Reading

[1] Objectives

The major purpose of the MSE programs offered through the Elementary, Literacy, and Special Education is to offer advanced preparation in assessment, planning, and instructional strategies to personnel working with school age children. MSE programs are standards based, designed around exemplary educational practices, and aligned with the Arkansas Competencies. Master’s programs are currently available in reading and special education with various licensure/endorsement programs offered as well.

[2] Guidelines for MSE in Reading

1. In addition to the general application and GPA requirements of the UCA Graduate School, applicants must:
   • Submit a valid standard Arkansas educator license. Individuals who have an out-of-state educator license, please contact the department at (501) 450-3172.
   • Submit two letters of reference from practicing professionals who can speak to the candidate’s knowledge, performance, dispositions, and capability to complete a master’s program.
2. No more than three hours may be transferred from another institution of higher education. These three hours will be elective credit only and will not be considered as a substitution for any core requirement.
3. The Program of Study must be filed prior to completion of 18 hours.
4. Research Methods must be taken before the 12th hour.
5. Application for participation in the Comprehensive Examination can only be filed after the completion of the 24th hour.
6. Participation in the Comprehensive Examination can take place only during the final semester of study.
7. Students must complete Praxis test for Reading Specialist and submit documentation of score prior to taking comprehensive exams.
8. Students who fail the Reading Comprehensive Examination on the initial attempt may, after one semester has elapsed, apply for re-examination. This second attempt shall be the final opportunity to participate in the Reading Comprehensive Examination. Should the student fail the second attempt, the degree will not be awarded.
9. Students who fail to apply after two years have elapsed since the initial unsuccessful attempt on the Reading Comprehensive Examination shall be denied application, and the degree will not be awarded.

Completion of the requirements for the master’s degree in Reading and passing praxis scores will result in the candidate’s qualification to apply for certification as a reading specialist in the State of Arkansas as well as for the endorsement in Dyslexia Therapist.

Programs in the College of Education that lead to licensure relating to P–12 schools require a passing score on the appropriate Praxis exam(s) and satisfactory completion of all key assessments identified by the program area. Candidates cannot complete their program unless both of these criteria have been met.

[2.1] Continuous Enrollment Requirement

College of Education graduate students are expected to maintain continuous enrollment throughout their program of study until achieving program completion. Specifically, College of Education graduate students are expected to be enrolled in at least two of the three semesters in a given calendar year (Spring, Summer I or II, and Fall). If a student must take a time-out, the student is expected to notify his/her home department. If a student fails to register for more than one semester out of three in a given calendar year, he/she may be ineligible for readmission unless granted by the home department.

[3] Program of Study for Reading Graduate Candidates

Course Requirements (30 hours)

Courses required for the Dyslexia Therapist endorsement are marked with a dagger (†).

[4] Graduate Course Links

Follow this link for ELSE course descriptions: course link.

Follow this link for ASTL course descriptions: course link.

Follow this link for LEAD course descriptions: course link.