Reading and Literacy Added Authorization Program

Academic Course (University Credit)

Established in 2015, the CSULB Reading and Literacy Added Authorization Program prepares classroom teachers who are holding a valid California teaching credential (Multiple Subject Credential, Single Subject Credential, or Education Specialist) to become a more effective and reflective literacy teacher, literacy leader, or literacy coach in their school.

The entire program consists of five 3-unit graduate-level courses that focus on explicit, systematic instruction, assessment, and intervention in foundational and high-level literacy skills; and that promote a commitment to scholarship, leadership, and advocacy. Specifically, the courses cover 1) literacy instruction, assessment and data analysis, and intervention; 2) literacy instruction across content areas; 3) literacy instruction for English language learners, struggling students, and students with dyslexia; 4) integrating traditional and emerging technology to enhance literacy instruction for all students; and 5) connections among literacy theory, research, practices, and reflection. All five courses will focus on addressing the Common Core State Standards (CCSS), English Language Development Standards (ELD), Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), and STEM content areas within the context of literacy instruction. 

Please note: The Cal Vet College Fee Waiver cannot be used for this program.

  • Teachers who wish to earn the Reading and Literacy Added Authorization at the completion of the program, and who meet the following requirements:
    • hold a valid California Multiple, Single, or Education Specialist credential; and who have completed a professional preparation program including student teaching.
    • hold a valid clear, full-time designated subject teaching credential, and have met the basic skills requirement (ex: CBEST or other CTC-approved route)
    • hold a valid English Learner Authorization (required prior to the completion of the Reading and Literacy Added Authorization Program).
  • Teachers in a community college or other educational setting who wish to enhance their knowledge and skills in teaching reading and writing, and teaching literacy across content areas for diverse groups of students.
  • Teachers who aim to teach reading and writing across the curriculum and with an integration of technology.
  • Teachers who aim to become more skillful at implementing CCSS and NGSS and integrating STEM content areas.
  • Teachers who aim to become critical consumers of research, and become skillful at making a connection between research, theory, and practices.
  • Classes are held online and are self-paced.
  • The program is scheduled during two consecutive summer semesters, one Fall semester, and one Spring semester:  
    • 1st Summer semester (2 courses)
    • Fall semester (1 course)
    • Spring semester (1 course)
    • 2nd Summer semester (1 course) 
  • Program is accredited by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
  • After being admitted to the Reading and Literacy Added Authorization Program, candidates must open a credential file with the CSULB Student Success and Advising Center.

EDRG 540: Advanced Studies in Literacy (3 units)

  • How to read, understand, synthesize, and critique research studies and practitioner-oriented literature on literacy instruction for all students (i.e., multilingual learners, struggling students, and students with dyslexia and other special needs).
  • How to understand and implement instructional implications discussed in research studies and practitioner-oriented literature in classroom literacy instruction.
  • How to evaluate various pedagogical approaches to literacy instruction.
  • How to communicate with colleagues about instructional implications from research studies and practitioner-oriented literature.

EDRG 551: Assessment and Instruction in Reading and Writing (3 units)

  • How to select, administer, and evaluate a variety of literacy assessments (formal and informal), including screening, diagnostic, formative, and summative assessments, and collect and disaggregate data to analyze the literacy development of beginning readers and older students experiencing reading difficulties.
  • How to implement diagnostic teaching by analyzing assessment data, students’ cognitive abilities, learning styles, and prior knowledge to design targeted instructional plans aligned with curricular standards.
  • How to evaluate the instructional context, including pedagogical strategies, curriculum design, classroom dynamics, teacher-student interactions, and learning modalities, to determine how instruction supports or limits student literacy development.
  • How to plan and implement differentiated literacy instruction that addresses the needs of English learners, struggling readers and writers, students with special needs, and students with dyslexia, with attention to decoding, vocabulary, comprehension, writing, and academic language.

EDRG 543: Integration of Technology into Reading/Language Arts (3 units)

  • How to apply and evaluate traditional and emerging technological tools to enhance literacy instruction and to teach literacy across curriculum.
  • How to learn, apply, and evaluate various AI tools for literacy instruction and for teaching literacy across curriculum.  
  • How to evaluate and implement electronic curriculum programs and resources.
  • How to teach critical media literacy and reflect on its integration in the curriculum of literacy and content areas

EDRG 558: Language Study for Reading Teachers (3 units)

  • How to enhance English linguistic knowledge and apply such knowledge in teaching foundational and high-level literacy skills.
  • How to develop linguistic knowledge about other languages and apply such knowledge to support multilingual learners.
  • How to diagnose students’ strengths and needs in English linguistic knowledge and to address their needs accordingly.
  • How to explore various ways that language is used in society and integrate such ways with language into literacy instruction and teaching literacy across the curriculum.

EDRG 559: Practicum in Teaching Reading and Language Arts (3 units)

  • How to analyze and interpret multiple sources of literacy assessment data (formal and informal) in order to diagnose students’ strengths and needs, monitor progress over time, and inform instructional decision-making.
  • How to design and implement focused literacy intervention plans that include research-based instructional strategies, activities, materials, assessments, and rationales to support students experiencing reading and writing difficulties.
  • How to plan and deliver targeted literacy instruction for diverse learners, including English learners, struggling readers, and students with special learning needs using research-based practices related to foundational skills, vocabulary development, comprehension, and writing instruction.
  • How to engage in professional collaboration and peer coaching, reflect critically on teaching practices, and assume the roles and responsibilities of a reading/language arts professional committed to scholarship, leadership, and advocacy in literacy education.

For Teachers Admitted to the Program for Summer 2025 Cohort:

EDRG 543: Integration of Technology into Reading/Language Arts (3 units)
Date: September 8 – October 31, 2025 
Place: Asynchronous, Online

EDRG 559: Practicum in Teaching Reading and Language Arts (3 units)
Date: February 2 – March 27, 2026
Place: Asynchronous, Online

EDRG 558: Language Study for Reading Teachers (3 units)
Date: May 18 - June 26, 2026
Place: Asynchronous, Online

For Teachers Admitted to the Program for Summer 2026 Cohort:

EDRG 540: Advanced Studies in Literacy (3 units)
Date: May 18 - June 26, 2026
Place: Asynchronous, Online

EDRG 551: Assessment and Instruction in Reading and Writing (3 units)
Date: May 18 - June 26, 2026
Place: Asynchronous, Online

EDRG 543: Integration of Technology into Reading/Language Arts (3 units)
Date: September – November, 2026 
Place: Asynchronous, Online

EDRG 559: Practicum in Teaching Reading and Language Arts (3 units)
Date: February – March, 2027
Place: Asynchronous, Online

EDRG 558: Language Study for Reading Teachers (3 units)
Date: May - June 2027
Place: Asynchronous, Online

Please note:  After you have been accepted to the Program, the Program Director will contact you to provide details regarding course registration.