K-5 Literacy Endorsement

General Information

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.

• Teachers who already have a reading endorsement listed on their certificate are exempt from these requirements as the reading endorsement has several more requirements.

Infographic: This infographic is useful for sharing details.

Video: This video describes the requirements and other important details of the K-5 endorsement.

Approved Trainings

K-5 Literacy Endorsement Approved Trainings as of 3/10/23

Recently, ADE launched an RFI to request information from vendors for courses or training opportunities that meet the requirements of legislation. As a result of the review process, an approved list of trainings has been generated. The list is continually evolving and will be updated as needed. Any organization interested in having a course or training included on the list should review and submit materials as directed in the RFI document, and email Maggie Velazquez for additional information.

Arizona Reading Fundamentals OnDemand Academy Knowledge Blocks are in progress of creation and alignment with the K-5 Literacy Endorsement training requirements. These knowledge blocks do not yet meet the requirements. They will be added to the K-5 Literacy Endorsement list of Approved Trainings once completed. See below for more information:

Approved Trainings via the ADE OnDemand Academies

Arizona Reading Fundamentals OnDemand Academy Knowledge Blocks are in progress of creation and alignment with the K-5 Literacy Endorsement training requirements. These knowledge blocks do not yet meet the requirements. Within time, select Systemic Reading Fundamentals knowledge blocks may be bundled to reach the 45 hour requirement for Part A of the endorsement. They will be added to the K-5 Literacy Endorsement list of Approved Trainings once completed. Secondary Reading Fundamentals and Dyslexia Reading Fundamentals Knowledge Blocks do not meet the K-5 Literacy Endorsement training requirements. 

For those using the Arizona Reading Fundamentals OnDemand Academy for their learning path for Part A of the K-5 Literacy Endorsement, you will be able to begin the series of knowledge blocks in April 2023. This learning path will be made available here for registration at that time. 

For those who have already started and/or completed Science of Teaching and Reading, Evidence-based Decision Making, and Elementary Multi-tiered System of Support prior to April 2023, additional knowledge blocks will be available designed to continue the K-5 Literacy Endorsement path. 

Foundations of Reading Assessment

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.

Informational Video