Md. Code Regs. 13A.12.04.06

Current through Register Vol. 52, No. 1, January 10, 2025

Section 13A.12.04.06 - Reading Specialist

The requirements for certification as a reading specialist are that the applicant shall:

A. Meet the requirements for licensure in early childhood education, elementary education, special education, or a secondary education area;

B. Submit verification of 3 years of effective teaching or clinical experience;

C. Complete 3 semester hours or State-approved CPD credits in special education coursework; and

D. Complete the requirements of one of the following pathways:

(1) Maryland Approved Program. Candidates who possess a master's degree and complete a program approved under COMAR 13A.07.06 leading to licensure as a reading specialist;

(2) Out-of-State Preparation Program. Candidates who possess a master's degree and complete an approved program leading to licensure as a reading specialist in another state; or

(3) Professional Coursework. Candidates who possess a master's degree or equivalent of 33 post-baccalaureate credits from an institution of higher education in reading and related areas to include:

(a) 15 semester hours of reading coursework with at least one course in each of the following areas:

(i) Foundation or survey course;

(ii) Diagnosis and correction of reading difficulties;

(iii) Clinical or laboratory practicum;

(iv) Assessment or evaluation, or both; and

(v) Methods in the teaching of reading to English language learners; and

(b) Additional coursework selected from at least four of the following areas:

(i) Emergent literacy;

(ii) Literacy Leadership;

(iii) Content area literacy;

(iv) Writing;

(v) Effective use of technology in the literacy classroom;

(vi) Early Childhood, Elementary, or Adolescent literacy;

(vii) Literacy research; and

(viii) Linguistics.

E. Special Provision.

(1) An applicant who satisfies the requirements of §A of this regulation by presenting a teaching license in a secondary education area shall demonstrate proficiency in the knowledge and practices of scientific reading instruction, to include phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.

(2) Demonstration of proficiency may be satisfied by submitting one of the following:

(a) A passing score on a reading instruction test approved by the State Board of Education;

(b) Completion of coursework or professional learning approved by the Department; or

(c) Submission of attestation of proficiency through observation completed by a Department-recognized assessor; or

(d) Completion of training provided by the Department in the science of reading.

Md. Code Regs. 13A.12.04.06

Regulations .06 adopted effective January 1, 1989 (15:26 Md. R. 2996)
Regulations .06 and new Regulation .06 adopted effective August 6, 2001 (28:15 Md. R. 1399)
Regulation .06B, C amended effective January 20, 2003 (30:1 Md. R. 26); adopted effective 51:5 Md. R. 231, eff. 4/1/2024.