This program provides graduate level studies in literacy for educators who wish to:

1. Advance their knowledge and skills of teaching literacy in the classroom, and
2. Integrate literacy into all content areas.

It provides advanced study for teachers and educators seeking lead positions in buildings where literacy is a focus for federal legislation and state accreditation.

Admission

Students must meet the Graduate School's requirements for admission to this certificate.

Graduate Certificate Programs

Graduate certificates are awarded to students who desire interdisciplinary coursework to complement their graduate degree program or who, for academic, personal or professional reasons, desire graduate-level education not leading to a graduate degree.

Prospective students seeking graduate certificates must be admitted to the Graduate School in a degree program or certificate program (a nondegree, Category A program). New graduate students will apply using the application for admission. Students already in a graduate program or already holding an appropriate nondegree status must submit the online Declaration of Intent to Pursue a Graduate Certificate form¹ to be formally approved to pursue the chosen certificate(s). All Graduate School policies relative to the admission criteria mentioned previously apply.

More information about the completion requirements for Graduate Certificates can be found in the Certificates in Graduate Programs section of the Graduate Catalog.

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Program Requirements

Given the diverse needs of students in classrooms, the graduate certificate in reading specialist and structured literacy curriculum focuses on structured literacy assessment, instruction, dyslexia and the science of reading. Upon completion, candidates may choose to take the reading specialist licensure exams and apply for the advanced endorsement through KSDE.

Background Check

Upon admission and prior to their first semester, all applicants admitted to this program must clear a criminal background check. There are two reasons for this requirement. First, it is part of the university’s due diligence before placing students in field settings. Second, the check may alert applicants or students to issues that may subsequently affect their ability to work in their chosen field. In instances when a person’s criminal history raises reasonable concerns that should be cleared to engage in the field experiences and/or subsequently obtain licensure/endorsement, WSU may take a range of actions, including rescission of admission or dismissal from the program, depending on the nature of the concern.

For information regarding this requirement, visit: Advanced Programs¹.

Curriculum

Required coursework includes:

Completion Requirements

Students must meet the Graduate School’s requirements in order to earn this certificate. In addition, candidates must pass all key program assessments. Complete information on these assessments is available from the program advisor.

If interested in the Reading Specialist Endorsement, visit with the advisor to learn about licensure requirements.

For more information, please visit the graduate certificate in reading specialist and structured literacy webpage¹.

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