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. Admission into the MSE program will be selective and competitive. Contact the Department of Elementary, Literacy, and Special Education or visit the department’s website (https://uca.edu/else/) for program details.
2. In addition to the general application and GPA requirements of the UCA Graduate School, applicants seeking an Arkansas Reading Specialist K-12 license must hold a valid standard Arkansas educator license. For individuals who have an out-of-state educator license and wish to hold an Arkansas Reading Specialist K-12 license, please contact the department at (501) 450-3172.
3. Individuals not holding a teaching license are eligible for admission into the MSE program, but they will not be eligible for an Arkansas Reading Specialist K-12 license because the license is considered an endorsement to an Arkansas teaching license in a general education area. Individuals not holding a valid standard Arkansas license must 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.
4. 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.
5. Research Methods must be taken before the 12th hour.
6. Application for participation in the Comprehensive Examination can only be filed after the completion of the 24th hour.
7. Participation in the Comprehensive Examination can take place only during the final semester of study.
8. Students must complete the Praxis test for Reading Specialist and submit documentation of the score prior to taking comprehensive exams.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. Programs in the College of Education that lead to licensure relating to K–12 schools require satisfactory completion of all key assessments identified by the program area.
12. Candidates have two options regarding the exit assessment: satisfactory completion (as determined by the state) of the state-mandated licensure test for reading or satisfactory completion of the alternative assessment as identified by the program’s faculty

[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] Endorsements and Graduate Certificates

A program of study exists for

• GC, Dyslexia Therapist (leading to an Arkansas teaching endorsement)

In addition to the general application and GPA requirements of the UCA Graduate School,

• Applicants seeking an Arkansas endorsement must hold a valid standard Arkansas educator license
• Applicants not seeking an endorsement or who do not hold a valid standard Arkansas teaching license must submit 2 letters of reference from practicing professionals who can speak to the candidate’s knowledge, performance, dispositions, and capability to complete graduate work.

[4] Program of Study for MSE Reading and Dyslexia Therapist Endorsement/Certificate

Course Requirements (30 hours)

Courses required for the Dyslexia Therapist Endorsement or Graduate Certificate (Dyslexia Interventionist) 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.