Expert Instruction, Engaged Learners

• Application & Admissions

  Application Requirements

  • Submit online application
  • Official transcripts from all previous colleges or universities
  • Three letters of reccomendation
    • Recommendations should be requested from professionals in the field, e.g., principal, professional colleagues, university professors, etc.
  • Copy of current PA Instructional I or II teaching certificate
    • Applicants who hold out-of-state certification or invalid PA certificates may be admitted conditionally, but will not be able to complete the program until they hold a valid PA Instructional I certificate.
  • The Graduate Admissions requirement of an acceptable score on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) may be satisfied by any one of the following:
    • Passing score on Praxis II testing
    • Passing score on National Teacher Examination
    • Ten years of teaching experience in an Elementary or Secondary school with appropriate certification.

   

  Application Deadlines by Start Term:

  • August 1st for Fall semester start
  • December 1st for Spring semester start
  • May 1st for Summer session start
• Program Requirements
  • Valid PA Instructional I or II teaching certificate
  • 36 credits of required coursework
  • Presentation of a Comprehensive Program Portfolio
    • As a summative evaluation, the portfolio will reflect the professional standards of the International Literacy Association. The portfolio is presented to program faculty during a candidate's final semester in the program.
  • Reading Specialist (5302) Praxis test
    • In order to graduate, all candidates must take the test or provide proof of registration and have official scores on file with the university. In order to receive Reading Specialist Certification from PDE, program graduates must pass the exam and apply for certification on TIMS.

  All program requirements must be completed within 6 calendar years.

• Coursework

  Required Coursework (36 credits)

  • Foundation Level Courses (15 credits)
    • EDRS 502 Seminar in Research Foundations Pertinent to Reading
    • EDRS 504 Literacy Curriculum & Instruction: Pre K-3
    • EDRS 506 Literacy Curriculum & Instruction: Grades 4-8
    • EDRS 513 Literacy Curriculum & Instruction: Adolescent - High School
    • EDRS 514 The Reading Specialist & Intensified Instruction
  • Application Level Courses (12 credits)
    
    • EDRS 574 Assessment of Reading: Clinical Practicum in Reading Diagnosis  
    • EDRS 579 Practicum in Literacy Instruction: Struggling Readers and Writers
    • EDRS 577 Leadership for Reading Educators
  • Electives (9 credits)
    • Working with your advisor, select three graduate level courses in EDUC, ELED, LLTC, or SPEE. However, if you have not taken the following courses for a previously earned certification, two of your electives must be the following courses:
      • SPEE 514 Effective Instructional Strategies for Students w/ Disabilities in Inclusive Settings
      • EDUC 434 Instructional Methods, Materials, & Assessments of ELL Populations
• Notes Regarding Certification
  • Reading Specialist certification can be obtained only as an added certificate to a valid PA Instructional I or II teaching certificate. The Instructional I or II certificate needs to be in an area which includes coursework in reading. (e.g., secondary education, elementary education, special education, early childhood).
  • Effective January 1, 2011, PDE's Chapter 49-2 requires all teacher certification candidates to complete at least 9 credits (270 hours) in Special Education coursework and at least 3 credits (90 hours) in English as a Second Language coursework. These requirements apply to anyone who enrolls in a certification program on or after January 1, 2011, unless they already satisfied them for a prior certificate. Our Reading Specialist curriculum covers 6 of the required 9 Special Education credits (180 hours) in Foundation and Application Level coursework.

• Reading (M.Ed.)
  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.
  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.
  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 experiences; explain assessment results and advocate for appropriate literacy practices to relevant stakeholders.
  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.
  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.
  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.
  7. Practicum/Clinical Experiences (for specialized literacy professionals only): Candidates apply theory and best practice in multiple supervised practicum/clinical experiences.

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