Reading/English Language Arts Specialist Endorsement

This state-approved program gives Saint Michael’s College the authority to endorse students in reading who already have an initial license. In consultation with an advisor, the student selects six courses (eighteen credits) in the areas of reading foundations and methods, children’s literature, reading assessment, and language arts. When this course work is complete, and the student has already applied for candidacy, the student is eligible to take GED 688D Reading Practicum (3 credits).  Additionally, students must have a “B” or better in all literacy related classes and be able to document 3 years of teaching experience.  Students not pursuing the endorsement may substitute another literacy course for the Practicum.

Reading Foundations and Methods

Students must take at least 6 credits from among these choices.

• GED 522 - Teaching Literacy in the Elementary Classroom Credits: 3 cr.
• GED 530 - Literacy in the Middle and Secondary Schools Credits: 3 cr.
• GED 540 - TIME for Teachers™ Credits: 3 cr.
• GED 606 - Literacy Development and Instruction in the Elementary Classroom Credits: 3 cr.
• GED 640 - Language and Learning Credits: 3 cr.
• GED 643 - Instruction of K-6 Students with Learning Challenges in Language Arts Credits: 3 cr.

Reading Assessment

Students must take at least 3 credits in reading assessment.

• GED 534 - Assessment and Instruction in Reading Credits: 3 cr.

Children’s Literature

Students must select at least 3 credits from among these choices.

• GED 517 - Teaching Nonfiction in the Elementary Grades Credits: 3 cr.
• GED 535 - Children’s Literature: Author and Illustrator Studies Credits: 3 cr.

Literacy Electives

Students must take 6 additional credits in reading/literacy courses.  These electives may come from any of the above mentioned categories, or from those listed below.

Book Arts

• GED 533 - The Illustrated Book: Between the Covers Credits: 3 cr.
• GED 673 - Special Topics in Arts Education: Literacy through the Book Arts Credits: 1-3 cr.

Writing

• GED 525 - Writing from the Heart Credits: 3 cr.
• GED 526 - Special Topics: The Literacy Technology Connection: Reflective Essays and Multimedia Credits: 3 cr.
• GED 595 - Writing in the Upper Elementary Grades Credits: 3 cr.
• GED 604 - Teachers Writing, Writing Teachers: A Writing Workshop For K-16 Teachers Credits: 3 cr.

ESL

• GSL 543 - Teaching of Oral Skills in ESOL and English Phonology Credits: 4 cr.
• GSL 544 - Teaching Reading and Writing in ESOL Credits: 4 cr.
• GSL 546 - K-12 Literacy in ESOL Credits: 4 cr.
• GSL 547 - ESOL in the Content Areas Credits: 4 cr.
• GSL 655 - Language Learning & Assessment for Children Credits: 3 cr.

Special Topics

• GED 502 - Media Literacy: Remote Control or Self-Control: Media Literacy for Healthy Minds and Bodies Credits: 3 cr.
• GED 510 - Becoming a Literacy Leader: Tools and Strategies for Success Credits: 3
• GED 667 - Words Come Alive! Credits: 3 cr.
• GED 673 - Special Topics in Arts Education: Literacy through the Book Arts Credits: 1-3 cr.

General Electives

Students must take 9 additional credits in general electives (i.e., any course from the Graduate Education Catalogue) or, if desired, additional literary electives.  Students are strongly encouraged to take a leadership course and/or GED 634: Consultation and Collaboration in Schools or GED 526: Special Topics: Becoming A Literacy Leader: Tools and Strategies for Success.

Practicum

The practicum is required for all students pursuing the additional endorsement.  Students may only register for the practicum after completing their 18 required credits in reading.  Students not taking the practicum must register for an additional course in reading/literacy.

• GED 688 - Practicum Credits: 3 cr.