Reading Endorsement

K-12 Reading Endorsement

The Reading Endorsement is a 14-hour graduate experience in addition to a 3-hour phonics course if one was not taken previously. It is a three-semester experience with three courses taken in sequence. In addition, students must earn an acceptable score on the "Teaching Reading 0204" subtest of the Ohio Department of Education-Educator Preparation assessment to earn the K-12 Ohio Endorsement of Standard Certificate for Reading. (The test can be taken after coursework has been completed and is not a prerequisite for admission to the program.) Please note you must apply for the reading endorsement once you have completed the requirements. See the tab on directions on how to apply.

 The courses are as follows:

C&I 6/77310 Theory and Practice in Teaching of Reading (3 hrs)

Nature and development of reading, approaches to instruction, relation to learning and development.

C&I 6/77319 Diag. & Remediation of Reading Problem (3 hrs)

Theory and application of diagnostic principles and remedial reading approaches with school-age children. Cultural, linguistic, cognitive and affective factors in diagnosing and remediating reading problems. Prerequisite: CI 67310. 

 C&I 6/77323 Clinical Practicum in Corrective Reading (4 hrs)

Application of previous courses includes supervised diagnostic/prescriptive reading work with school-age pupils and diagnostic/remedial reporting. Prerequisite: CI 67319.

C&I 6/77330 Reading in the Content Areas (3 hrs)

Information and competencies for improving students' reading and studying in the content areas. Focus on intermediate grades through postsecondary years.

C&I 67396 Field Reading Internship: Individual Investigation (1 hr online)

Internship in grade levels outside your current licensure. There are many ways to earn these hours in grade bands outside of your current license even if you are employed full time.

Course taken specifically with Dr. Morgan.

 If needed:  MCED 50005 Effective Use of Phonics in Reading (3 hrs)

The influence of theoretical perspectives on word identification instruction, an examination of the role of phonics in reading and writing, strategies for effective phonics instruction and assessment. Must show evidence of having taken this course previously.

 Planning your coursework:

Necessary Prerequisites Before Beginning Any Endorsement Coursework:

As of Spring 2012, the state of Ohio requirements for earning a reading endorsement have changed.

Change 1:  Prerequisite of 9 – 12 hours of reading coursework

Individuals interested in earning a reading endorsement MUST have 9-12 hours of coursework in the teaching of reading PRIOR to taking the reading endorsement courses.

12 hours needed: Applicants holding ECED and MCED licensure

9 hours needed: Applicants holding the Adolescent/Young Adult (AYA), multi-age, or

career technical license

All persons interested in pursuing a reading endorsement must have previous work verified. To do so, please (1) complete this form (Verification of 12 hours) and (2) attach a copy of your transcript as a pdf to Dr. Denise N. Morgan (dmorgan2@kent.edu). After reviewing your coursework she will send you an approval form.

If you know you do not have 9-12 hours, complete the form and send your transcript and she will provide you with a list of necessary classes to take.

Change 2:  Field Experience Requirement

Individuals interested in earning a reading endorsement MUST complete a field experience in grade bands outside of their current license. For example, someone certified PreK-3 would need to examine reading and writing instruction in both middle childhood (grades 4-7) and adolescence (grades 7-12). This can be accomplished by taking C & I 6/77396 Individual Investigation in Reading (1 credit hour) with Dr. Morgan.

This course requires 25 field internship hours, split as equitably as possible between the two- needed grade bands. These hours can be earned in various ways, such as observing, interviewing students and teachers, viewing "effective practice" videos, tutoring students, participating in professional development sessions, reading children's literature appropriate for those grade bands, etc., and documenting both participation in and responses to these experiences. This one-hour on-line course provides the information and experiences needed to complete this state requirement. This Individual Investigation may be taken any semester while taking graduate coursework.

If you hold a K-12 license you will divide your hours equally across three grade bands, preK-3, 4-7, 7-12.

The internship is designed to allow you to earn hours in these other grade bands while still working full time. 

Other Helpful Information

Obtaining License

Candidates seeking Ohio licensure must score above the State minimum on the Ohio Assessment for Educators content assessment area: Teaching Reading 0204. Please refer to the Ohio Department of Education-Educator Preparation website for more information on assessments specific to licensure type.

Please note that KSU cannot process a request to the State of Ohio for the Reading Endorsement without test scores.

 To Enroll in the Reading Endorsement

• Go to http://www.kent.edu/admissions/apply/

Check "Special Non-Degree" for Reading Endorsement only or "Master of Education" for the Master's Degree. If you are selecting the Master's degree, write in "Reading Specialization" as your major. (The GRE is not required for those enrolling in the Reading Endorsement or Master's Degree in Reading Specialization.)

 Please read our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and then contact Dr. Morgan with any additional questions you may have dmorgan2@kent.edu.

 Updated 2/22/2013