Professional Studies in Education - CSU, Chico
Reading/Language Arts
California Reading Certificate
Reading/Language Arts Specialist Credential
Master's Degree in Education with an option in the Teaching of Reading/Language
Arts
- Program Philosophy and Goals
- Prerequisites for Admission to the Specialist Credential Program
- Required Courses for the Specialist Credential Program
- Application Process
- Other Reading Program Options
- Career Outlook
- Contact Information
Program Philosophy and Goals
Believing that enjoyment of reading contributes to personal and academic success, faculty emphasize the need to use a wide variety of quality literature, instructional materials, and teaching strategies to enhance learning in all subject areas. The importance of interest and readiness is stressed as vital to the life-long development of reading, writing, listening, and speaking abilities. Of high priority in this program is the art and science of matching reading materials and learning activities with diverse learners and classroom situations. Reading program faculty recognize the role teachers play in assisting learners to use their abilities in productive and satisfying ways. Faculty assist graduate students to create classrooms in which all learners are encouraged and assisted to become knowledgeable, thoughtful, well-adjusted, and literate citizens who will enjoy and profit from life-long reading habits.
TopPrerequisites for Admission to the Specialist Credential Program
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and admission to the CSU, Chico Graduate School.
- Two years of successful teaching experience and possession of a basic teaching credential.
- Two satisfactory interviews, three letters of recommendation, and a statement of intent.
- Course work and/or background knowledge in human growth and development, structure of the English language, basic methods and materials for teaching reading, and children's or adolescents' literature.
Required Courses for the Specialist Credential Program
The Reading/Language Arts Specialist Credential Program is a 30-unit, competency-based program leading to a state-issued credential. Candidates for the credential normally complete the following course work, with variations possible depending on the individual's experiential background and professional goals.
Foundation Seminars: |
|
| BLMC 518 | Language and Communication Skills of English Learners - 3 units * *** |
| RDGL 664 | Seminar in Classroom Reading Diagnosis and Remediation - 3 Units *** |
| RDGL 660 | Issues in the Teaching of Reading - 3 units *** |
| RDGL 662 | Curriculum and Research in Reading - 3 units * |
| SPED 542 | Consultation and Staff Development |
| Or | |
| EDAD 611 | Supervision |
Clinic Seminars, Practica, and Internships: |
|
| RDGL 661 | Seminar in Individual Diagnosis in Reading - 3 units * *** |
| RDGL 665 | Techniques and Materials for Individual Instruction in Reading - 3 units * *** |
| RDGL 666 | Clinical Practice in Reading Diagnosis - 2-6 units ** *** ^ |
| RDGL 667 | Clinical Practice in Reading Instruction - 2-6 units ** *** ^ |
| RDGL 689 | Internship in Teaching Reading - 3 units ** |
Courses marked * are required for the MA. |
|
| Those marked ** are optional courses for the MA with an Option in Reading/Language Arts. | |
| Those marked *** are required for the California Reading Certificate. | |
| Courses marked ^ indicate that only one unit is required for California Reading Certificate. | |
Additional Courses Required for the Master's in Education with an Option in Reading/Language Arts |
|
| The Reading/Language Arts Specialist Credential Program is most often, but not always, completed in conjunction with the MA in education. The total number of units required for a combined MA in education and Reading/Language Arts Specialist Credential is normally 42 units. | |
| EDMA 600-608 | One foundation course of choice |
| EDMA 610 | Introduction to Inquiry in Education |
| EDMA 611 | Research Seminar in Education |
| EDMA 699 | Thesis or Project |
Application Process
- Contact the program coordinator to discuss your professional goals and complete a program plan.
- Complete a university application available from the Graduate School, Tehama 209, or online at www.csumentor.edu .
Other Reading Program Options
The Master of Arts degree in education with an option in reading/language arts is a 30-unit program with 18 units in reading-related course work.
The California Reading/Language Arts Certificate is a 17-unit program in reading-related course work. Successful completion of the course work associated with this program allows the individual to apply for the California Reading/Language Arts Certificate.
Career Outlook
Graduates of the specialist program, as well as the other two program options described previously, have assumed a variety of positions in both education and business. They are often available to speak with prospective students regarding the roles and responsibilities they are able to assume as a result of their preparation in the CSU, Chico graduate programs in the teaching of reading. Some of the positions include
- Early intervention reading program coordinator
- Community college reading program coordinator
- Community college reading teacher
- Reading resource teacher
- Reading specialist
- Reading consultant
- University professor
- Private tutor
- State and federal projects director
- District reading coordinator
- Owner/director, private reading clinic
- County reading/language arts coordinator
- Education director for business company
- Book company representative
- Textbook editor and reviewer
- Author of articles for professional journals
Contact Information
For additional information contact:
James E. Richmond
Director
Office: Tehama 401
Phone: 530-898-5398
Julie A. Roth
Coordinator of Clinical Services
Office: Aymer J. Hamilton 124
Phone: 530-898-6292
Department of Professional Studies in Education
Tehama 401
California State University, Chico
Chico, California 95929-0460
For more information you may also contact the Education Services Center:
Office: Holt 101
Phone: 530-898-6391
