Literacy Programs

Major:

• MA Literacy (MRD.E.MA) Major 

Specializations:

• LIC Reading Specialist Specialization (MRS.E.SPEC.2023)
• LIC Reading Teacher Specialization (MRT.E.SPEC.2023)

Licensure Programs:

• LIC Reading Specialist (MRS.E.LIC)
• ​​LIC Reading Teacher (MRT.E.LIC)
• ​LIC Reading Teacher & Reading Specialist (MRT_MRS.E.LIC)

This program is supported by all the Education Faculty. 

MA Literacy _(MRD.E.MA) Major Requirements  25-26 Catalog

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
ED-600	Introduction to Reading Portfolio	0
ED-755	Reading Teacher/Specialist Portfolio	0
DI-668	Frameworks for Assessment Practice	3
TLA-611	Ed & Hum Dev I:Understanding Learner	3
TLA-641	Learning Organization & Social Change	3
Reading Specialist (MRS) Speciialization Required
ED-645	Mentoring: Strengthening Professional Practice	3
ED-689	Program Development Reading Specialist	3
ED-751	Practicum: Guiding & Directing K-12 Reading Program	3
ED-755	Reading Teacher/Specialist Portfolio	0
Reading Teacher (MRT) Specialization Required
ED-682	Integrating Literacy Development I	3
ED-683	Integrating Literacy Development II	3
ED-684	Content Area Reading Strategies	3
ED-752	Reading Teacher Portfolio	0
ED-782	Practicum in Foundational Literacy	3
ED-783	Practicum in Intermediate Literacy	3
Total Credits		33

LIC Reading Specialist _{(MRS.E.SPEC.2023)} Specialization Requirements  25-26 Catalog

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
ED-645	Mentoring: Strengthening Professional Practice	3
ED-689	Program Development Reading Specialist	3
ED-751	Practicum: Guiding & Directing K-12 Reading Program	3
ED-755	Reading Teacher/Specialist Portfolio	0
Total Credits		9

LIC Reading Teacher _{(MRT.E.SPEC.2024)} Specialization Requirements  25-26 Catalog

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
ED-682	Integrating Literacy Development I	3
ED-683	Integrating Literacy Development II 1	3
ED-684	Content Area Reading Strategies	3
ED-752	Reading Teacher Portfolio	0
ED-782	Practicum in Foundational Literacy	3
ED-783	Practicum in Intermediate Literacy	3
Total Credits		15

¹

Waived if student has a Wisconsin 316 license.

LIC Reading Specialist _{(MRT2.E.LIC.2025)} Licensure Requirements  25-26 Catalog

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
ED-682	Integrating Literacy Development I	3
ED-683	Integrating Literacy Development II 1	3
ED-684	Content Area Reading Strategies	3
ED-782	Practicum in Foundational Literacy	3
ED-783	Practicum in Intermediate Literacy	3
Total Credits		15

¹

Waived if student has Wisconsin 316 license.

LIC Reading Teacher _{(MRS2.E.LIC.2025)} Licensure Requirements  25-26 Catalog

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
ED-645	Mentoring: Strengthening Professional Practice	3
ED-689	Program Development Reading Specialist	3
ED-751	Practicum: Guiding & Directing K-12 Reading Program	3
ED-RDG (FORT)
Total Credits		9

LIC Reading Teacher & Reading Specialist _{(MRT/MRS.E.LIC)} Licensure Requirements 25-26 Catalog

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
ED-600	Introduction to Reading Portfolio	0
ED-601	Orientation-Grad Ed Students	0
ED-682	Integrating Literacy Development I	3
ED-683	Integrating Literacy Development II 1	3
ED-645	Mentoring: Strengthening Professional Practice	3
ED-684	Content Area Reading Strategies	3
ED-689	Program Development Reading Specialist	3
ED-751	Practicum: Guiding & Directing K-12 Reading Program	3
ED-755	Reading Teacher/Specialist Portfolio	0
ED-782	Practicum in Foundational Literacy	3
ED-783	Practicum in Intermediate Literacy	3
ED RDG (FORT)		0
Total Credits		24

¹

Waived if student has Wisconsin 316 license.

As part of the Reading Teacher, Reading Specialist and/or Master of Arts in Reading programs, students/candidates develop a portfolio demonstrating their growing knowledge and professional development in literacy learning based on the ILA Standards for Reading. The complete list of standards and elements is at https://www.literacyworldwide.org

The final professional portfolio must address all IRA standards and evidence from coursework and teaching demonstrating the standards. It must also address the administrator standards  (available on the WI DPI website and in PI 34)  ED-755.  During the last course, students register for a 0 credit external assessment where they present a portfolio to at least one reading professional from Alverno College and/or a professional in the field. 

The Portfolio Process: 

The Department of Public Instruction requires a portfolio linking practice in reading to the Standards. Based on students' reflection, they can then set goals for professional development plan in the area of reading. 

While each portfolio is constructed to reflect the individual experiences and strengths of the candidate, faculty suggest students approach the development of the portfolio in the following format: 

• Write a brief introductory letter detailing information about the student and their teaching experience. Include a statement reflecting upon literacy philosophy as it relates to learning. Provide details about the program(s) completed.
• Select portfolio pieces from individual courses and teaching demonstrating all five IRA/NCATE Standards for Reading Professionals at the appropriate candidacy level. (i.e. 316 license candidates = “Classroom Teacher Candidates” level, 317 license candidates = “Reading Specialist/Literacy Coach Candidates” level) 
• Write a rationale for each standard. Detail how selected piece(s) of evidence provide support overall ability in the standard and element(s). This is the introductory page to the identified standard/pieces of evidence. 
• Write a brief reflection projecting goals for future development in relation to the standards and how what is learned assists with a future career. 
• Complete a Professional Development Plan detailing future plans related to the highlighted standards. Set goals for development in at least two other standards elements in future coursework and teaching.
• Submit the completed Professional Portfolio to the Coordinator of the Reading Program no later than 4 weeks prior to the end of your final course. 

Portfolio Checklist: Portfolio: 

• Introductory letter includes philosophy statement
• Strong rationale is provided for choice of standards.
• Standard elements selected are related to course outcomes and/or teaching performance (minimum of 2 elements per standard)
• Evidence clearly and logically supports ability in the standard 

Development Plan with Goals 

• Strong rationale for choice of area(s) to develop is clearly articulated
• Implementation of plan is specific in stating how development will occur
• Articulation of learning experience shows appropriate level of reflection 
• Plan includes appropriate future plans (course work, fieldwork, teaching, etc.) 
• Goals solidly address development of stated standard 

Use the following criteria to self assess your portfolio:

• Demonstrates a solid knowledge and competent application of each of the IRA/NCATE Standards for Reading Professionals
• Provides concise and convincing evidence of ability in each standard and selected elements
• Demonstrates an understanding of one’s own level of literacy understanding and applies this understanding to goals