Frequently Asked Questions

Question:

I really love reading and would like to expand my knowledge base for teaching reading in my classroom. Is this program for me?

Answer:

Although your present goals may not be to become a reading specialist, the program focuses on the Virginia Reading Specialist License. Consequently, the program is required to prepare you to become a reading specialist following the Standards for Reading Specialists of the International Reading Association and the Commonwealth of Virginia.However, the knowledge gained is also very beneficial for classroom teachers.

Question:

What does a reading specialist do?

Answer:

Reading specialists responsibilities can vary in different schools and school districts. Reading specialists often work with children and other teachers and serve as literacy leaders in their school buildings. As a Virginia state approved program, the ASTL literacy emphasis addresses all of the responsibilities required by the Commonwealth of Virginia and found in the International Reading Association Standards for Reading Specialists.

Question:

Who is eligible to apply for the K-12 reading specialist licensure program?

Answer:

Any teacher with at least 1 year of teaching experience.

Question:

When I have completed the program, what degree will I have?

Answer:

If you already have a masters degree you can become licensed as a reading specialist by completing the 21-hour certificate program. You must also have 3 years of teaching experience by the end of the program to be eligible for licensure. If you do NOT have a masters degree, you can complete 12 hours of the ASTL Core coursework in addition to the 21-hour literacy coursework and be eligible for licensure as well as a masters degree.

Question:

How many credit hours is the K-12 Reading Specialist licensure program?

Answer:

21 credit hours.

Question:

What do I need to get a k-12 reading specialist license through Mason?

Answer:

21 hours of state approved coursework, a masters degree, and 3 years of teaching under contract in an accredited school.

Question:

How many credits do I have to earn (total) to earn a Masters degree in ASTL?

Answer:

33 credit hours (12 core credits plus the 21 literacy credits).

Question:

If I do not have the required 3 years of teaching under contract in an accredited school, will I be able to gain that experience through the licensure program?

Answer:

The program does not have teaching experience built in. However, some students have found employment as full-time teachers during or after the coursework and have met the years of experience requirements in this way. Students who do not hold valid teaching licenses (such as an elementary or secondary license) have occasionally been able to work for three years under a provisional license in public schools. Please contact schools or school divisions directly to explore this possibility. Also remember that one year of teaching is required for program entry.

Question:

Is an entrance exam, such as a GRE, required?

Answer:

No.

Question:

How long does the program take?

Answer:

Two or three years, depending on the options selected.

Question:

Must the classes be taken in sequence?

Answer:

Yes. Each course is a prerequisite for the course that follows.

Question:

How many credits are taken at one time?

Answer:

Between 3 and 5.

Question:

If I want a masters degree when should I take the ASTL core courses?

Answer:

There are 3 options:

Enrolling in the ASTL core courses prior to enrolling in the literacy emphasis.
Enrolling in the ASTL core courses after completing the literacy emphasis.
Enrolling in the ASTL core courses during the second year of the literacy emphasis.

Question:

Do you accept any transfer credits?

Answer:

Most students coming into the program have prior coursework in reading/language arts. However, only courses that have been taken in masters programs (in the past six years) that prepare reading specialists will be considered. Transcripts will be evaluated by the program coordinator.

Question:

What is the tuition?

Answer:

Rates are available at http://www.admissions.gmu.edu/ugrad/money.html.

Question:

Is financial aid available?

Answer:

Call the Mason Financial Aid Office at 703.993.2353 or visit http://apollo.gmu.edu/finaid.

Question:

Who are the instructors?

Answer:

Mason full and part-time faculty who specialize in literacy.

Question:

What is a cohort?

Answer:

A cohort is a group of students that proceeds through the literacy coursework together in sequence. This provides extensive opportunity for interaction and peer learning.

Question:

What are the benefits of being in a cohort?

Answer:

Development of a community of learners. Each participant is a resource person as well as a learner.

Question:

When do cohorts typically begin?

Answer:

Cohorts are planned to begin each term in the following sequence: Summer (Arlington Campus); Fall (Fairfax Campus); Spring (Prince William Campus).

Question:

Who can I call for more information?

Answer:

Call 703-993-2650. or visit Literacy and Reading course descriptions on the web.