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Department of Elementary, Early, and Special Education

Literacy Education Minor

Do you want to deeply understand what it takes to teach a child or an adult how to read effectively?

This minor equips you with the knowledge and skills to do exactly that. The Literacy Education Minor, combined with an Elementary Education Major, enhances job opportunities by equipping teacher candidates with the skills to teach reading to diverse learners, including struggling readers and adults. This program includes an Idaho State Literacy K-12 Reading Specialist Endorsement, qualifying graduates as reading specialists. Coursework covers literacy, linguistics, children’s literature, structured literacy methods, and evidence-based instructional practices. Candidates will learn to assess literacy needs in-depth, design targeted interventions, and apply structured literacy principles to support students with diverse literacy profiles, such as dyslexia. A practicum experience allows candidates to apply their knowledge in real-world settings, further preparing them to help struggling readers succeed in K-12 and adult education settings.

Required Courses: 20 credits

1. ED 340: Foundations of Literacy Development and Reading Disabilities

  • Credits: 3
  • Description: This course offers a foundational understanding of the evolution of literacy curriculum and research over the years and examines reading disabilities.
  • Prerequisite: None
2. ED 350: Language and the Brain

  • Credits: 3
  • Description: Examine how the brain processes language and its implications for literacy development and a detailed exploration of dyslexia.
  • Prerequisite: Lit 1 – ED 344
3. ED 352: Advanced Phonics

  • Credits: 3
  • Description: An advanced study of phonics/language and its role in literacy instruction.
  • Prerequisite: Lit 1 - ED 344
4. ED 454: Literacy Assessment and Intervention Methods

  • Credits: 3
  • Description: Concentrates on administering and interpreting literacy assessments while developing intervention strategies for both early and advanced struggling readers of all ages.
  • Prerequisite: Lit 2 - ED 345
5. ED 455: Practicum in Assessment and Intervention

  • Credits: 2
  • Description: A practicum where students apply literacy assessment and intervention techniques in real-world educational settings. In this practicum, you will work with 1 to 3 older readers struggling with reading. You will receive daily feedback from your course instructor while learning how to give effective interventions.
  • Prerequisite: ED 454
Student teacher tutoring a child

6. ED 460: Literacy in the Content Areas

  • Credits: 3
  • Description: Explores literacy strategies for teaching content-area subjects to diverse learners.
  • Prerequisite: Lit 2 - ED 345
7. ENG 355 or ENG 356: Children’s Literature or Young Adult Literature

  • Credits: 3
  • Description: A course focusing on literature for children or young adults, and its importance in literacy development.
  • Prerequisite: None

Required Praxis:

Praxis 5206 - Teaching Reading

  • Description: A certification exam to assess your readiness for teaching reading. This assessment is needed for some states if you want to work as a literacy coach or reading specialist.