Reading and Literacy Leadership Specialist Credential

Program of Study

The purpose of the Reading and Literacy Leadership Specialist Credential is to prepare teachers to assume classroom, school and district leadership positions in the areas of language arts and curriculum. Candidates will become knowledgeable of current reading and writing theory, research and pedagogy, literacy learning, children and adolescent literature, assessment, and curriculum development. In addition, candidates will learn to assist in the development of assessment instruments and procedures as well as the role and responsibilities associated with leadership in literacy programs. Courses contain information regarding the issues of special populations, multilingual/multicultural, and biliteracy strands, as well as projects that connect academic work to school contexts and address K-12 issues. In addition, research methodology and the utilization of technology as it relates to literacy instruction are infused throughout the courses.

Students may complete the Reading and Literacy Added Authorization Program and Reading and Literacy Leadership Specialist Credential without completing the MA. To complete the Reading and Literacy Leadership Specialist Credential, students must first complete the Reading and Literacy Added Authorization Program. Candidates must hold a CTC-approved valid basic teaching credential (or equivalent), and have three years of experience (or equivalent).

Student Learning Outcomes

The student learning outcomes for the Reading and Literacy Leadership Specialist Credential are defined by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. Reading and Literacy Leadership Specialist Credential authorizes the holder to provide the following services as a reading specialist in any grade level K-12, or in classes organized for adults:

1. Assist and support the classroom teacher in reading instruction and teaching strategies.
2. Select and adapt reading instruction materials; plan and conduct reading staff development.
3. Assess student progress and monitor student achievement in reading.
4. Provide direct reading intervention work with students.
5. Develop and coordinate reading programs at the school, district, or county level.

Required Courses for the Reading and Literacy Leadership Specialist Credential (12 additional units beyond the Reading and Literacy Added Authorization)

• EDUC 606 - Foundations of Literacy and Literacy Instruction Units: 3
• EDUC 610 - Creating Conditions for Engagement and Independence in Literacy Classrooms Units: 3
• EDUC 613 - Multilingual Learners, Literacy and Language Units: 3
• EDUC 614A - Reading and Writing Assessment Units: 3
• EDUC 614B - Reading Certificate Field Experience Units: 3
• EDUC 616 - Learning Through Text Units: 3
• EDUC 618 - Teaching Literacy for the 21st Century Units: 3
• EDUC 619 - Teacher Inquiry to Improve Student Learning Units: 3
• EDUC 623 - Integrating Curriculum Through Fieldwork/Clinical Experiences Units: 6
• EDUC 627 - Designing, Developing and Evaluating Effective Literacy Programs Units: 3

Total (30 Units)

Please note: Candidates for the Reading and Literacy Leadership Specialist Credential must maintain a GPA of 3.0 and not receive a grade of less than a B- in any program course. Students completing the course sequence and meeting these criteria will be recommended to the Commission on Teacher Credentialing for the Reading and Literacy Leadership Specialist Credential.