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Reading Coursework Requirements
Michigan’s Teacher Certification Code contains two distinct requirements in the teaching of reading that all teachers must complete, one of which must be completed prior to earning an initial standard teaching certificate, and the other of which must be completed prior to advancing to a professional teaching certificate.
Reading Methods Requirements for Standard Teaching Certification
In order to be recommended for an initial standard teaching certificate with an elementary grade band, teacher candidates must complete a minimum of six (6) credit hours in the teaching of literacy, with appropriate clinical experiences. In order to be recommended for an initial standard teaching certificate with a secondary or PK-12 grade band, teacher candidates must complete a minimum of three (3) credit hours in literacy instruction as appropriate to the discipline area in which they are seeking an endorsement. These requirements are set forward in R390.1123 of the Teacher Certification Code. Standards for early childhood, lower elementary, upper elementary and secondary coursework are available. Teacher candidates who complete an approved alternative route program to teacher certification have satisfied this requirement. Complementing these standards, MCL 380.1531e details specific requirements all teacher preparation programs, including alternative routes, must provide in understanding dyslexia and delivering evidence-based literacy instruction.
Reading Diagnosis/Remediation Requirements for Professional Teaching Certification
In order to advance to a Professional Teaching Certificate, teachers must satisfactorily (grade of C or better or the equivalent) complete an additional three (3) credit approved course of study in the diagnosis and remediation of reading disabilities and differentiated instruction. This requirement is set forward in R390.1132(4) of the Teacher Certification Code, and Michigan Compiled Law 380.1531(3) provides additional details on the content that this course of study must cover. The Office of Educator Excellence (OEE) maintains a list of approved courses offered by Michigan colleges and universities to satisfy this requirement. While it is possible to complete this requirement through an out-of-state institution, OEE only approves and maintains a directory of courses from Michigan educator preparation providers. OEE does not approve courses from out-of-state institutions, but rather requires teachers who complete a course of study offered by an out-of-state provider to submit a verification form signed by an appropriate authority at the provider attesting that particular courses completed by candidates for a professional certificate meet Michigan’s requirements for this course of study.