Program: Reading and Literacy Leadership Specialist Credential (RLLSC)
Program Description
The Reading and Literacy Leadership Specialist Credential (RLLSC) is for candidates, holding a valid teaching credential, who want to specialize in the field of literacy and become effective leaders for California’s multicultural population. Candidates who complete the specialist credential program will have developed competencies to provide specialized services in literacy in any grade—preschool, kindergarten, grades 1 through 12, and in classes organized for adults. The holder of a RLLSC may:
- Provide direct reading intervention to students and adapt instructional routines and strategies to provide direct specialized reading instruction to students with severe reading difficulties, including monitoring and adjusting intervention instruction.
- Coordinate adoption and facilitate implementation of adopted literacy curricula, including training to teachers.
- Select and administer reading and literacy assessments, interpret results to determine student growth and identification of struggling students, select interventions, communicate results, and provide guidance and coaching to teachers.
- Design, implement and evaluate a comprehensive literacy plan.
- Support students’ literacy development and inform and train teachers in literacy skills using information and communication technologies.
- Evaluate literacy practices and report findings; guide teachers and administrators in collaborative efforts to design, implement, and evaluate local, state and/or federal programs; and plan and conduct staff development.
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 taxpayer 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 is available from the respective department or program. See Notice to Students: Licensure and Certification for more information.
Program Requirements
A. Required Prior to Admission
- RLLSC program application.
- University application through Cal State Apply.
- Department application.
- Transcripts (official copy of transcripts showing a baccalaureate degree and all post-B.A. coursework).
- Overall undergraduate GPA of 2.75.
- Application processing fee.
- Preliminary or Clear Teaching Credential.
- Verification of at least 1 year of full-time teaching experience in any grade, preschool through adult, exclusive of student teaching, internship teaching or teaching while holding an emergency permit.
B. Required for Reading and Literacy Leadership Specialist Credential (RLLSC) (29 units)
EED 610 Research in Elementary Education (3)
EED 625A/L Literacy Assessment and Teaching Strategies A and Lab (3/1)
or SED 625EN Theory and Research in the Teaching of Secondary School English (3)
EED 625B/L Literacy Assessment and Teaching Strategies B and Lab (3/1)
EED 626 Literacy Instruction for English Learners K-12 (3)
EED 628 Language and Literacy Programs: Leadership, Planning and Evaluation (3)
EED 633 Seminar in Elementary School Language Arts Education (3)
EED 669 Digital Literacies and Critical Perspectives in the 21st Century (3)
or SED 669 Digital Literacies and Critical Perspectives in the 21st Century (3)
C. Required for RLLSC Recommendation
- Completion of RLLSC coursework with a cumulative GPA of 3.0.
- Successful completion of RLLSC Portfolio.
- Three years of full-time teaching experience in any grade, preschool through adult, exclusive of student teaching, internship teaching or teaching while holding an emergency permit.
D. Suggested Course Sequence
Semester 1: EED 625A/L or SED 625EN, EED 626, EED 633
Semester 2: EED 625B/L, EPC 684
Semester 3: EED 628 or SPED 671
Semester 4: EED 610, EED 669
Note: The Reading and Literacy Added Authorization (RLAA) coursework is a subset of the coursework required for the Reading and Literacy Leadership Specialist Credential (RLLSC). By taking an additional 15 units (5 courses) within 5 years of earning the RLAA, RLAA holders may earn the RLLSC.
Total Units Required for the Credential: 29
Contact
Department of Elementary Education
Chair: Greg Knotts
Education (ED) 1206
(818) 677-2621
Program Coordinator: Dominic Grasso
(818) 677-6790
Program Learning Outcomes
Students receiving a Reading and Literacy Leadership Specialist Credential will be able to:
- Assess academic needs, interests, attitudes and achievement of students, including English speakers and English Language Learners. Assessments are effectively used to make decisions related to appropriate instruction and materials in reading, writing, speaking and listening for a class and/or an individual student.
- Provide leadership in the selection, adaption and use of instructional materials, including the textbook adoption process.
- Assist and support classroom teachers K-12 in creating an effective literacy-rich learning environment that meets the California Content Standards of any subject area.
- Work with the school or district to design effective reading and language arts programs that meet state standards and guidelines. The candidate demonstrates the ability to conduct a comprehensive program review and to suggest needed modifications.
- Design and implement professional development activities, including inservice education programs.
- Assume a leadership role in the school and community, including working collaboratively with allied professionals, district/county personnel and members of the community.