments for all students that consider physical, social, emotional, cultural, linguistic, and intellectual factors.

  6. Administer, score, analyze, and interpret a broad range of literacy assessments for all students, including those from racially, culturally, and linguistically diverse backgrounds and students with learning differences;

  7. Plan, design, and implement individualized and culturally responsive literacy interventions for students experiencing difficulties in various areas of literacy;

  8. Provide coaching, professional development, and other support to teachers and paraprofessionals to impact student learning positively.



Admission Requirements

In addition to National College of Education Graduate Admissions Requirements, applicants must:

  • Have a valid Professional Educator License endorsed in the teaching field (teaching endorsements can’t be added to administrative and school support PEL’s)

Required Courses

MED Core - 5 SH

RLR 514Lenses on Literacy and Linguistics

2
RLR 515Social, Cultural, and Historical Foundations of Literacy

3

Program - 28 SH

RLR 501Teaching Beginning Literacy

3
RLR 502Teaching Comprehension and Content Area Reading

3
RLR 510Diagnosis and Assessment of Literacy

3
RLR 511Instructional Strategies for Literacy Intervention

3
RLR 518Literacy Leadership and Staff Development

3
RLR 520Survey of P-12 Youth Literature

3
RLR 541Teaching Writing

3
RLR 592APracticum: Literacy Interventions for Elementary Students

2
RLR 592BPracticum: Literacy Interventions for Secondary Students

2
RLR 593Seminar in Reading Research

3

Reading Elective - 1 SH

Choose 1 SH of RLL or RLR coursework with advisor approval. No workshops will be accepted.

Note: RLR 595 will also be accepted.

Additional ISBE Requirements for Endorsement:

  • Candidates must pass Reading Specialist Content Area Test (221)