What is the Reading Endorsement?
The Reading Endorsement is a “stamp of approval” to teach reading, grades preK-12, in Ohio. The Endorsement is granted by the Ohio Department of Education. It is not a new license but rather is applied to an existing teaching certificate/ license.
Who is eligible to receive the Endorsement?
Anyone who holds a valid teaching certificate/license, in any field, is eligible to receive the Endorsement.
What if I don’t hold a teaching certificate/ license?
You can still take the courses, but you won’t be eligible for the Endorsement. (ODE won’t have anything to “attach” it to.) If it would help you, we can provide you with a letter that says you have taken all the required courses. If you would like such a letter, send your name and mailing address to Nancy Padak (npadak@literacy.kent.edu).
What classes must I take?
- C&I 6/77310, Theory and Practice in the Teaching of Reading
- C&I 6/77319, Diagnosis and Remediation in Reading
- C&I 6/77323, Clinical Practicum in Corrective Reading
- C&I 6/77330, Content Area Reading
- MCED 50005, Effective Use of Phonics in Reading (if you have not taken a phonics course—see transfer information below)
Is there a required order for the classes?
Yes. You must take Theory and Practice, Diagnosis and Remediation, and Clinical Practicum in order.
Is it OK to take some classes off campus and some classes on campus?
Yes. On campus, Theory and Practice is offered every term (including summer), Diagnosis is offered every fall and spring, Content Area Reading is offered every summer and fall, and Clinical Practicum is offered in summer only. If you want to enroll in the noncohort Practicum course, you must contact Sherry Ernsberger (sernsber@kent.edu or 330-672-2836) by March 1 of the year in which you want to take the course.
Can I transfer in courses taken at another institution?
No, with one exception: If your previous coursework includes a phonics course, you will not need to take one of our phonics courses. Note that this only applies if the entire course was related to phonics (needs to say this in the title).
Can I use my Reading Endorsement coursework toward a Master’s degree?
Yes. Endorsement courses are required of students who are in the Masters in Reading Specialization program and may also be used in several other Masters’ degrees in the College and Graduate School of Education, Health, and Human Services. (If you are in another program, consult your advisor.)
What about the Praxis?
The Ohio Department of Education requires the "Introduction to the Teaching of Reading" specialty area test of the Praxis II examination for the Reading Endorsement. Most students take this test after their coursework is completed. A summary of the exam, including general content information, registration information, and information about scoring and reports, is available at http://www.ets.org/praxis/ .
Please note that KSU cannot process a request to the State of Ohio for the Reading Endorsement without test scores.
How do I apply for the Endorsement?
Go to http://www.admissions.kent.edu/apply/. Select the College and Graduate School of Education, Health, and Human Services. Select “special nondegree” for Endorsement only or Master’s for a Master’s degree.
Who can answer other questions?
- About admission: Debbie Roeder (droeder@kent.edu)
- About the cohorts: Kathy Brown (kbrown5@kent.edu)
- About the Master’s degree: your advisor, if you have one, or Nancy Padak for pre-admission questions (npadak@literacy.kent.edu)
-updated 2009
