Literacy Program Leading to
Wyoming Reading Endorsement and
UW Certificate of Literacy
College of Education/Outreach School
Overview:
The University of Wyoming Curriculum & Instruction Program, with the support and cooperation of the University
of Wyoming's Outreach School, will offer the required courses in the graduate literacy program via distance
education. The program is designed to serve graduate level K-12 teachers in Wyoming who wish to obtain the
Wyoming Reading Endorsement (in conjunction with the UW Certificate of Literacy), and those who choose to
apply the coursework toward a master’s or doctoral degree in Curriculum & Instruction. Graduate degree course
numbers and full graduate tuition apply.
Admission Criteria
Program Requirements:
Teachers who have taught or will have taught for one year (Standard XI) may take the courses and earn the
endorsement/ certificate. Eligible students enrolled in the Literacy Program will select one of three options: 1) K-6
level; 2) 7-12 level; or 3) K-12 level. Students choosing the K-12 level endorsement will be required to complete
each assignment in two classrooms representing the two levels.
Students can choose to apply for the C&I masters or doctoral program in conjunction with the endorsement. They
must apply to and be accepted in the Curriculum & Instruction degree program before taking more than 12 credits
of graduate work to count toward a graduate program of study. For application materials, go to
http://www.uwyo.edu/ci/ or contact College of Education, Curriculum & Instruction Programs, (307) 766-6371 or
curriculum@uwyo.edu.
Advising:
For advising,
Dr. Steve Bialostok
College of Education
(307) 766-3165
smb@uwyo.edu
A. Application & Registration:
The application for the Literacy Endorsement/Certification requires two steps:
1. Complete the Graduate Student Resources application and pay the required fee. The application is only
available in online format at http://uwadmnweb.uwyo.edu/admissions/info.asp?p=11931. Remember to check
Certificate of Literacy* on the form. After you have completed this application process, you will receive an email
from Admissions thanking you for applying. You must complete step 2 before you are admitted to the graduate
program. *Note: if you apply as a non-degree graduate student you will not be earning the Certificate of Literacy.
2. Complete the Literacy Certificate Application (P.6 of this document) and return it and your check for $40
payable to the University of Wyoming to:
Elementary & Early Childhood Education
Dept. 3374
1000 E. University Ave.
Laramie, WY 82071
Once we have received your Literacy Program Application we will notify Admissions. Admissions will send you
a letter that you have been accepted into the Graduate program.
Updated March 2012
1
B. Register for classes:
1. REGISTER FOR CLASSES – http://outreach.uwyo.edu/ocp/register.asp
2. PAY FOR TUITION & FEES
Once you’re admitted and signed up for class, it’s time to pay your bill. Refer to the Student Resources tab on
WyoWeb for information and payment deadlines.
Course Sequence:
The Literacy Program consists of 6 courses for a total of 18 credit hours (or 7 courses for a total of 21 credit hours
for the K-12 endorsement). All courses will be offered through the Outreach School. They will be offered in
continuous rotation as long as demand exists. Students will be responsible for meeting and documenting the state
standards in literacy for the level of endorsement chosen.
Required Courses to Complete Endorsement
Required Courses:
EDCI 5760: Sociolinguistics & Social Literacies
EDCI 5710: Genre-Based, Discipline Based Literacies
EDCI 5720: Literacy Difficulties: Assessment and Instruction
EDCI 5750: Research in Literacy Learning, Teaching, and Assessment in Classrooms, Part 1 (K-6)
EDCI 5755: Research in Literacy Learning, Teaching, and Assessment in Classrooms, Part 2 (K-6)
EDCI 5770: Research in Literacy Learning, Teaching, and Assessment in Classrooms, Part 1 (6-12)
EDCI 5775: Research in Literacy Learning, Teaching, and Assessment in Classrooms, Part 2 (6-12)
Elective Courses:
EDCI 5120: Adolescent Literature
EDCI 5160: Recent Trends in Children’s Literature
Endorsement K-6: 18 required hours: EDCI 5760, 5710, 5720, 5750, 5755 + one elective
Endorsement 6-12: 18 required hours: EDCI 5760, 5710, 5720, 5770, 5775 + one elective
Endorsement K-12: 21 required hours EDCI 5760, 5710, 5720, 5750, 5755, 5770, and 5775; no elective
For approval of other electives contact:
Dr. Steve Bialostok
College of Education
(307) 766-3165
smb@uwyo.edu
Updated March 2012
2
C. Completing the program – when you have completed the 18 (or 24) hours of coursework, in order to receive
your certificate and endorsement you must complete the following two steps:
1. Certificate of Literacy – complete the following form (can be found at
http://www.uwyo.edu/registrar/Students/Forms_and_Petitions.html)
a. Anticipated Graduation Date form, and return to:
Office of the Registrar
Dept. 3964
1000 E. University Ave.
Laramie, WY 82071
Fax: 307-766-3960
2. Wyoming Endorsement – complete the following items:
a. Fill in the top of the institutional form from the PTSB http://ptsb.state.wy.us/ and
http://ptsb.state.wy.us/ApplicationsFees/tabid/94/Default.aspx
b. Send this form along with a letter that includes:
 The level of endorsement for which you are applying (K-6, 7-12, or K-12)
 The classroom/grade level in which you did your practicum assignments (include 2 levels if you are
applying for a K-12 endorsement)
 The name of your school, your grade level, and how long you have been teaching. Have your principal
sign or initial the letter to verify that you have taught in this school for this amount of time.
 The course that you plan to use to fulfill your elective requirement.
1. If the course was taken through UW and is on the approved list of courses simply give its name
and number so that it can be located on the transcript.
2. If the course was taken through UW and you are not sure it has been approved contact Dr.
Steve Bialostok at smb@uwyo.edu or 307-766-3165.
