KANSAS STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION (KSDE) Reading specialist LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS
To receive an institutional verification from Fort Hays State University to the Kansas State Department of Education, applicants for a Reading Specialist endorsement must complete the Fort Hays State University-approved Reading Specialist Program.
STEPS FOR OBTAINING A PROVISIONAL READING SPECIALIST LICENSE
- Complete 50% of the approved Reading Specialist Licensure program.
- Secure a position as a Reading Specialist.
- Apply for a "Provisional School Specialist License". This is KSDE Form 4.
- Upon submission of the online application, it will go to the employing district for completion. They will then forward to the FHSU Licensure Officer for final completion and submission to KSDE. Allow 4-6 weeks for processing the application. The license is valid for a period of two years.
STEPS FOR OBTAINING AN INITIAL READING SPECIALIST LICENSE
- Complete the approved Reading Specialist master’s degree program with a cumulative grade point average of 3.25.
- Achieve a passing score of 165 on the ETS Content Assessment for Reading Specialist – test code 5302. Register for the exam at www.ets.org/praxis
- Secure a position as a Reading Specialist.
- Apply for an "Initial School Specialist License". This is KSDE Form 1. Upon submission, it will go to the FHSU Licensure Officer for final completion and submission to KSDE. Allow 4-6 weeks for processing the application.
- Must hold valid Kansas Professional Teaching License which requires completion of two years of teaching/mentoring.
STEPS FOR OBTAINING A PROFESSIONAL READING SPECIALIST LICENSE
- Complete the year-long district-administered mentoring program and then contact KSDE for a “Professional School Specialist License” application, Form 21.
- Each applicant for an initial professional Reading Specialist license shall submit to the state board the following:
- Verification of successful completion of the school specialist performance assessment prescribed by the state board while employed in a school accredited by the state board or by a national or regional accrediting agency recognized by the state board;
- Verification of at least one year of recent accredited experience or at least eight semester hours of recent credit;
- An application for professional Reading Specialist license; and
- Licensure fee.
- KSDE will mail the license directly to the candidate. Allow KSDE 4-6 weeks for processing the application.
- Each applicant for an initial professional Reading Specialist license shall submit to the state board the following:
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT READING SPECIALIST LICENSURE, CONTACT:
- Licensure Officer -Kerry Schuckman; Fort Hays State University, Rarick Hall 237B, Hays, KS 67601 (785) 628-4542, kschuckm@fhsu.edu
- FHSU Testing Center, Fort Hays State University, Picken Hall, Hays, KS 67601 (785) 628-4401,
- Educational Testing Services (ETS)
FREE CONTENT TEST PREPARATION MATERIAL
Information on test preparation for Reading Specialist test 5302 is available through ETS at https://www.ets.org/praxis/prepare/materials/5302
TEST SCORE RESULTS
When registering for the test, choose Fort Hays State University as a score recipient. ETS will not send you your test results by mail; however, they will be available on their website approximately four weeks after your completing the test. Make sure to print a copy for your records.
DISTRICT ADMINISTERED MENTORSHIP PROGRAM
All individuals holding an initial Reading Specialist license must complete a year-long district administered mentorship program to successfully complete the performance assessment as a prerequisite to receiving a professional Reading Specialist license.
Policies and Requirements for the Mentorship Program:
- Mentoring and supervision for a one-year period must be provided by the district during the term of an initial license.
- The assigned mentor must hold a professional license.
- Candidates are no longer required to register in and complete internship credit through the higher education institution.
- The higher education institution where the program was completed is no longer required to provide supervision.
- The district providing the mentoring/supervision will be required to complete a verification form as part of the upgrade application process for the professional license
- More information on district-provided mentoring is available through KSDE.
Licensure in states other than Kansas
Contact your state department of education to identify steps you need to take to add a Reading Specialist endorsement to your license in your state.