Specialized Learning Opportunities
Literacy Specialist Post-Master’s Certificate
The Department of Curriculum and Instruction offers a program of study leading to a Post- Master's Literacy Specialist Certificate. This program is intended to provide advanced preparation for literacy/reading specialists and leaders in literacy education. Literacy is the ability to read, write, speak, listen, view, visually represent and think in meaningful or socially-recognized ways. Literacy specialist responsibilities include teaching, coaching, and coordinating literacy education as well as serving as a resource for other professionals and the community; promoting literacy advocacy; providing professional development; and working collaboratively to develop, implement, and evaluate literacy curriculum and programs. Upon passing all program requirements, candidates will earn Illinois Type 10 Reading Specialist Certification which is valid for teaching reading, supporting teaching professionals and coordinating literacy programs for kindergarten through grade twelve.
ADMISSION
Minimum admission criteria include a master's degree in education with a grade point average of 3.0 (A=4.0) or above; a valid Illinois teaching certificate in early childhood, elementary, secondary, or special education; a minimum of two years of full-time contract classroom teaching; and 3 hours of children's literature at the undergraduate or graduate level (or obtain before graduation).
PROGRAM OF STUDY
27 semester hours of graduate credit are required for a Post-Master's Literacy Specialist Certificate. Requirements are as follows:
Literacy Core (27 hours):
CI 520 Theoretical Foundations in Literacy
CI 521 Emergent and Primary Level Literacy
CI 525 Upper Elementary and Middle Level Literacy
CI 540 Content Area Literacy
CI 571 Literacy Diagnostics: Assessment and Instruction
CI 572 Diagnostic Literacy Practicum for Elementary Level
CI 573 Diagnostic Literacy Practicum for Middle and Secondary Level
CI 578 Organization and Administration of Literacy Programs
CI 591 Current Issues and Trends in Literacy
Field Experience
Intensive and extensive field experiences (CI 521, 525, and 540) help prepare candidates to analyze their own instruction and assume the new role of consultant and collaborator with other school professionals. Candidates begin on-going reflection and development of their knowledge of literacy processes, assessment, instructional strategies, and materials to plan and adapt instruction to meet the diverse needs of students in pre-kindergarten through grade twelve. Through collaboration and constructive feedback, candidates enhance their knowledge, skills, and dispositions.
Entry to Clinic Practicum
Prior to enrolling in CI 571, the first clinical course, candidates must complete with a minimum grade of B the following four core courses (CI 520, CI 521, CI 525, and CI 540); one course may be taken concurrently with CI 571. Candidates must also have a passing score on the Reading Specialist Content - Area Test (176), and meet the passing criteria on two initial Literacy Program Notebooks: a standards notebook and a resource notebook.
Literacy Clinic Practicum
The Cougar Literacy Clinic in the Reading Center is a low cost diagnostic and instructional service that provides literacy development support for students in grades one to twelve from the surrounding communities. Literacy Specialist candidates complete three practicum courses, CI 571, 572, and 573. Graduate candidates conduct and analyze diagnostic literacy assessments, provide individualized developmental and remedial instruction, and write comprehensive literacy development reports for each student. Clinicians are supervised during the clinic through direct observation, as well as videotaping, case study discussions, and lesson plan reflections. Candidates work with colleagues to observe, plan, and provide feedback on each other's practice during the three semesters of clinic.
Upon completion of the three practicum courses (CI 571, 572, and 573) with a minimum grade of a B, candidates will present and meet passing criteria for their on-going Literacy Program Notebooks demonstrating a more thorough understanding and application of the previous standards along with resources for each component of literacy.
Graduation Requirements
Candidates must complete all requirements to be eligible for the Illinois Reading Specialist Certificate including: passing the Assessment of Professional Teaching (APT 104) and the Illinois Basic Skills Test (97) one semester prior to program completion, earning an A or a B in all program courses, passing all program assessments, and providing evidence of membership in an organization that will enhance their professional development in literacy (ie. IRC, IRA, NRC, or NCTE). Minimum GPA of 3.25.
