Literacy Education offers two programs designed to meet the urgent need for highly effective teachers and instructional leaders with expertise in literacy education. The objectives of these programs are to increase candidates’ knowledge of literacy processes and development; to advance professional knowledge in the teaching of literacy for all learners, including those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds; and to provide specialized training in assessment and intervention for students who struggle with reading and writing.
The Master of Arts in Literacy Education, leading to PK-12 Reading Specialist entitlement, is designed for licensed teachers who wish to enhance their skills in teaching literacy in their own classroom or to work as Reading Specialists beyond their classroom. Candidates are prepared for leadership in literacy, including coaching and professional support, instructional planning, and curriculum development. The Master of Arts in Literacy Education requires 33 credit hours. Note: In addition to the completed MA, the Illinois State Board of Education requires candidates to have a minimum of two years full-time experience as teacher-of-record and a passing score on the ILTS Reading Specialist Exam for entitlement as a Reading Specialist.
The Reading Teacher Endorsement, PK-12, is a non-degree program designed for licensed teachers who wish to enhance their skills in teaching literacy in their own classroom. It requires 18 credit hours. Note: The Illinois State Board of Education requires a passing score on the Reading Teacher Exam for entitlement as a Reading Teacher, but does not require a minimum number of years as teacher-of-record.
Please visit the Literacy Education website at Literacy, Leadership and Development.
Candidates for both the Master of Arts in Literacy Education/Reading Specialist and the Reading Teacher Endorsement must meet the requirements for admission to the College of Graduate Studies and Research. In addition, candidates must provide:
- A copy of their current Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) endorsed for teaching
- Transcripts showing a minimum grade point average of 2.75 in undergraduate work, with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 in the education major coursework
- A 200- to 250-word statement focused on professional experiences and goals
Note: A minimum of one year of full-time teaching experience is preferred but not required for admission.
RETENTION REQUIREMENTS
In addition to the retention requirements stated by the College of Graduate Studies and Research, candidates for the Reading Specialist entitlement and for the Reading Teacher endorsement are further expected to adhere to the behaviors described in the Ethics Statement published by the International Literacy Association.
The MA in Literacy Education Program requires the following courses:
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| LTCY-501 | Literacy Instruction In Elementary Grades | 3 |
| LTCY-502 | Literacy Instruction In Content Areas In Secondary Grades | 3 |
| LTCY-503 | Theoretical Foundations Of Literacy Education | 3 |
| LTCY-504 | Literature For Instruction In A Diverse Society | 3 |
| LTCY-505 | Writing Instruction In Elementary Grades | 3 |
| or LTCY-506 | Writing Instruction In Middle & High School | |
| LTCY-507 | Literacy Assessment And Instructional Planning 1,2 | 3 |
| (Prerequisites for LTCY 507 are LTCY-501 and LTCY-502) | ||
| Capstone Courses | ||
| LTCY-508 | Practicum In Literacy Assessment & Intervention: Elementary Level 1 | 3 |
| LTCY-510 | Practicum In Literacy Assessment & Intervention: Secondary Level 1 | 3 |
| (Prerequisites for LTCY 508 and 510 are LTCY 504 and LTCY 507) | ||
| LTCY-511 | Research Seminar In Literacy Education 1 | 3 |
| (Prerequisites for LTCY 511 are LTCY-501, LTCY-502 and 503) | ||
| LTCY-512 | Leadership In Literacy Instruction 1 | 3 |
| (Prerequisites for LTCY 512 are LTCY-501, LTCY-502, LTCY 504, LTCY 507) | ||
| Select one of the folowing: | 3 | |
| Literacy Instruction For Middle Level | ||
