e-Learning

Admission to the Reading Certificate program requires the same application materials as the M.Ed. in Reading Specialist. If the Reading Specialist Graduate Certificate application is submitted with the M.Ed. application, the $60 application fee will be charged only once.

Application Requirements

1. Application for admission and $60 non-refundable admission fee.
2. Copy of a current Alaska teaching or administrative certificate.
3. Two Letters of Recommendation on UAS form.
4. Official transcript(s) indicating a baccalaureate degree and a GPA of 3.0.

5. Please write an essay of three to five pages (1500 words maximum) describing the following topics:

   1. Describe your rationale for applying to a graduate program in (insert program title here) and your professional goals related to this course of study.
   2. What are some of the challenges that face educators in public education today? How might continued study support you in mediating these challenges or supporting possible solutions in your context?
   3. Describe a trend in education and your perception of its effects for learners and systems of education.
   4. Reflecting on your career in education to this point
   5. Describe a success that you experienced and why you considered this experience a success.
   6. Describe a situation that did not result in a positive outcome and what you might have done differently.
6. Statement of ability to do field experience on UAS form.

Additional information and links to forms at: https://www.uas.alaska.edu/education/programs/reading-specialist.html.

Exit Requirements

1. GPA of 3.00
2. Satisfactory completion of all courses
3. EDRE 696 must be completed with a B or higher
4. Official Praxis II exam (Reading Specialist exam 5302) score meeting Alaska Department of Education & Early Development requirements is required for issuance of the State-Approved Program Verification Form that leads to state certification.

Exit Requirements

1. GPA of 3.00
2. Satisfactory completion of all courses
3. EDRE 696 must be completed with a B or higher
4. Official Praxis II exam (Reading Specialist exam 5302) score meeting Alaska Department of Education & Early Development requirements is required for issuance of the State-Approved Program Verification Form that leads to state certification.

Upon completion, students will be able to:

1. International Literacy Association Standard 1 Foundational Knowledge: Candidates demonstrate knowledge of the theoretical, historical, and evidence-based foundations of literacy and language and the ways in which they interrelate, and the role of literacy professionals in schools.
2. International Literacy Association Standard 2 Curriculum and Instruction: Candidates use foundational knowledge to critique and implement literacy curricula to meet the needs of all learners and to design, implement, and evaluate evidence-based literacy instruction for all learners.
3. International Literacy Association Standard 3 Assessment and Evaluation: Candidates understand, select, and use valid, reliable, fair, and appropriate assessment tools to screen, diagnose, and measure student literacy achievement; inform instruction and evaluate interventions; participate in professional learning experiences; explain assessment results and advocate for appropriate literacy practices to relevant stakeholders.
4. International Literacy Association Standard 4 Diversity and Equity: Candidates demonstrate knowledge of research, relevant theories, pedagogies, essential concepts of diversity and equity; demonstrate and provide opportunities for understanding all forms of diversity as central to students' identities; create classrooms and schools that are inclusive and affirming; advocate for equity at school, district, and community levels.
5. International Literacy Association Standard 5 Learners and the Literacy Environment: Candidates meet the developmental needs of all learners and collaborate with school personnel to use a variety of print and digital materials to engage and motivate all learners; integrate digital technologies in appropriate, safe, and effective ways; foster a positive climate that supports a literacy-rich learning environment.
6. International Literacy Association Standard 6 Professional Learning and Leadership: Candidates recognize the importance of, participate in, and facilitate ongoing professional learning as part of career-long leadership roles and responsibilities.
7. International Literacy Association Standard 7 Practicum/Clinical Experiences (for specialized literacy professionals only): Candidates apply theory and best practice in multiple supervised practicum/clinical experiences