Reading, M.Ed. (Reading Teacher Option)

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 Teachers. The reading sequence fulfills the state of Illinois guidelines for the Reading Teacher Endorsement. Visit the Illinois State Board of Education for specific requirements, updates and amendments.

Program Details

• Requires 32 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 practicum

Program Learning Outcomes

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 - 8 SH

EDU 505	Educational Inquiry and Assessment	3
RLR 514	Lenses on Literacy and Linguistics	2
RLR 515	Social, Cultural, and Historical Foundations of Literacy	3

Reading Program - 22 SH

RLR 501	Teaching Beginning Literacy	3
RLR 502	Teaching Comprehension and Content Area Reading	3
RLR 510	Diagnosis and Assessment of Literacy	3
RLR 511	Instructional Strategies for Literacy Intervention	3
RLR 520	Survey of P-12 Youth Literature	3
RLR 541	Teaching Writing	3
RLR 592A	Practicum: Literacy Interventions for Elementary Students	2
RLR 592B	Practicum: Literacy Interventions for Secondary Students	2

Reading Electives - 2 SH

Choose 2 SH of RLL or RLR courses with advisor approval. No workshops will be accepted.

Note: RLR 595 will also be accepted.

Additional ISBE Requirements for Endorsement:

• Candidates must pass Reading Teacher Content Area Test (222) or Reading Specialist Content Test (221)