| Literacy Instruction For Linguistically & Culturally Diverse Learners | ||
or LTCY-515 | Integrating Technology With Literacy Instruction | |
| Total Hours | 33 | |
| 1 | Requires authorization to register |
| 2 | Candidates must:
|
The Reading Teacher Endorsement Program requires the following courses:
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| LTCY-501 | Literacy Instruction In Elementary Grades | 3 |
| LTCY-502 | Literacy Instruction In Content Areas In Secondary Grades | 3 |
| LTCY-504 | Literature For Instruction In A Diverse Society | 3 |
| LTCY-507 | Literacy Assessment And Instructional Planning | 3 |
| (Prerequisites for LTCY 507 are LTCY-501 and LTCY-502) | ||
| LTCY-508 | Practicum In Literacy Assessment & Intervention: Elementary Level 1 | 3 |
| LTCY-510 | Practicum In Literacy Assessment & Intervention: Secondary Level 1 | 3 |
| (Prerequisites for LTCY 508 and 510 are LTCY 504 and LTCY 507) | ||
| Total Hours | 18 | |
| 1 | Must be authorized to register |
EXIT REQUIREMENTS for the Master of Arts Degree in Literacy Education
- Satisfactory completion of all required courses
- One Self-Evaluation of Professional Dispositions
-
Faculty Evaluation of Professional Dispositions from the Supervisor of the Clinical Practicum
-
Submission of the program survey
ENTITLEMENT REQUIREMENTS FOR READING SPECIALIST ENDORSEMENT, PK-12
- Meet all exit requirements for the Master of Arts Degree in Literacy Education
- Earn a passing score on the ILTS content test: Reading Specialist
- Document a minimum of 2 years’ experience as the teacher-of-record
ENTITLEMENT REQUIREMENTS FOR READING TEACHER ENDORSEMENT, PK-12
- Successfully complete all required courses
-
Earn a passing score on the ILTS content test: Reading Teacher
Note: To be entitled by the University for the Reading Specialist or Reading Teacher endorsement from the state of Illinois, candidates must provide a copy of their ILTS test passing scores to the Literacy Education Program.
This sample curricular map is provided to guide you in the planning of your progression for this major. This guide should not replace regular consultations with your program advisor. For specific recommendations of courses not identified, please consult your program advisor.
MASTER OF ARTS DEGREE
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | Hours | |
| LTCY-501 | Literacy Instruction In Primary And Elementary Grades | 3 |
| LTCY-504 | Children’s And Young Adult Literature For Literacy Instruction | 3 |
| Term Hours | 6 | |
| Term 2 | ||
| LTCY-502 | Disciplinary Literacy Instruction In Secondary Grades | 3 |
| LTCY-505 | Writing Instruction In Elementary Grades | 3 |
| Term Hours | 6 | |
| Term 3 | ||
| LTCY-503 | Theory And Research In Literacy Education | 3 |
| LTCY-507 | Literacy Assessment And Instructional Planning | 3 |
| Term Hours | 6 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Term 1 | ||
| LTCY-508 | Practicum In Literacy Assessment Intervention: Elementary Level | 3 |
| LTCY-510 | Practicum In Literacy Assessment Intervention: Secondary Level | 3 |
| Term Hours | 6 | |
| Term 2 | ||
| LTCY-511 | Research Seminar In Literacy Education | 3 |
| LTCY-512 | Leadership In Literacy Instruction | 3 |
| Term Hours | 6 | |
| Term 3 | ||
| LTCY-514 | Language And Literacy Instruction For Culturally And Linguistically Diverse Students | 3 |
| Term Hours | 3 | |
| Total Hours: | 33 | |
Reading Teacher Endorsement
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | Hours | |
| LTCY-501 | Literacy Instruction In Primary And Elementary Grades | 3 |
| LTCY-504 | Children’s And Young Adult Literature For Literacy Instruction | 3 |
| Term Hours | 6 | |
| Term 2 | ||
| LTCY-502 | Disciplinary Literacy Instruction In Secondary Grades | 3 |
| LTCY-507 | Literacy Assessment And Instructional Planning | 3 |
| Term Hours | 6 | |
| Term 3 | ||
| LTCY-508 | Practicum In Literacy Assessment Intervention: Elementary Level | 3 |
| LTCY-510 | Practicum In Literacy Assessment Intervention: Secondary Level | 3 |
| Term Hours | 6 | |
| Total Hours: | 18 | |