The Reading, Literacy and Learning professional endorsement program is designed for teachers who have a Master’s degree. It provides teachers the opportunity to investigate research-based theories in reading and writing, put theory into effective practice, and examine how culture impacts teaching and learning. The goal is to produce competent teacher-leaders able to teach reading and writing across the curriculum within the parameters of research-based literacy techniques and assessments.
Admission to this professional endorsement is on the same basis as admission to the Master of Education in Reading, Literacy, and Learning with the addition that applicants must hold a master’s degree and must possess a valid Virginia Postgraduate Professional License or equivalent from another state.
In addition to completion of this approved graduate level program, the VDOE requires passing scores on the RVE: Reading Specialist Assessment and at least three years of successful classroom teaching experience in which the teaching of literacy is an important responsibility (http://www.doe.virginia.gov/teaching/licensure/index.shtml). Students should not attempt the RVE: Reading Specialist Assessment prior to the completion of READ 660 - Applied Practicum in Early Literacy ; and READ 680 - Developing Literacy Leaders .
Professional Portfolio
All students in the professional endorsement in Reading, Literacy and Learning complete READ 691 - Professional Portfolio , as the culminating experience and exit requirement for the program. Students are scaffolded by their advisor throughout the program regarding professional portfolio requirements. During their final semester of enrollment, students are required to develop and present a professional portfolio which documents their mastery of program standards and highlights their growth throughout the program. Grading is Pass/Not Pass. A grade of incomplete (I) may not be assigned. A student who earns a Not Pass is allowed to retake READ 691 once. Should the student earn a second Not Pass, the student will be dismissed from the graduate program.
General Requirements: Development of a portfolio provides each candidate opportunities for reflection and self-evaluation with the graduate program as well as within his/her professional position that demonstrates proficiency in their chosen field. The Portfolio is electronic and should represent professional achievements for all of the 2017 International Literacy Association Standards for Literacy Professionals. The Portfolio will be evaluated by the program faculty. A final oral competency presentation will be presented to a panel of faculty and program peers on a selected date within the semester of enrollment in the course.
Administrative procedures for culmination of the process:
- portfolio completed under instructor supervision throughout the program;
- student registers for READ 691 - Professional Portfolio ;
- portfolio will be reviewed and evaluated by program faculty members;
- candidate will present a synopsis of the Professional Portfolio to the faculty committee and his/her program peers on a date selected within the semester enrolled in, READ 691 ; and
- instructor will record the collaborated grade of P/NP for the course.
