Reading Specialist Certificate

Program Objectives/Student Learning Outcomes

The program objectives for this certificate program are aligned with the International Reading Association’s Standards for Reading Professionals.Graduates of the Reading Specialist Certificate program will be able to:

• Explain key components of literacy development, including: phonemic awareness, phonics knowledge, vocabulary knowledge, fluency, comprehension skills and strategies, and writing skills and strategies
• Use research and theory to critique, design, and implement literacy curricula and evidence-based instruction for all learners in culturally responsive classrooms and schools
• Evaluate and use valid, reliable, fair, and appropriate literacy assessment tools and data to measure student literacy achievement, make instructional decisions, and communicate with relevant stakeholders  
• Evaluate leading research articles and policies on a wide variety of literacy topics and translate research to practice for a wide range of audiences, such as educators, administrators, parents, and community members 

Student learning outcomes include summative assessments for each course which demonstrate learning in one or more of the above objectives.

Contact Information

Sara Parrish
(775) 784-4383
saraparrish@unr.edu

Admission Requirements

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Students applying to receive the endorsement only must have:

• completed a Master’s degree previously, or be concurrently completing a Master’s degree,
• 3 years of teaching experience, or will be completing their 3^rd year by the end of the certificate program, and
• a valid elementary or secondary teaching license.

Priority consideration will be given to applicants who meet the Graduate School admission requirements and:

• have an overall cumulative GPA of 2.75 or better (on a 4-point scale) or 3.0 for the last half of the undergraduate degree;
• submit TOEFL scores (international applicants only);
• complete the Graduate School application; 
• complete the Literacy Studies Program Application, including:
  • application form,
  • a signed disposition statement for the degree sought,
  • confidential letters of recommendation from two persons who can comment on your professional qualifications and/or ability to be successful in graduate work,
  • a brief (1-2 page) resume, and
  • a brief (1-3 page) typed essay describing your educational philosophy and purpose for pursuing the certificate.
    

I. Program Requirements

Students who wish to complete the Endorsement Certificate only must complete the required courses below and 4 units from the elective list.

Endorsement Certificate students who are also enrolled in the M.Ed. program may earn the Endorsement Certificate along the way to the M.Ed. by completing the requirements for our M.Ed. program:

1. M.Ed. students must enroll in either the thesis option (33 units) or the non-thesis option (32 units) for the M.Ed. degree.
2. All M.Ed. students must complete 18 units of core courses (of which the required courses below are a subset), and a minimum of 15 units of courses at the 700-level.
3. In addition to 18 units of core courses, thesis-option students take an additional 9 units of electives and 6 thesis units (EDS 797).
4. Non-thesis option students take the 18 units of core courses, an additional 12 units of electives, and 2 comprehensive exam units (EDS 795).

II. Total Hours (minimum 16 units)

Undergraduate Requirements

There are no specific undergraduate prerequisites, but this program is designed for practicing teachers. Qualified applicants will have a valid elementary or secondary teaching license, a Masters degree, and three years of verified teaching experience.