Reading/Language Arts Specialist Credential

Total units required for Credential: 24

Program Description

A graduate student may earn a Reading/Language Arts Specialist Credential (issued by CCTC) by completing the courses listed below. This credential prepares teachers for literacy related teaching positions pre K-12 as well as for leadership roles at school and district levels. Enrollment in the Master's program is not required provided that the following admission requirements are met.

Note: Teachers must have three years of teaching experience before the Reading/Language Arts Specialist Credential can be awarded.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the Reading/Language Arts Specialist Credential requires:

  • a valid California Basic Teaching Credential (e.g., Multiple Subject or Single Subject Credential);
  • a minimum 3.0 GPA in the last 60 units;
  • successful completion of a basic course in the Teaching of Reading from an accredited university; if reading methods course is older than seven years, must show evidence of: a) current staff development in Language and Literacy by participation in workshops, institutes, etc., (candidates must show documentation); or b) passing the RICA test within the past seven years; and
  • completion of the Reading/Language Arts Specialist Credential Application (available in Eureka Hall 203 and on the College of Education's website.

Program Requirements

Required Courses (24 Units)
Tier I (Take these courses first)
EDLL 200Practicum in Decoding and Fluency: Assessment and Instruction3
EDLL 201Practicum in Comprehension: Assessment and Instruction3
EDLL 203Teaching and Assessing Writing in the Pre-K through 12 Classroom3
EDLL 205Psychology and Sociology of Literacy Instruction3
Tier II (Take these courses ONLY after completion of Tier I)
EDLL 202Language and Literacy Development in Multicultural Settings3
EDLL 206Leadership In Literacy3
EDLL 207Advanced Practicum in Reading Difficulties: Assessment and Intervention3
EDLL 209Literature for the Diverse Pre- K through 12 Classroom: Issues, Models and Strategies3
Total Units24