The Literacy/Reading Instruction Graduate Certificate is designed for educators with at least one year of teaching experience in PreK-12 classrooms or more informal settings who already hold a master's degree. The certificate provides an in-depth understanding of literacy development, scientifically-based literacy research, and evidence-based instructional, assessment, and intervention in literacy. It also provides opportunities to develop the leadership skills needed to serve as a Reading Specialist.
Completion of all certificate requirements enables eligibility for the Reading Specialist endorsement in Virginia. Additional state licensure requirements include an initial teaching license, a satisfactory score on the state-mandated licensure exam, and at least 3 years of successful classroom teaching experience in which the teaching of reading was an important responsibility.
Policies
For policies governing all graduate certificates, see AP.6.8 Requirements for Graduate Certificates.
Certificate Requirements
Total credits: 21
This certificate may be pursued on a part-time basis only.
Concentration in Reading Specialist (Licensure) (RSPL)
Coursework
Students enrolled in this concentration must earn a B or higher in all coursework.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EDRD 640 | Trajectory of Literacy Research | 2 |
| EDRD 641 | Trends and Issues in Literacy | 2 |
| EDRD 642 | Foundations of Literacy Instruction: Code-Based Skills | 3 |
| EDRD 643 | Foundations of Literacy Instruction: Meaning-Based Skills | 3 |
| EDRD 644 | Literacy Assessment and Intervention 1 | 3 |
| EDRD 645 | Supervised Literacy Practicum 1 | 3 |
| EDRD 646 | School-Based Leadership in Literacy | 3 |
| EDRD 647 | Introduction to Literacy Coaching | 2 |
| Total Credits | 21 | |