Reading Instruction

Enhance your skills in teaching reading across the curriculum!

The coursework for the Reading Instruction degree and certificate program will prepare teachers to support individual students, classroom teachers, and the general reading program in the school. This program includes a practicum where the participant works with an individual student and focuses on the reading program in the school.

These programs lead to MSDE licensure/endorsement eligibility as a reading specialist. Licensure as a Reading Specialist requires three years of effective teaching or clinical experience and completion of the required 3-credit introduction or survey special education course.

Program Options Available for:

  • Master of Education degree (33 credits)
  • Professional Development Certificate (24 credits)

Degree requirements

This 33-credit graduate program includes 12 credits of MSDE-required reading coursework, 15 credits in intervention, literacy, writing and linguistics, as well as 3 credits in the required clinical practicum, and 3 credits in an elective. The 33-credit MEd degree leads to Reading Specialist licensure.

Reading Coursework

ED 625 – Strategies and Resources in Teaching Reading (3 credits)

ED 626 – Diagnosis of Reading Difficulties (3 credits)

ED 629R – Reading Assessment and Evaluation (3 credits)

ED 658EB – Teaching Reading and Writing for English Learners (3 credits)

Intervention, Literacy, Writing and Linguistics Coursework

ED 620A –Teaching Students to Write Using Multiple Strategies: Composing (3 credits)

ED 635 – Reading and Literacy Leadership (3 credits)

ED 636 – Overview of Intervention Strategies (1.5 credits)

ED 639 – Psychological and Linguistic Foundations of Reading (3 credits)

ED 647 – Remedial Reading Techniques for Students with Severe Reading Difficulties (1.5 credits)

ED 697 – Reading Strategies for Content Learning (3 credits)

Required Clinical Practicum

ED 637 – Practicum in Reading Diagnosis and Instruction (3 credits)

Required Elective

(3 credits selected based on MSDE Special Education prerequisite status)

ED 686 – Overview of Intervention Strategies (3 credits)

ED 638A – Reading Interventions Strategies: Word Identification (1.5 credits)

ED 638B – Reading Interventions Strategies: Comprehension (1.5 credits)

ED 638C – Reading Interventions Strategies: Vocabulary (1.5 credits)

 

Specialization Standards

Standard 1: Foundational Knowledge

Candidates demonstrate knowledge of the theoretical, historical, and evidence-based foundations of literacy and language and the ways in which they interrelate and the role of literacy professionals in schools.

Standard 2: Curriculum and Instruction

Candidates use foundational knowledge to critique and implement literacy curricula to meet the needs of all learners and to design, implement, and evaluate evidence-based literacy instruction for all learners.

Standard 3: Assessment and Evaluation

Candidates understand, select, and use valid, reliable, fair and appropriate assessment tools to screen, diagnose, and measure student literacy achievement; inform instruction and evaluate interventions; participate in professional learning and experiences; explain assessment results and advocate for appropriate literacy practices to relevant stakeholders.

Standard 4: Diversity and Equity

Candidates demonstrate knowledge of research, relevant theories, pedagogies, essential concepts of diversity and equity; demonstrate and provide opportunities for understanding all forms of diversity as central to students’ identities; create classrooms and schools that are inclusive and affirming; advocate for equity at school, district, and community levels.

Standard 5: Learners and the Literacy Environment

Candidates meet the developmental needs of all learners and collaborate with school personnel to use a variety of print and digital materials to engage and motivate all learners; integrate digital technologies in appropriate, safe, and effective ways; foster a positive climate that supports a literacy-rich learning environment.

Standard 6: Professional Learning and Leadership

Candidates recognize the importance of, participate in, and facilitate ongoing professional learning as part of career-long leadership roles and responsibilities.

Standard 7: Practicum/Clinical Experiences (for specialized literacy professionals only)

Candidates apply theory and best practice in multiple supervised practicum/clinical experiences