The Reading Endorsement is comprised of 3 graduate courses in reading education (READ 7271, READ 7263, and READ 7201) designed by the University System of Georgia Reading Consortium to provide additional, focused professional development of certified teachers in the assessment and instruction of reading. Successful completion of all 3 courses qualifies certified teachers to apply for the Reading Endorsement which is added to a Georgia teaching certificate. All three courses can be transferred into the M.Ed. in Reading Education program.

For more information, please see the Academic Catalog.

  • Overview

    Why Literacy?

    Teachers who hold a Reading Endorsement are more equipped to meet the needs of ALL learners in their classrooms. The US Department of Education considers reading instruction to be a field in high need.

    Non reading teachers benefit from this program because research indicates that reading achievement is greater when students are taught by teachers who complete a preparation program on reading instruction.

    As approved by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission, the Reading Endorsement qualifies an individual to be considered "highly qualified" in the teaching of reading, and assists teachers to address the new Common Core Standards.

    Program Location

    Carrollton Campus

    Method of Delivery

    100% online

    Accreditation

    The University of West Georgia is accredited by The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

    Credit and transfer

    Total semester hours required: 9

  • Cost

    This program is offered entirely online. Though a student may choose to sign-up for a face-to-face elective or core course, one can earn this degree completely online.

    Save money

    UWG is often ranked as one of the most affordable accredited university of its kind, regardless of the method of delivery chosen. In addition, online courses and programs can mean a huge cost-savings in many non-evident ways: No more high gas charges. No childcare needed. The flexibility can allow one to maintain a job while attending school. Regardless of state residency, out-of-state non-resident students are not charged non-resident tuition for online course credit hours.

    Details

    • Total tuition costs and fees may vary, depending on the instructional method of the courses in which the student chooses to enroll.
    • The more courses a student takes in a single term, the more they will typically save in fees and total cost.
    • Face-to-Face or partially online courses are charged at the general tuition rate and all mandatory campus fees, based on the student's residency (non-residents are charged at a higher rate).
    • Fully or entirely online courses are charged at the general tuition rate plus an eTuition rate BUT with fewer fees and no extra charges to non-Residents.
    • Together this means that GA residents pay about the same if they take all face-to-face or partially online courses as they do if they take only fully online courses exclusively; while non-residents save money by taking fully online courses.
    • One word of caution: If a student takes a combination of face-to-face and online courses in a single term, they will pay both all mandatory campus fees and the higher eTuition rate.
    • For the cost information, as well as payment deadlines, see the Bursar's Office website

    There are a variety of financial assistance options for students, including scholarships and work study programs. Visit the Office of Financial Aid's website for more information.

  • Courses

    General

    • READ-7201 - Integrating Language, Literacy and Technology across Content Area

      This course is designed to help teachers communicate, integrate, and apply language, literacy, and technology strategies and skills within the content areas.

      View Instructors, Syllabi and Other Details

    • READ-7263 - Comprehensive Literacy Assessments and Interventions

      Introduction and implementation of formal and informal assessments to analyze P-Adult literacy strengths and needs to determine interventions for progress monitoring.

      View Instructors, Syllabi and Other Details

    • READ-7271 - Literacy, Development, and Practices in the Digital Age

      This course is a seminar/discussion course dealing with the teaching of reading and writing (P- Adult) including an introduction to skills, approaches, materials, methods, philosophies, and theories. Significant literature will be reviewed from a current and historical perspective. Further, this course addresses evidenced-based elements of a comprehensive reading and writing program as suggested by the National Reading Panel (2000): phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension integrated with technology.

      View Instructors, Syllabi and Other Details

  • Faculty
  • Admissions

    Guidelines for Admittance

    • All graduate applicants must complete the online Grad Application. A one-time application fee of $40 is required.
    • Applicants should also review the Graduate Studies Website for individual program specific requirements and tasks that must be completed prior to admission. See Graduate Studies Application Process.
    • International applicants are subject to additional requirements and application deadlines. See Procedures for International Students.
    • Official transcripts from a regionally or nationally accredited institution are required and should be sent directly to the UWG Graduate Admissions Office.

    Program Specific Admittance Guidelines

    • Current Level 4 Teaching Certificate 
    • Official transcripts from all schools attended post-secondary
    • 2.75 GPA on all undergraduate coursework

    Application Deadlines

    Specific Graduate Admissions Deadlines are available via the Graduate School

    * Application, app fee, and document deadline

    See The Scoop for more specific deadlines.

    Admission Process Checklist

    The Graduate Studies Application Process checklist is available here: https://www.westga.edu/academics/gradstudies/apply-now.php

    One exception: If you will not ever be traveling to a UWG campus or site, you may apply for an Immunization Exemption. Contact the Immunization Clerk with your request.

    Contact

    Graduate Admissions
    graduate@westga.edu
    678-839-1394


    Department of Literacy and Special Education
    Dr. Tami Ogletree
    togletre@westga.edu 

  • Dates

    The Graduate Studies Application Process checklist is available here

  • Objectives

    International Literacy Association Standards for Reading Professionals

    Standard 1: Foundational Knowledge
    Candidates understand the theoretical and evidence-based foundations of reading and writing
    processes and instruction.

    Standard 2: Curriculum and Instruction
    Candidates use instructional approaches, materials, and an integrated, comprehensive,
    balanced curriculum to support student learning in reading and writing.

    Standard 3: Assessment and Evaluation
    Candidates use a variety of assessment tools and practices to plan and evaluate effective
    reading and writing instruction.

    Standard 4: Diversity
    Candidates create and engage their students in literacy practices that develop awareness,
    understanding, respect, and a valuing of differences in our society.

    Standard 5: Literate Environment
    Candidates create a literate environment that fosters reading and writing by integrating
    foundational knowledge, instructional practices, approaches and methods, curriculum materials,
    and the appropriate use of assessments.

    Standard 6: Professional Learning and Leadership
    Candidates recognize the importance of, demonstrate, and facilitate professional learning and
    leadership as a career-long effort and responsibility.