Reading/Language Arts Specialist Credential and Reading Certificate*

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Susan Neufeld, Ed.D., Program Coordinator

This credential and certificate are offered through the Department of Advanced Studies in Education .

The Reading/Language Arts Specialist Credential may be completed independent of or in conjunction with the Master of Arts  degree. Courses are scheduled in the late afternoon and evening to enable employed individuals to attend. Candidates may obtain their Reading Certificate (15 units) and/or their Reading/Language Arts Reading Specialist Credential (30 units). The 15 units required for the Reading Certificate also are included in the Reading/Language Arts Specialist Credential.

Admission into programs leading to licensure and credentialing does not guarantee that students will obtain a license or credential. Licensure and credentialing requirements are set by agencies that are not controlled by or affiliated with the CSU and requirements can change at any time. For example, licensure or credentialing requirements can include evidence of the right to work in the United States (e.g., social security number or tax payer identification number) or successfully passing a criminal background check. Students are responsible for determining whether they can meet licensure or credentialing requirements. The CSU will not refund tuition, fees, or any associated costs, to students who determine subsequent to admission that they cannot meet licensure or credentialing requirements. Information concerning licensure and credentialing requirements are available from program coordinator.

Application Procedures

To gain full admission to the advanced credential program only, the applicant must:

1. Complete the University admission form online at www.csumentor.edu.

2. Submit transcripts to the Graduate School in the Mary Stuart Rogers Educational Services Gateway Building (MSR 120), including at least the last 60 units of college/university coursework.

3. Submit letters of recommendation to the Reading Credential Program Coordinator (check with the advanced credential program coordinator for the exact number required).

4. Submit test scores (e.g., CBEST) required by the advanced credential program to the Reading Credential Program Coordinator. For Life Credential holders, the CBEST will be waived.

5. Submit proof of valid teaching credential to the Reading Credential Program Coordinator.

6. Participate in an interview and have the program file evaluated by the Reading/Language Arts Specialist Credential Program Advisory Committee.

Note: Before beginning the above procedures, a conference with the program coordinator is required.

Grade Requirements

It is expected that the student seeking an advanced credential will maintain a grade point average of 3.0 while in the program. Minimum acceptable grade for a credential course is a C.

Final Requirements

To obtain the required recommendation for the advanced credential from Stanislaus State, the student must:

1. Complete all of the coursework required in the advanced credential program.
2. Achieve the competency in the knowledge and skill areas of the program.
3. Submit a minimum overall grade point average of 3.0 for all coursework required for the credential.
4. Pass an oral exit examination on the knowledge of reading during the last semester of coursework.
5. Submit a completed application form for the credential, along with a receipt which verifies that fees have been paid at the Credential Services, DBH 303.