The reading and language arts/literacy education program prepares educators to teach students at all age levels, preK-12, in general education and content area instructional situations. The program focuses on both students who progress typically and those who struggle with learning to read. The program meets all International Reading Association Standards for Classroom Professionals and Specialized Reading Professionals.

The State of Ohio Endorsement in Reading is attained as part of the core requirements of the program. For this reason, students who enter the program must hold a valid teaching certificate or license.

Effective SPRING 2012

2 CHANGES IN READING ENDORSEMENT REQUIREMENTS

The state of Ohio requirements for earning a reading endorsement have changed.

Change 1: Prerequisite of 12 hours of reading coursework

Individuals interested in earning a reading endorsement MUST have 12 hours of coursework in the teaching of reading PRIOR to taking the reading endorsement courses.  A 3-hour course in the teaching of phonics is required, but this requirement may have been completed in an undergraduate program.  Additionally, most certified classroom teachers in the last ten years or so have taken 12 hours of reading coursework as an undergraduate. However, to determine a specific individual's situation, please complete this form ( Verification of 12 hours) and attach a copy of your transcript as a pdf to Dr. Denise N. Morgan ( dmorgan2@kent.edu). She will work to confirm/determine appropriate coursework.

Possible courses to take include:

MCED 5005   Effective Use of Phonics in Reading (3 hours)

C & I 57504    Reading and Writing in Middle Grades (3 hours)

MCED 50007 Teaching Reading with Literature (3 hours)

C & I 57330    Reading and Writing in Adolescence/Adulthood (3 hours)

ECED 60167  Language and Literacy: Understanding Development (3 hours)

Any reading endorsement course taken BEFORE completion of this 12-hour prerequisite will have to be retaken AFTER the state requirement is fulfilled.  This is an absolute.  No exceptions can be made.

Change 2: Field Experience Requirement

Individuals interested in earning a reading endorsement MUST complete a field experience in grade bands outside of their current license. For example, someone certified PreK-3 would need to examine reading and writing instruction in both middle childhood (grades 4-7) and adolescence (grades 7-12).  This can be accomplished by taking C & I 6/77396 Individual Investigation in Reading (1 credit hour).

This course requires 25 field internship hours, split as equitably as possible between the two needed grade bands.  These hours can be earned in various ways, such as observing, interviewing students and teachers, viewing "effective practice" videos, tutoring students, participating in professional development sessions, reading children's literature appropriate for those grade bands, etc., and documenting both participation in and responses to these experiences.This one-hour on-line course provides the information and experiences needed to complete this state requirement. This Individual Investigation may be taken any semester while taking graduate coursework.

Updated November 2011