Why Concordia University Wisconsin for Reading?
- Courses are conveniently located in your area.
- The Reading Master's can be completed in two years, by attending classes one night per week during the school year.
- The program is approved by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
- Course work is rigorous, comprehensive, and includes portfolio assessment.
Concordia University Wisconsin offers Wisconsin licensure as a reading teacher (Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Certification #316) and as a reading specialist (Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Certification #17). License #316 is an 18-credit certification that gives the teacher the skills to be an expert reading teacher within the classroom setting. License #17 is an additional 15 credits built on the license #316 and provides the teacher with the skills necessary to work on a district level developing and implementing reading programs.
License #316 may be taken independently from license #17, but no master's degree will be awarded. Students wishing to obtain the #17 license must take it after completion of coursework for the #316 license. When coursework for both licensures is completed a master's degree will be awarded.
Non-licensed teachers who wish to obtain these licensures may first complete the coursework in the teacher certification programs offered by Concordia.
While license #17 does require an internship, it ordinarily does not interfere with one's teaching responsibilities.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is the program accredited?
Concordia is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association. The graduate reading program is approved by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction and meets the licensing requirements for License #316, Pre K-12 Reading Teacher and License #17, Reading Specialist.
If I am uncertain whether I want both License #316 and #317, may I decide later to do one or both?
The first six courses are requirements for the #316. Eligibility for #316 is necessary for #17 certification. You have the flexibility to finish only your #316, to continue toward your masters only, or to continue to the masters and #17 licensure.
What are the entrance requirements?
Students must have an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.00, a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and a Wisconsin teaching license. GRE's are not required!
Do I need to take a semester off in order to complete the internship?
No. The internship is typically worked around your teaching schedule.
Are transfer credits accepted?
Yes. During the application process, any previous graduate credits will be reviewed for possible transfer to the reading program. They must be at least 3 credits and have been taken within the past seven years.
Is there a comprehensive exam at the end of the program?
No. The portfolio has replaced the comprehensive exam.
What materials are required to apply?
A complete application includes a one-page application, non-refundable $35 application fee, essay, resume, two recommendations and all official transcripts leading to your bachelor's degree.
Are there additional steps for licensure?
Upon completion of the cohort program, students must complete an application for state licensure through the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. Prior to entering the program students seeking licensure in other states should submit a copy of Concordia's program to their state licensing body and request written approval for their state to grant a license at the end of the program.
Reading Courses
| EDG 507 Curriculum Development |
3 credits |
| EDG 509 Integrating Learning Skills Across the Curriculum* |
3 credits |
| EDG 537 Supervision of Instruction |
3 credits |
| EDG 544 Current Topics and Research in Reading |
3 credits |
| EDG 552 Improvement in the Teaching of Reading* |
3 credits |
| EDG 553 Diagnosis and Remediation* |
3 credits |
| EDG 554 Practicum* |
3 credits |
| EDG 556 Language Arts for the Teacher of Reading* |
3 credits |
| EDG 576 K-12 Literature* |
3 credits |
| EDG 595 Graduate Seminar |
3 credits |
| EDG 596 Internship in Education-Reading (required for #17) |
3 credits |
| EDG 627 Portfolio 1* |
0 credits |
| EDG 628 Portfolio 2* |
0 credits |
| EDG 629 Portfolio 3 |
0 credits |
Total Credits Required:
- 33 credits for Masters and License #316 and #17
- 30 credits for Masters and License #316
- *18 credits for License #316 only
How does the cohort program work?
A cohort is a group of students that complete an entire program of study together. Concordia's off campus cohorts are held at various locations around Wisconsin conveniently located to meet the needs of a busy teacher.
The courses within the cohort program are accelerated. Students will complete each course in eight sessions. Each cohort will include a maximum of 22 students. The small class size allows students to receive personal attention.
Classes are offered one evening per week during the school year at off-campus locations.
The program can be completed in two years. Students wishing to complete the License #17 must complete an internship.
Where do I go for more information?
Aaron Dobberstein
Graduate Admission Counselor
800.330.9866 or 262.243.4576
Dr. Michael Uden
Program Director-Graduate Reading Program
262.243.2612