3. If the course was taken at another institution contact Dr. Bialostok for approval.
c. Return the above materials to:
Jody Evans
Office of Teacher Education
Dept. 3374
1000 E. University Av e.
Laramie, WY 82071
Updated March 2012
3
Course Descriptions
EDCI 5760: Sociolinguistics & Social Literacies (3 credits)
Introduces students to key concepts in linguistics, sociolinguistics, and social literacies that are necessary for
understanding and working with children from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds. As such, the course was
designed to redirect students’ attention from a sole focus on schooled language and literacy to an understanding
of the diverse language and literacy knowledges and skills that children bring to school from their own
sociocultural contexts.
EDCI 5710: Genre-Based, Discipline Based Literacies (3 credits)
Designed to provide educators with knowledge of reading factors as they relate to various genres and disciplines.
The content includes new literacies, assessment and development of comprehension, writing and oral language as
learning tools, techniques for the development of vocabulary, questioning and study strategies appropriate to
various disciplines and genres.
EDCI 5720: Literacy Difficulties: Assessment and Instruction (3 credits)
Examines contemporary research and practice related to 1) literacy difficulties, 2) classroom assessment, and 3)
RTI & school literacy reform. Read and discuss research addressing these issues and also engage in projects
focused on intervention with struggling students and school wide-systems for literacy intervention.
EDCI 5750: RESEARCH IN READING AND WRITING INSTRUCTION, Part 1 (K-6) (3 credits)
Research in Literacy Learning, Teaching, and Assessment in Classrooms, Grades K-5, Part 1. Examines
contemporary research and practice in literacy instruction. Read about and discuss cutting-edge literacy methods
related to 1) word recognition, 2) beginning and fluent text reading, 3) reading comprehension, and 4) vocabulary
development. In addition, students will analyze their current literacy instruction and develop, implement, and
evaluate lessons that involve new instructional approaches.
EDCI 5755: RESEARCH IN LITERACY LEARNING, TEACHING, AND ASSESSMENT IN CLASSROMS, GRADES K-5,
Part II, 3 hrs.
Second of two related courses that address research in literacy instruction in elementary classrooms. The twocourse sequence is required for students seeking the Wyoming K-5 Literacy Endorsement. Can also serve as a
literacy content course in the Literacy Education Ph.D. option or as an elective in other graduate degree programs.
Prerequisites: EDCI 5750.
EDCI 5770: RESEARCH IN LITERACY LEARNING, TEACHING, AND ASSESSMENT IN CLASSROOMS,
Part 1 (6-12), 3 hrs.
Critically examines reading-writing research for the express purpose of recognizing fundamentals of superior
studies. Students are encouraged to select and pursue a topic in reading-writing research for intensive
examination. Students may pursue areas of emphasis in elementary, secondary, or higher education.
Prerequisites: Graduate standing in education.
EDCI 5775: RESEARCH IN LITERACY LEARNING, TEACHING, AND ASSESSMENT IN CLASSROOMS,
Part 2 (6-12), 3 hrs.
Designed to be the second in a two-course sequence that focuses on research and practice in adolescent literacy
learning, teaching, and assessment. Will focus on applying research to practice.
Prerequisites: Graduate standing in education.
Updated March 2012
4
Elementary Education Program Approval Standards
Standard
I
II
III
IV
V
VI
VII
VIII
IX
X
XII
The program shall require knowledge of the factors that influence reading comprehension.
The program shall require experiences that promote students’ motivation and interest in reading.
The program shall require demonstrated competence in the use of a variety of comprehension strategies
for different types of texts.
The program shall require knowledge of and demonstrated competence in the development,
implementation and evaluation of a variety of instructional approaches designed to improve students’
reading ability.
The program shall require demonstrated competence in using writing to teach reading.
The program shall require demonstrated competence in prescribing instruction programs and activities for
individual students and small/large groups, based upon the analysis and interpretation of diagnostic data.
The program shall require demonstrated competence in planning and implementing activities designed to
build community support for school reading programs.
The program shall require knowledge of recent research development in reading, writing, listening and
speaking.
The program shall include supervised practicum experiences.
The program shall require differentiated knowledge and experiences at the level according to the area of
emphasis desired: 1. An elementary program shall require knowledge and experiences at the elementary
level. 2. A secondary program shall require knowledge and experiences at the secondary level. 3. A K-12
program shall require knowledge and experiences at both elementary and secondary levels.
The program shall require knowledge of language acquisition as it concerns first and second language
learning and how it varies by age levels.
Updated March 2012
5
Literacy Program Application
PERSONAL DATA
Last Name
Sex
Male
First Name
Female
Middle Initial
(optional)
E-Mail Address
W number:
Phone Number
Street
City, State, Zip, Country
Program Options
Check here if you have completed the Graduate Student Resources online application and applied for Certificate of Literacy.
Check here if you are interested in embedding this into a graduate program.
Please choose one of the options:
K-6 level
7-12 level
K-12 level
ACADEMIC INFORMATION
Undergraduate Institution
Major
Degree
GPA
Grad. Date
Other Colleges & Universities attended
Institution
________________________________________
Dates Attended
__________________________
Degree
_________________________________
________________________________________
__________________________
_________________________________
WORK HISTORY
Job Title/Employer
Grade levels/subjects taught
Principal’s Name: ___________________________________
____________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
Starting ___________________ Ending_________________
_________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
Starting ___________________ Ending_________________
For office use only:
Fee Paid
Date Paid:_______
Check #:________
Initials: _________
Return this form and your check for $40 made out to the University of Wyoming to: Literacy Program, Dept. of Elementary/EC
Education, Dept. 3374, 1000 E. University Ave., Laramie, WY 82071
Created 04/05
Updated March 2012
6