Reading (K-12) Minor
The Reading Education (K–12) minor prepares teacher candidates to assess, support, and enhance literacy development for students across all grade levels. Grounded in the International Literacy Association (ILA) standards and aligned with the Montana standards for Reading Specialists (ARM 10.58.521), the program emphasizes evidence-based practices in reading instruction, assessment, and intervention. This minor is designed for teacher candidates who wish to build specialized expertise in literacy instruction, whether to strengthen their classroom teaching or to pursue future roles such as reading interventionist, literacy coach, or reading specialist (with appropriate licensure and experience). Students gain knowledge and skills in reading development, diagnosis of reading difficulties, instructional design, and culturally responsive literacy practices for diverse learners. To be eligible for licensure in Reading (K–12), students must complete a teacher education major in another endorsement area and pass the required Praxis Subject Knowledge Test for Teaching Reading K-12.
For specific Student Learning Outcomes see Education and Reading.
I. Minor/Professional Education Program Requirements
Required classes:
| ED 228 | Children's Literature | 3 |
| ED 318 | Content Area Reading & Sec Teach Methods | 3.00 - 4.00 |
| ED 323 | Teaching Communication Arts I | 2 |
| ED 324/SPED 324 | Diagnostic-Based Interv in Literacy Inst | 3 |
| ED 325 | Teaching Communication Arts II | 3 |
| ED 407 | Organization & Admin of the Reading Prog | 2 |
| ED 316 | Measurement and Assessment in Teaching | 3 |
II. Other Program Requirements
Required classes:
III. Teacher Licensure
To obtain teacher licensure in Reading K-12, a student must complete:
| ED 408 | Student Teaching- Minor Only | 5 |
| or | |
| ED 410 | Student Teaching - Major Or Major/Minor | 12 |
IV. Admission to the Teacher Education Program and Student Teaching
Students pursuing a major that leads to licensure must be formally admitted into the Teacher Education Program. See Admission into the Teacher Education Program for specific details.
Students must submit an application in order to student teach. See Admission to Student Teaching for specific details.
Note:
- See Secondary Education Requirements and Professional Education Requirements for Secondary Education.
- All Reading K-12 students must meet the following requirements: 1) earn a grade of “C-” or better in all Professional Education Requirements, Minor Program Requirements, and Other Program Requirements; 2) earn a minimum 2.75 cumulative grade point average for Admission to the Teacher Education Program; 3) earn a minimum 3.0 grade point average in Minor Program Requirements, Other Program Requirements, and Professional Education Requirements.