Online Degrees Curriculum and Teaching Reading Certificate

Online Graduate Certificate in Reading Education

The online graduate certificate in reading education* builds on your existing educational experience, allowing you to focus on improving the reading outcomes of students in your classes even if you teach in another field such as math or science. The online graduate certificate in reading education is a compact program that can be completed in less than a year, and it is ideal for those who already have a master's degree but want to improve the quality of their classroom.

Built on the Standards for Reading Professionals of the International Reading Association, the KU online reading education graduate certificate program teaches you proven strategies for establishing strong foundations in reading and writing for PK-12 students. Throughout the program, you will explore the developmental stages of reading and writing and will learn how to approach various learning situations.

Earn your certificate in as few as 8 months

DEC
15
Application Deadline
December 15
Spring 2024 Term
JAN
8
Next Start
January 8
Spring 2024 Term

Program Details



  • 6 courses, 8 weeks per course, 18 credit hours
  • Complete in as few as 8 to 10 months
  • Opportunity to apply practical approaches grounded in pedagogical theory through interactions with children and youth in your own community
  • Learn from renowned faculty with extensively published research and diverse real-world experience
  • Curriculum based on the Standards for Reading Professionals of the International Literacy Association
  • Complete your coursework anytime, anywhere, through our innovative online format
  • Track your research and share with classmates in the online Reading Room
  • No GRE required for admission
  • If admitted to the master's program in reading education, these credit hours will count toward the degree

View Admissions Requirements

*This online graduate certificate does not lead to initial licensure nor any licensure endorsement in the state of Kansas.

*The online graduate certificate in reading education program meets the educational requirements for licensure in the state of Kansas. If you plan to obtain a license or certification in a state other than Kansas or a US territory after completion of your program, it is highly recommended you first seek guidance from the appropriate licensing agency BEFORE beginning the academic program to ensure you can obtain a license of certification in your home state or territory. The website https://nc-sara.org/professional-licensure-directory provides resources for licensure and certification boards outside of Kansas.

Note: In order to enroll in this program, a bachelor's degree is required. No program can guarantee licensure. It is each student’s responsibility to determine the licensure requirements in his or her state and to apply for the licenses or endorsements necessary to his or her career goals. Our department staff and licensure officer can provide individual support during the application process to help you understand your state’s requirements.

Online Graduate Certificate in Reading Education Course Work Course Descriptions

The online Graduate Certificate in Reading Education requires the completion of 6 courses, each of which are worth 3 credits.

Please note: Course list and sequence is subject to change.

C&T 740 – FOUNDATIONS OF READING: PROCESS, THEORY, AND INSTRUCTION

It is the purpose of this course to introduce students to the foundations of the reading process, developmental levels, theory, models, and procedures at the emergent, elementary, and secondary levels. Elements of cultural, linguistic and ethnic diversity that affect the reading process are included. Students work with research related to the reading process, remediation and assessment.

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C&T 745 – READING AND THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNER

The course focuses on the literacy development, research, and effective teaching practices that support emerging bilinguals (EBs) and additive bilinguals becoming literate in PK–Grade 12 and adult academic settings. We examine how learning to read, write, speak and view in a new language are similar and/or dissimilar from these dimensions in a first language. Cognitive, sociocultural, linguistic and educational perspectives are investigated as part of this examination. Specific examples of challenges that exist for students as they learn to communicate in English are shared and problem-solved. Ways to connect students’ home languages, background literacy knowledge and development are also explored. The course examines the essential components of literacy instruction: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary development and comprehension. As each component is studied, implications for literacy development with EBs are highlighted.

C&T 840 – EMERGENT LITERACY AND BEGINNING READING

A study of emergent literacy through the beginning stages of literacy development. Course content focuses on the history, theory and research that supports instructional reading practices for children pre-kindergarten through grade 2.

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C&T 842 – SUPPORTING STRIVING READERS: ADOLESCENT THROUGH ADULT

A study of the characteristics and multiple causes of reading and writing difficulties, principles and procedures for diagnosing and remediating reading difficulties, how to provide individual and group intervention strategies, communicate diagnostic information and gain awareness of the impact of research on instructional decision-making for students with reading difficulties.

C&T 741 – COMPREHENSION AND STUDY STRATEGIES FOR USE WITH MULTIPLE TEXTS

It is the purpose of this course to examine research, theory and practice in reading comprehension. Emphasis is placed on the application of strategies for various text types (expository, narrative, persuasive and technical) for teaching reading comprehension and study skills across content areas in the K-12 classrooms.

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C&T 743 – WRITING AND SPELLING DEVELOPMENT AND INSTRUCTION

A study of the research base on writing, spelling, speaking and listening for teaching the language arts; an overview of development in writing and spelling, the writing and spelling processes and instruction, and strategies for integrating the language arts.