This coursework is designed for teachers who have a Master’s degree and wish to add the VDOE reading Specialist endorsement to their teaching license. 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 these approved graduate level courses, the VDOE requires passing scores on the Praxis Reading Specialist (5302) and at least three years of successful classroom teaching experience in which the teaching of reading is an important responsibility. Students should not attempt the Praxis Reading Specialist (5302) prior to the completion of READ 660 - Evaluation and Applied Practicum in Early Literacy ; and READ 680 - Developing Literacy Leaders .
Admission
Applicants to this professional endorsement must possess a bachelor’s degree from an institution that is accredited by the appropriate institutional (formally regional) accreditation agency and a valid Virginia Collegiate Professional License or equivalent from another state at the time of admission.
In addition to the above, applicants must have:
- a 2.75 cumulative GPA (on a 4.0 scale)
- provide a minimum of two recommendations
- a 500-word personal essay
- a résumé
- official transcripts of the bachelor’s degree and any course work completed after that degree.
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. Students are scaffolded by their advisor throughout their coursework 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 literacy standards and highlights their professional. 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.
General Requirements: Development of a portfolio provides each candidate opportunities for reflection and self-evaluation 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 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 thecoursework;
- 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 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.
