Preparation in reading is a valuable area of specialization. The Master of Education in Reading provides a strong foundation for the pedagogical, curricular, and leadership dimensions of the role of a Reading Specialist.
The Reading Specialist Certification Program provides training to become a reading professional who can function collaboratively and in a variety of capacities. Preparation consists of theory, application, and implementation of research-based instruction
and assessment practices. The Reading Specialist is trained in instruction and assessment techniques and given leadership opportunities to promote literacy programs for students, parents, other educators, and the community. Candidates who complete
the Master of Education in Reading will be eligible to apply for Reading Specialist Certification in Pennsylvania upon successful completion of the degree requirements and passing the Reading Specialist Praxis Exam. Those who already hold a master’s
degree in education can add the Reading Specialist Certification by completing the required 27 credits and passing the Reading Specialist Praxis Exam.
All candidates must attend a mandatory one-day on-campus orientation as part of GEDU 647 Assessment of Literacy Development/Clinical Application (Reading Clinic). The remaining clinical experience will be completed at pre-arranged sites and will be under
the supervision of a site based Reading Specialist and a University faculty supervisor.
What Makes Us Different
- The Reading Program coursework can be completed online.
- Candidates who complete the Master of Education in Reading will be eligible to apply for Reading Specialist Certification in Pennsylvania.
- Candidates who currently have a Master in Education degree have the option of obtaining a Reading Specialist Certificate.
Plan of Study
| Course Number |
Course Title |
Semester Planned |
| GEDU 520 (EDCR 420) |
ESL Teaching Methodology |
FALL |
| GEDU 626 |
Foundations of Literacy: Elementary |
FALL |
| GEDU 627 |
Foundations of Literacy: Secondary |
FALL |
| GEDU 631** (Must be completed before taking GEDU 647) |
Diagnosis and Remediation of Reading Difficulties |
SPRING |
| GEDU 633 |
Diverse Learner Competencies for Reading Specialists |
SPRING |
| GEDU 640 or GEDU 641 |
Adolescent Literature or Children's Literature |
FALL |
| GEDU 645 |
Literacy and Leadership |
SUMMER |
| GEDU 647** |
Assessment of Literacy Development/Clinical (6 credits) |
SUMMER |
| Additional courses required for M.Ed. |
| GEDU 621 or GEDU 643 |
School Curriculum or Overview of Curriculum Design |
FLEXIBLE |
| GEDU 644 or GEDU 601 |
Student-Centered Action Research or Action Research |
FLEXIBLE |
Exit Criteria
- All required coursework as indicated on the program plan of study must be completed
- All course grades must be B- or higher
- Final GPA for the program must be 3.0 or higher