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.

Reading/English Language Arts Specialist Endorsement

This state-approved program gives Saint Michael’s College the authority to endorse students in reading who already have an initial teaching license. In consultation with an advisor, the student selects six courses (eighteen credits) in the areas of reading foundations and methods, children’s literature, reading assessment, and language arts. When this coursework is successfully completed with a “B” or better, and the student has already applied for candidacy, the student is eligible to take GED 688D Reading Practicum (3 credits).  Additionally, students must be able to document 3 years of teaching experience and provide evidence of passing Praxis II-Reading Specialist prior to registering.  Students not pursuing the endorsement may substitute another literacy course for the Practicum.

• 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.

Reading Foundations and Methods

Students must take GED 606 and another three credits from among these choices:

• GED 522 - Teaching Literacy in the Elementary Classroom Credits: 3 cr.

• Pre-service teachers only or with permission of advisor.

• GED 530 - Literacy in the Middle and Secondary Schools Credits: 3 cr.

• Pre-service teachers only or with permission of advisor.

• GED 540 - TIME for Teachers™ Credits: 3 cr.
• GED 607 - Literacy Instruction for Struggling Adolescents: Intervention and Classroom Practices 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.

• Pre-service teachers only or with permission of advisor.

Reading Assessment

Students must take at least 3 credits in reading assessment.

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

Children’s Literature

Students must select at least 3 credits from among these 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 additional credits in reading/literacy courses.  These electives may come from any of the above mentioned categories, or from those listed below.

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 and they will not be eligible for the Reading/English Language Arts Specialist Endorsement.

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 31st for a spring practicum, and February 28th for a fall practicum. 

• GED 688D - Reading Specialist Practicum Credits: 3 cr.

General Electives

Students must take 9 additional credits in general electives (i.e., any course from the Graduate Education Catalogue) or, if desired, additional literary electives.  Students are strongly encouraged to take GED 634: Consultation and Collaboration in Schools or GED 510: Becoming A Literacy Leader: Tools and Strategies for Success.  These courses can count as either General Electives or Literacy Electives.