K-5 Literacy Endorsement
The K-5 Literacy Endorsement requires literacy teachers in grades K-5 space to participate in additional training in reading instruction and intervention and a passing score on the Foundations of Reading Assessment by Pearson. The information on this page is designed to help clarify the expectations and answer questions. If you have additional questions, please reach out to Dr. Amy Boza.
Legislation: A.R.S §15-501.1 K-5 Endorsement - Full text of bill
A.R.S. §15-501.1 Establishes a literacy endorsement as a requirement for teachers who provide literacy instruction in kindergarten through grade five. Under the rules adopted by the Board to conform with this statute, the Literacy, K-5 endorsement requires:
A. Three semester hours of college coursework or 45 clock hours of approved trainings in the science of reading instruction, including systematic phonics instruction; and
B. Three semester hours of college coursework or 45 clock hours of approved training in reading instruction, including assessments, instructional practices, and interventions to improve student reading proficiency for struggling readers, including students with the characteristics of dyslexia
Additionally, teachers must also receive a passing score on the Foundations of Reading exam by Pearson.
Pre-Service teachers will have until 2025 to secure the endorsement, while certificated in-service educators have until 2028 to complete the requirements.
Infographic: This infographic is useful for sharing details.
Video: This video describes the requirements and other important details of the K-5 endorsement.
An RFI is currently in progress to request information from vendors for courses or training opportunities that meet the requirements of the legislation. Once solicitations are received from vendors, the ELA team will review courses to make certain they have all required information. Upon completion of the review, an approved list will be generated and shared with the Certification Team. The goal is to have a completed list by the end of summer/early fall 2022. The final list will be shared on this page when complete.
The Foundations of Reading (190) test for Arizona assesses proficiency in and depth of understanding of the subject of reading and writing development. The test reflects scientifically based reading research.
The Pearson website created for Arizona educators includes basic information, registration, and preparation materials to support educator practice before taking the test.
Upon registering for the Foundations of Reading exam, participants will see a cost of $139.00. However, at the completion of the registration, this cost will be eliminated. All Arizona educators have an opportunity to take the exam one time at no charge. It is highly recommended that you take the required coursework/training prior to taking the exam, as only one attempt is free.
For more information on the K-5 Literacy Endorsement and on the Foundations of Reading Exam, please watch an informational video below.
Contact Information: Amy Boza, Director of English Language Arts and Move On When Reading, 602-364-1804
