UCF's reading education master’s program is adding a new accolade to its collection — this time with national recognition from the International Literacy Association (ILA).
UCF is one of seven higher education institutions nationwide to be recognized recently for having exemplary literacy professional preparation programs. The reading education master’s program received ILA’s Reading/Literacy Specialist Program recognition, which it will carry through 2030.
“ILA National Recognition is awarded only to outstanding licensure, certificate and endorsement programs that prepare literacy professionals,” says Michelle Kelley, professor of reading education and program facilitator for the reading education master’s program. “It shows that the program meets or exceeds ILA’s rigorous, research-based standards for excellence in literacy education — setting it apart from others — and signals to students, faculty and stakeholders that it is among the best in the field.”
A global professional membership organization comprised of literacy educators, researchers and experts, ILA provides an evidence-based benchmark for developing and assessing literacy professional preparation programs. Each institution undergoes rigorous evaluation by independent reviewers, who assess program alignment with ILA’s Standards for the Preparation of Literacy Professionals. Programs also engage in a self-study and peer evaluation.
“Very few programs receive this honor, and it is recognized by educators, researchers and institutions worldwide,” Kelley says. “Students in ILA-recognized programs benefit from a nationally recognized credential that can improve job prospects, especially in competitive or specialized literacy roles such as reading specialists, literacy coaches and dyslexia specialists. This status confirms that our college’s reading program is structured to produce graduates ready to address literacy challenges at the PreK–12 level.”