Reading Concentration (M.Ed.)

Reading Concentration Information

The goal of the Reading concentration is to prepare classroom teachers to be more effective teachers of reading and language arts. Courses in reading methodology and diagnosis, as well as clinical experiences, provide the framework that allows the graduate student to develop competence as a reading teacher and reading specialist.

The program rests on an eclectic theoretical base, and presents a balanced and comprehensive view of literacy development, instruction, and assessment. The program is research-based and in line with state standards.

M.Ed. Reading Required Courses

(3 credits each unless otherwise noted):

Students must select twenty-one credits in reading/ literacy from among the following and other graduate course offerings. It is required that students select courses in consultation with their academic advisor. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that they have taken the required number of credits from each of these categories.

GED 558 - Introduction to Educational Research Credits: 3 cr.
GED 699 - Capstone Seminar in Graduate Education Credits: 3 cr.
GED 688D - Reading Specialist Practicum Credits: 3 cr.
(Required for Endorsement only)

Reading Foundations and Methods

Student must select at least 6 credits from among these choices.

GED 522 - Teaching Literacy in the Elementary Classroom Credits: 3 cr.
GED 530 - Literacy in the Middle and Secondary Schools Credits: 3 cr.
GED 540 - TIME for Teachers™ Credits: 3 cr.
GED 606 - Literacy Development and Instruction in the Elementary Classroom Credits: 3 cr.
GED 640 - Language and Learning Credits: 3 cr.
GED 643 - Instruction of K-6 Students with Learning Challenges in Language Arts Credits: 3 cr.

Reading Assessment

Students must take the following:

GED 534 - Assessment and Instruction in Reading Credits: 3 cr.

Children’s Literature

Students must select at least 3 credits from these two choices.

GED 517 - Teaching Nonfiction in the Elementary Grades Credits: 3 cr.
GED 535 - Children’s Literature: Author and Illustrator Studies Credits: 3 cr.

Literacy Electives

Students must take 6-9 additional credits in reading/literacy courses. These electives may come from any of the above mentioned categories, or from those listed below. Other literacy electives may be substituted with advisor’s approval. Students pursuing the Reading Specialist endorsement will select 6 credits in literacy electives and GED 688D.

General Electives

Students must take 9 additional credits in general electives (i.e., any course from the Graduate Education Catalogue) or, if desired, additional reading/literacy courses. Students are strongly encouraged to take a leadership course and/or GED 510 Becoming A Literacy Leader, especially if they are pursuing the Reading Specialist endorsement. Licensure students typically apply 9 credits from their licensure program to this fulfill this requirement.

Practicum

The practicum is required for all students pursuing Reading Specialist endorsement. Students may only register for the practicum after completing 3 years of teaching experience and successfully completing the 18 required credits in reading/literacy with a “B” or better. Students not taking the practicum must register for an additional course in reading/ literacy.

Beginning in the fall of 2010, students must successfully pass the Reading Specialist Praxis before registering for the Reading Specialist Practicum. Additionally, to ensure a spot in the practicum, students must notify their advisor of their intentions to register for the practicum by October 15th for a spring practicum, and February 15th for a fall practicum.

GED 688 - Practicum Credits: 3-6 cr.