Certification Requirements

Stained Glass Image of a Saint ReadingStudents must earn a minimum 3.00 grade point average in courses required for the 316 and/or 17 reading licenses in order to qualify for certification.

Non-Degree Students (Candidates seeking licensure only)

316 Reading Teacher Certification:
Eighteen semester credits of which no more than six may be earned as part of an undergraduate degree. Required courses are as follows: RDG 528, 730, 733, 741, 747, and EDM 540 or 541, or 773.

All graduate students seeking licensure as Reading Teachers must document mastery of the Wisconsin State Standards for Teachers, aligned with content standards in the area of Reading. Students are required to develop a portfolio that demonstrates their mastery of the International Reading Association (IRA) 2003 Standards for Reading Professionals.

Graduate students nearing completion of programs leading to Wisconsin licensure in Reading (316 or 17), and/or those who are preparing to graduate, will consult with Sandra Keller, Certification Officer, School of Education (keller.sand@uwlax.edu).

Degree-Seeking Students

17 Reading Specialist Certification:
Candidates must earn a master’s degree in the reading program, meet requirements for the 316 license, and complete RDG 735, 739, 762 and 781.

The Reading Specialist license is an administrator license in Wisconsin.  All students seeking to be licensed as administrators must document mastery of the Wisconsin State Standards for Administrators.  Students are required to develop a portfolio that demonstrates their mastery of these standards before receiving their degrees or certifications.

Course Rotations

All required courses and several electives are offered at least once every other year. The rotation schedule is indicated in the course descriptions. Since changes in enrollment patterns may require changes to this schedule, students should always check the semester timetable before registering at: www.uwlax.edu/records/