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Reading Certificate
CCTC-APPROVED
Frequently Asked Questions
- What qualifications are required to apply to the Reading Certificate Program?
- How do I begin the Reading Certificate application process?
- Must I submit my application packet to UCR Education Extension prior to enrolling and completing the Reading Certificate courses?
- When are the deadlines to apply to the Reading Certificate Program?
- Once my application has been submitted, what should I expect?
- What if I do not possess all of the required application documents? Do I need to obtain all of these documents before applying and enrolling in courses?
- Can I transfer credits from previous coursework into the Reading Certificate program?
- May I submit my certificate application directly to CCTC?
- Does UCR Education Extension provide a job placement or career counseling service for its Reading Certificate holders?
- Is the Reading Certificate a teaching credential?
- Will the Reading Certificate apply towards the Reading and Language Arts Specialist Credential?
- Am I eligible to apply for the Reading Certificate if I am not currently a classroom teacher?
- Can any of the Reading Certificate coursework be transferred towards a Master's Degree?
1. What qualifications are required to apply to the Reading Certificate Program?
Each student is required to submit a formal application to the certificate program. The qualifications for admission to the Reading Certificate program are as follows:
1. Candidate must hold a baccalaureate degree as well as:
a. Possess a valid California Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential or a valid Single Subject Teaching Credential.
b. Have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (based on a four-point scale).
1. For purposes of admission to this program, the GPA is calculated by averaging the last 90 quarter units of undergraduate work with any post-graduate work.
2. Submission of completed application packet including:
a. Completed application form
b. Official transcripts of all college coursework
c. Three letters of recommendation
2. How do I begin the Reading Certificate application process?
Obtain and complete a Reading Certificate application packet from UCR Education Extension Web site or e-mail reading@ucx.ucr.edu.
3. Must I submit my application packet to UCR Education Extension prior to enrolling and completing the Reading Certificate courses?
UCR Education Extension highly recommends that you complete and send as much of your application packet as possible to our office before enrolling in any of the certificate courses. Our office can better assist and advise you in your certificate process and progress if we have your documents and application information on file.
4. When are the deadlines to apply to the Reading Certificate Program?
Application deadlines are March 1, June 1, August 1, and November 1. Your completed application packet should be submitted to the Credentials office by March 1, June 1, August 1, or November 1 for review and consideration for acceptance into the Reading Certificate Program.
5. Once my application has been submitted, what should I expect?
Submission of a completed application does not imply automatic acceptance into the program. Your completed application package will be reviewed at the quarterly Extension Administrative Committee Meeting, a decision to accept or deny will then be determined, and you will be notified in writing of the Committee's decision after the quarterly meeting.
6. What if I do not possess all of the required application documents? Do I need to obtain all of these documents before applying and enrolling in courses?
No. You may enroll in the program orientation at the beginning of each quarter. Specific courses may require prerequisites. Please contact the Credentials Office at reading@ucx.ucr.edu prior to registering for any other courses.
7. Can I transfer credits from previous coursework into the Reading Certificate program?
The maximum credit transferable is four quarter units. Courses completed in graduate status at accredited institutions of higher learning other than UC Riverside Extension may be considered for equivalency of content and waiver of requirements in the Reading Certificate Program. Such courses must have been completed within the preceding five years, and requests for consideration must be accompanied by relevant catalog descriptions, syllabi and official transcripts.
8. May I submit my certificate application directly to CCTC?
Your certificate application must be filed by UCR Education Extension with our formal recommendation on your behalf. Applications filed directly to CCTC without formal recommendation will be returned to the individual.
9. Does UCR Education Extension provide a job placement or career counseling service for its Reading Certificate holders?
No. School district job assignments and requirements change on a continuous basis. While UCR Education Extension works closely with school districts, we do not represent them nor are we qualified to discuss a district's job hiring policies or procedures. UCR Education Extension suggests that you contact directly the school or school district for which you are interested in working. In addition, numerous schools and school districts utilize the Ed Join Web site for recruiting instructors at www.edjoin.org.
10. Is the Reading Certificate a teaching credential?
The Reading Certificate is an authorization added to an existing California teaching credential and cannot be obtained unless you hold the appropriate California credential.
11. Will the Reading Certificate apply towards the Reading and Language Arts Specialist Credential?
Yes. The Reading Certificate is considered the first tier toward the UCR Education Extension Reading and Language Arts Specialist Credential. The UCR Education Extension Reading Certificate coursework may apply towards other institutions who are currently offering the Reading and Language Arts Specialist program. However, it would be the determination of the other institution as to whether or not they would accept our courses towards their Reading and Language Arts Specialist Credential program.
12. Am I eligible to apply for the Reading Certificate if I am not currently a classroom teacher?
Yes, as long as you have a valid California teaching credential and three years of full-time classroom teaching experience. The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing requires verification of a minimum of three years of full-time classroom teaching experience. The experience can be from any period that the applicant held a valid teaching credential (not including student/internship teaching, substitute teaching, or teaching under an emergency permit). This experience may also be gained outside of California. (CCTC leaflet CL-812, http://www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/leaflets/cl812.pdf)
13. Can any of the Reading Certificate coursework be transferred towards a Master's Degree?
Yes. UC Riverside Extension and La Sierra University have entered into an agreement to offer a collaborative Master's degree program. The program is 45 quarter units and includes the following:
- Completion of the UCR Extension Reading Certificate program.
- 15 units are core courses through La Sierra
- 15 units are UCR Extension specialization courses in the Reading Certificate
- 12 units are curriculum courses through La Sierra University
- 3 units are a Master's project or thesis with emphasis in Reading and Language Arts
Participants in this program will receive an MA in Curriculum and Instruction with a Reading Emphasis from La Sierra University. More information on La Sierra University is available at www.lasierra.edu.
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