Frequently Asked Questions

Format

What are the prerequisites for the Reading courses?

You must have a minimum of a high school diploma. If you would like to obtain the UC Davis Extension Reading Certificate, you must have an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution, complete an application form and pay an application processing fee.

Can I take your courses if I am not a credentialed teacher and do not have a Master's degree?

Yes. Anyone interested may enroll in our Reading courses, with the exception of the Reading Practicum which is reserved for those who would like to complete the Reading Certificate Program.

Our Reading Certificate Program may lead to one of two certificates:

1. California Commission on Teacher Credentialing Reading Certificate—Issued to California-credentialed K-12 teachers who have a minimum of three years full-time teaching experience as an add-on to their teaching credential.
2. A UC Davis Reading Program Certificate—Issued to California community college instructors with a Master's in English or a related field that qualifies them to teach reading at that level.

Is there a required sequence of courses for the Reading Certificate Program?

The courses can be taken in any order, with the exception of the Reading Practicum which can only be taken after all other courses in the program are successfully completed. Please consider the following options.

Option 1: 1.5 years to complete the program (Recommended)

• Developing Fluent Readers (Fall)
• Assessment-Based Reading Instruction (Fall)
• Teaching Comprehension Strategies (Winter)
• Issues in Reading Instruction (Spring)
• Intervention with Struggling Readers (Spring or Summer)
• Reading Practicum (Following Winter)

Option 2: 1 year to complete the program (Fast Track)

• Issues in Reading Instruction (Spring)
• Intervention with Struggling Readers (Spring or Summer)
• Developing Fluent Readers (Fall)
• Assessment-Based Reading Instruction (Fall)
• Teaching Comprehension Strategies (Winter)
• Reading Practicum (Winter)

Note: Courses may be cancelled if minimum enrollment is not reached. If a course is cancelled, it may add to your estimated completion time.

Can I enroll in these courses without enrolling in the Reading Certificate Program?

Yes. You can enroll in our Reading courses without enrolling in the certificate program.

If I decide later that I want the Reading Certificate, will the course I successfully completed count?

Yes. You will need to complete the Certificate Program Application and return it to the UC Davis Extension Student Services office with your $45 nonrefundable application fee and supporting materials. You can submit the application anytime during the program, but it must be submitted before your final quarter. We recommend you submit your application after enrolling in the second course so we may accurately maintain your files.

Academic Credit

What kind of academic credit will I earn?

The Reading courses are academically approved as Professional Level Teacher Education. This credit is given in quarter units. One quarter unit equals 10 classroom hours or two-thirds of a semester unit.

If you intend to transfer these credits to another program, please consult with the appropriate institution. UC Davis Extension has no responsibility for course credit approval at other institutions.

How many units of credit will I receive when I complete the Reading Certificate Program?

Completion of the Reading Certificate Program requires successful completion of 18 units (six courses).

Time and Cost

I work full-time and have a family. How much time can I expect to spend on assignments and homework?

Assignments will vary according to the instructor. In most cases you will be expected to do short readings or research between sessions. Past participants have found our courses engaging and challenging, but manageable when balanced with a full work- and/or family-life. If you have specific concerns, please contact us to discuss options.

How much can I expect to spend on textbooks?

Instructors require a variety of required and recommended textbooks depending on the course. For this program, expect to spend about $450.

What will I be able to do with this certificate?

The Reading Certificate authorizes the holder to assess student reading and provide reading instruction in response to those assessments. Holders of the certificate are also authorized to develop, implement and adapt the reading content curriculum and assist classroom teachers in these areas. These services can be performed at one or more school sites at the grade levels authorized by the prerequisite teaching credential.

Enrollment and Registration

How do I enroll in the Certificate Program?

You will need to complete the Certificate Program Application and return it to the UC Davis Extension Student Services office with your $45 nonrefundable application fee. You can submit the application anytime during the program, but it must be submitted before your final quarter.

You must also submit a written statement verifying a 3.0 GPA, a letter from your current principal or district personnel director stating the number of years of full-time teaching experience (at least three years), a copy of your current California teaching credential, and two letters of recommendation.

When should I officially apply to the Reading Certificate Program?

There is no deadline. You may submit the application anytime during the program. We recommend you submit your application after enrolling in the second course so we may accurately maintain your files.

Completion

How can I check my grade at the end of a course?

After the instructor has submitted grades at the end of the course, Student Services will mail you a grade report. You may also create an online customer account to access your grade report as needed.

How do I get the certificate after I finish the courses?

The campus School of Education recommends you to the CCTC. UC Davis Extension will forward your file when all documentation is complete and we are in receipt of your CCTC application and fee.

How long does it take to get the certificate after I finish the courses?

Because the CCTC issues the certificate, we really have no way of knowing how long it will take. The CCTC offers a toll-free number for checking on the status of documents: 888-921-2682. It's also easy to obtain information online. Click on the first item in the left-hand column, California Credential Look up and Renewal. If you have questions, click on the top item in the right-hand column, contact the Commission. They generally respond within 72 hours.

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