Overview

The Northwest Georgia RESA Reading Endorsement program is based on standards set forth by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission Rule 505-3-.96. The three courses included in the Reading Endorsement program are structured to provide candidates with a solid understanding of theory and practice in quality reading instruction.

Courses

The Reading Endorsement program consists of three courses:

1. Foundations of Teaching Reading in a Diverse Society (50 hours)

2. Diagnosis and Correction of Reading Difficulties (50 hours)

3. Reading and Literacy Across the Curriculum (50 hours)

Technical Requirements

• A computer running Windows 10 or higher, MacOS 10.14 or higher, or the most current version of Chrome OS

• Internet connection of at least 3.0 Mbps (You can check your speed here)

• Working microphone and webcam

Purpose

All courses have several purposes for candidates:

• To build upon current research and research-based practices that enable teachers to engage students in the dynamic, interactive process of constructing meaning from text

• To provide candidates with a solid understanding of the theory and practice of quality reading instruction

• To provide a solid understanding of the nature of the reading process, the reading program, and correcting reading difficulties

• To teach evaluation of school needs and organization of reading instruction

• To aid teachers in becoming leaders in professional development and in collaborations focusing on reading instruction

• To provide opportunities to demonstrate their expertise in identifying and correcting reading difficulties and to plan appropriate reading instruction to meet identified needs of students

Application Criteria

Candidates must meet the following criteria to apply for entry into a Reading Endorsement cohort:

• Currently employed by a school system

• Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college/university with a minimum of 2.5 GPA

• A valid Level 4 or higher Induction, Professional, Advanced Professional, or Lead Professional teaching, service, or leadership certificate

• Two or more years of successful teaching experience (Verification is included in Endorsement Candidate Application Form)