Maryland State Teacher certification reading requirements?

[Anonymous]

I'm hoping some MD teachers might read this thread.

I know I need to call the Dept of Ed to really get the answer, but I'm trying to make some last minute plans this weekend.

I have recently transferred my teacher certification (ESOL, k-12) from VA to MD. It turns out I need to take 6 credits in "Reading in the Content Area" as well. I am trying to figure out if MD state will accept a passing score on the Praxis II reading exam, in lieu of these 6 credits?

[Anonymous]

I was just on the MD Dept of Education website. Try there first and then call on Monday if their website doesn't answer your question. I'll check out my info too since it has been a LONG time since I took those classes for certification.

[Anonymous]

Well, there are new Praxis II exams popping up every week. I just learned about the ones called:

"Reading Across the Curriculum, Elementary" (201)

http://www.ets.org/Media/Tests/PRAXIS/pdf/0201.pdf

and "Reading across the Curriculum, Secondary" (202)

http://www.ets.org/Media/Tests/PRAXIS/pdf/0202.pdf

I've been teaching for forever, and think I know this stuff; I'd hate to have to take a basic level college class in it if I could just pass the P{raxis IIs and be done with them!

[Anonymous]

Hmmm.. Montgomery county will accept the Reading 201 class in lieu of many of the courses, for elementary teachers anyhow.

http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/uploadedFiles/departments/personnel/certification/ReadingCoursesElem.pdf

[Anonymous]

Good luck. Post what you found out. I lost my MD certification when I opted to go back to school for two more chemistry classes and ignored the reading requirement. I already had 9 reading credits, and thought more chemistry would make me a better science teacher. (Silly me. One less experienced science teacher in Maryland now.) I really hope the PRAXIS becomes an option.

[Anonymous]

Which county do you teach in?

[Anonymous]

Prince George's Community COllege is offering these two courses online, for about $300/class (for County residents, anyhow):

EDU 214. Teaching Reading in the Content Areas- I and EDU 215. Teaching Reading in the Content Areas-II

http://academic.pgcc.edu/education/EDU_course_descriptions.shtml

They are being offered as "Accelerated Online Classes" meaning you can fit two into one semester.

http://www.pgcconline.com/aboutOnlineLearning/schedule-spring10CR.html

They are also offering two other reading classes online, intended I think for elementary teachers.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Good luck. Post what you found out. I lost my MD certification when I opted to go back to school for two more chemistry classes and ignored the reading requirement. I already had 9 reading credits, and thought more chemistry would make me a better science teacher. (Silly me. One less experienced science teacher in Maryland now.) I really hope the PRAXIS becomes an option.

I think as a high school content teacher, you only need 6 credits:

http://www.marylandpublicschools.org/NR/rdonlyres/841ABD3D-FC95-47AB-BB74-BD3C85A1EFB8/5519/fact34.pdf

Six semester hours in the following content were recommended for regular and special education teachers at the secondary level and N-12 or K-12 levels:

1. Methods of Teaching Reading in the Secondary Content Area, Part I
Outlines the essentials of the reading process. Introduces teachers to the purposes of reading; methods of assessing student reading;
cognitive strategies in reading; methods of incorporating reading through student-centered instruction; and motivations for reading.

2. Methods of Teaching Reading in the Secondary Content Area, Part II

Expands on Part I, enabling teachers to apply theories, strategies, and practices in daily classroom instruction.

[Anonymous]

OK -- this is from the MD State website, dated June 2001:

http://www.marylandpublicschools.org/NR/rdonlyres/841ABD3D-FC95-47AB-BB74-BD3C85A1EFB8/5519/fact34.pdf

Can teachers “test out” of the reading requirement?

Yes, early childhood, elementary, and special education teachers at the early childhood and elementary levels may test out by achieving the qualifying score of 173 on the Praxis II assessment Reading Across the Curriculum: Elementary. Educational Testing Service is currently developing a test for the secondary level. Check the ETS web site at www.teachingandlearning.org for testing information.

Note to secondary teachers -- I think the Reading Across the curriculum: Secondary Praxis test has since been developed. So it looks like you should be able to test out of it.

[Anonymous]

More info for secondary school teachers: I still don't know if Praxis II test, 0202 Reading Across the Curriculum: Secondary counts in liueu of the 6 credits of reading. However if it does, the test is only administered 3 times each year.

http://www.ets.org/portal/site/ets/menuitem.1488512ecfd5b8849a77b13bc3921509/?vgnextoid=f81bf53940a29110VgnVCM10000022f95190RCRD&vgnextchannel=ba855ee3d74f4010VgnVCM10000022f95190RCRD

The next two dates are March 13th and June 12, 2010. And the deadlines for regular registration are: 2/11 and 5/13.