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The Richard W. Riley College of Education and Human Sciences: Certificates:
Graduate Certificate in Elementary Reading and Literacy (Quarter)

For students beginning their program August 26, 2024 or later 
The Graduate Certificate in Elementary Reading and Literacy prepares educators to provide developmentally appropriate and culturally responsive literacy instruction to P–6 students of diverse abilities and backgrounds. Courses examine assessment methods, resources, and instructional strategies required to support beginning P–3 readers and developing readers in grades 4–6 by using the five pillars of reading as an organizational framework (phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension). To support English-language learners (ELLs), educators examine the second-language acquisition process, learn to assess literacy proficiency, and select appropriate instruction materials. Educators learn to assess progress and differentiate instruction for both struggling and gifted readers. Effective collaboration skills are emphasized throughout the coursework. Credits earned from this certificate program may be applied toward Walden’s MS in Education with a specialization in Elementary Reading and Literacy (P–6).
*Walden University’s Graduate Certificate in Elementary Reading and Literacy does not lead to certification or licensure in elementary reading and literacy. Walden makes no representation, warranty, guarantee, or commitment that successful completion of this program or coursework for graduate credit within this program will permit a graduate to obtain state certification or licensure as an elementary reading and literacy teacher.

Note on Endorsement, Licensure, or Certification

This program does not lead to an endorsement, certification, or licensure. Walden makes no representation, warranty, guarantee, or commitment that successful completion of this program or coursework for graduate credit within this program will permit a graduate to obtain state certification or licensure.
The graduate degree program and coursework within the program in which you are enrolling may be accepted by many states toward upgrading or renewing a license or obtaining a salary increase (depending on state or district policy). Teachers are advised to contact their individual school districts as to whether this program may qualify for salary advancement. Walden enrollment specialists can provide guidance on program requirements; however, it remains the individual’s responsibility to understand and comply with all state and school district requirements.

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this certificate program will be prepared to:

  • Apply research-based instructional practices to help students in grades PK-6 achieve Common Core State Standards and other standards.
  • Evaluate reading and literacy development of all students in grades PK-6 including linguistically, culturally, and academically diverse learners.
  • Apply literacy assessment data appropriately to inform reading and literacy instruction in grades PK-6.

Certificate Requirements

  • 25 total quarter credit hours

Curriculum

  • Students may take this a non-degree course.
  • Students may take this a non-degree course.
  • Students may take this a non-degree course.
  • Students may take this a non-degree course.
  • Students may take this a non-degree course.

Course Sequence

The recommended course sequence is as follows:

Quarter Course Credits
Quarter 1 READ 6805 - Reading and Literacy Today 5 quarter credits
READ 6806 - Literacy Development P–3 5 quarter credits
Quarter 2 READ 6807 - Reading and Literacy Growth Grades 4–6 5 quarter credits
READ 6808 - Literacy in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Classrooms 5 quarter credits
Quarter 3 READ 6809 - Literacy in Academically Diverse Classrooms    5 quarter credits 5 quarter credits