Programs in Literacy Education

Course requirements by program

For course sequence, request a program calendar. Credits are listed in parentheses.

Programs:

M.A. in Literacy Education requires completion of all courses (32 semester credits).

K-12 Reading License requires completion of EDUC600, EDUC601, EDUC602, EDUC607, EDUC612, EDUC622, EDUC626, EDUC635 (18 semester credits).

Certificate in Literacy requires completion of EDUC600, EDUC601, EDUC602, EDUC607, EDUC612, EDUC622 (13 semester credits).

EDUC600 • Explorations in K-12 Literature (3)
Overview of the fields of children’s and adolescent literature with an emphasis on the use of tradebooks in the classroom. Learners will read and critically review a wide variety of genres across a span of age groups as well as develop a bibliography for future curriculum development in EDUC602, EDUC607, and EDUC612.

EDUC601 • Foundations of Reading (2)
Introduction to the historical and pedagogical issues related to the field of reading instruction. Examination of the reading process from both a psychological and socio-cultural perspective. Emphasis on current educational principles as they relate to the cognitive, linguistic development of children, preadolescents, and adolescents. Review of current research as well as national initiatives in reading instruction.

EDUC602 • Reading Instruction in Primary Grades (2)
Focus is on the development of reading proficiency in young children, grades K-2. Best practices in literacy that foster phonemic awareness, alphabet recognition, phonology, and word study. Design and implementation of a developmentally appropriate curriculum and instructional strategies for a wide range of abilities in literacy for young learners. Prerequisites: EDUC600, EDUC601.

EDUC607 • Reading Instruction in Intermediate Grades (2)
Development of skills and understandings to teach reading in the intermediate grades (3-6). Emphasis on the development of comprehension in a wide range of reading contexts, including fiction and expository text in a context that develops engagement in reading for pleasure and learning. Examination of methods to strengthen decoding, reading fluency, vocabulary, and concept development. Application of research and theory to evaluate and design curriculum. Prerequisites: EDUC600, EDUC601, EDUC602.

EDUC612 • Strategy Instruction in Content Areas (1)
Exploration of comprehension strategies that assist textbook understanding. A variety of expository texts found across content areas will be examined. Examination of behaviors of adolescent readers and instructional strategies to increase comprehension and understanding of texts. Prerequisites: EDUC600, EDUC601, EDUC602, EDUC607.

EDUC614 • Educational Research (1)
Focus is on understanding and reporting educational and psychological research. Learners will conduct online computer searches, appraise the quality of professional literature, cite research using APA style, and understand the options of writing a master’s thesis or conducting an action research project. Course is required of all master's degree-seeking learners and is strongly recommended for learners seeking only a license. Graded on an S/U basis.

EDUC622 • Assessment and Evaluation in Reading (3)
Focus is on best practices in formal and informal assessments. Engagement in assessing, measuring, evaluating, and reporting individual and group performance in reading. Evaluation of data to make informed decisions for instructional and curricular purposes. Participation in data analysis teams and development of expertise in reporting assessment results to a wide variety of audiences. Prerequisites: EDUC600, EDUC601, EDUC602, EDUC607, EDUC612.

EDUC626 • Leadership and Supervision in Reading (2)
Examination of the role of a reading specialist in assisting and directing district and school-wide programs in reading. Examination of ways to align district and school goals as they relate to state and federal initiatives. Exploration of fiscal, budgetary, and purchasing practices for operating a comprehensive reading program. Learners will develop expertise in planning and providing effective professional development programs. Prerequisites: EDUC600, EDUC601, EDUC602, EDUC607, EDUC612, EDUC622.

EDUC635 • Reading Clinic (3)
A practicum designed to give learners clinical experience. Application of best practices in assessment and analysis of data. Select materials and plan instruction for students who are in need of an intervention or remediation. Application of effective practice in teaching students in a clinical experience in either an elementary, middle level, or high school program. Prerequisites: EDUC600, EDUC601, EDUC602, EDUC607, EDUC612, EDUC622, EDUC626.

EDUC640 • Portfolio Design (1)
A workshop for learners on how to prepare a professional documentation portfolio. The portfolio will be part of the requirements for the application to the BOT Teachers of Reading License. It will cover the 26 competencies outlined by the Board of Teaching Outcomes, 8710.4725. Assists learners in selection of representative artifacts, the creation of written reflections, and the process of documentation of performance. Graded on an S/U basis.

EDUC642 • Advanced Diagnosis and Remediation (2)
Designed for practitioners who have the responsibility for assessing, developing, and administrating compensatory programs for students experiencing difficulties in reading. Focus is on the nature and causes of reading difficulties. Considerations in addressing the instructional needs of students experiencing reading difficulties. Exploration of assessment instruments; and focus on effective remediation practices.

EDUC652 • Writing Instruction and Literacy Practices (3)
Review of current and historical research and theory on K-12 writing instruction practices, as well as methods, strategies, assessments, and materials for implementing research-based writing instruction practices. In addition, weaving writing instruction into the language arts curriculum (and other content areas) will be covered.

EDUC657 • Language, Literacy, and Cultural Diversity (3)
Examination of issues related to literacy acquisition in English Language Learners (ELLs) and their instructional implications. Topics include first and second language acquisition (SLA), bilingualism, language and identity, social and cultural factors in SLA, reading and writing in a second language, and content reading.

EDUC755 • Preparing the Thesis/Action Research Project (1)
Assists learners in preparing their master’s thesis or conducting an action research project. Focus is on the design process and includes the following topics: information on the nature and scope of the master’s thesis/action research project; selection and refinement of topic; APA style; and the oral examination process. Graded on an S/U basis. Prerequisite: EDUC614.
EDUC790 • Writing the Thesis/Action Research Project (3)
Exploration of a significant educational issue relevant to the learner’s professional involvement through an independent, individually supervised thesis or project. Graded on an S/U basis. Prerequisites: EDUC614, EDUC755.

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