Reading and Literacy: Reading Specialist / Master of Arts
Program: MA-RDSP-3
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:
- A valid Illinois Professional Educator License with endorsement for teaching.
- Fulfillment of Survey of Exceptional Child requirement (105 ILCS 5/21-2a).
- Evidence of 2 years of successful teaching experience by the end of the program.
- Successful completion of the following program requirements.
- 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
Comprehensive Examination Required
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| 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 1 | 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 2 | 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 |
| Total Hours | 39 | |
- 1
ENLE 54200 Cross-Cultural Studies in Literacy and English Language Learning can be a substitute
- 2
RDLT 53800 Assessment and Diagnosis of Reading Problems can be a substitute
Clinical/fieldwork experiences are embedded in course assignments and practicum courses include specific experiences that address ILA standards.
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.