Program Overview
The post-baccalaureate Master of Education in Reading and Literacy program prepares candidates to work as reading
specialists for all grade levels. This program will prepare candidates who are experienced teachers to obtain Massachusetts
State Licensure as a Reading Specialist for all grades (PreK–12).
The programs in Reading and Literacy are designed in two tracks: 1) a 21-credit post-baccalaureate program that leads
to Initial Licensure, and an optional 15 additional credit program to obtain a Master’s degree in Reading and Literacy,
2) a 36-credit Appropriate Master’s Degree program that leads to Professional Licensure.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the program students will:
- Demonstrate skill in planning curriculum and instruction, delivering effective instruction, managing classroom climate,
promoting equity and meeting professional standards.
- Demonstrate knowledge of and approach to the process of reading and development of literacy skills.
- Demonstrate skill in assessing student and program performance.
Reading and Literacy: Initial Licensure (PreK–12)
The program in Reading and Literacy enables candidates to be eligible to apply for Initial Licensure in Reading. Courses
such as RDG 506 Emergence of Literacy, RDG 507 Writing Across the Curriculum, RDG 511 Children’s Literature, RDG 512 Diagnosis and Remediation, and RDG 508 Improvement of Reading Instruction provide background knowledge to the teacher to become a reading specialist. While practical experiences are part of each course format, pre-practicum
experiences are included in RDG 512 Diagnosis and Remediation and RDG 508 Improvement of Reading Instruction and
the 150-hour practicum and accompanying seminar to prepare the teacher through supervised classroom experiences to take
on the role of a reading teacher for all grade levels. Each course addresses the relevant Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks and the Professional Standards of Teachers.
Initial Licensure Program of Study
| RDG 558 |
Literacy Connections |
3 cr. |
| ED 581 |
Technology in Education |
3 cr. |
| ED 582 |
Research Methods |
3 cr. |
| IED 530 |
Linguistics and Language Acquisition |
3 cr. |
| EDC 570 |
Understanding the Dynamics of Student Aspirations |
3 cr. |
| RDG 506 |
* Emergence of Literacy |
3 cr. |
| RDG 507 |
* Writing Across the Curriculum |
3 cr. |
| RDG 508 |
* Improvement of Reading Instruction (Pre-practicum) |
3 cr. |
| RDG 511 |
* Children's Literature |
3 cr. |
| RDG 512 |
* Diagnosis and Remediation |
3 cr. |
| RDG 514 |
* Practicum Experience: Teacher of Reading |
3 cr. |
| RDG 515 |
* Reflective Seminar: Teacher of Reading |
3 cr. |
| Plus Comprehensive Examination |
|
|
| Total degree requirements |
|
36 cr. |
*
Courses required for obtaining Initial Licensure as a Reading Specialist
Completion Requirements
To successfully complete the Reading and Literacy program for Initial Licensure in Reading, students must successfully
complete all of the required courses, fieldwork, and the comprehensive examination. Students are also required to pass
the subject matter test in Reading prior to graduation and application for Initial Licensure as reading specialists.
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Other Options for Early Childhood, Elementary Education, and Moderate Disabilities Candidates
The program of study for the Master of Education in Reading and Literacy is also approved for obtaining eligibility for
Professional Licensure in Early Childhood, Elementary Education, and Moderate Disabilities (PreK–8, 5–12). Initial
Licensure in the respective field mentioned above is required for entry into the program.
Reading and Literacy: Professional Licensure (PreK–12)
The 36-credit Appropriate Master’s Degree in Reading and Literacy prepares reading specialists who already possess an
Initial License in the field with a program of study leading to eligibility for Professional Licensure in the state of Massachusetts.
The Appropriate Master’s Degree combines the study of advanced level subject matter and pedagogy in reading with an in-depth examination of research methods, policy analysis, the social history of American education, and the foundations of
student aspirations. Preparing practicing reading specialists to build a deeper understanding of the field, the Appropriate
Master’s Degree also provides educators with the opportunity to examine trends in 21st century American education that
impact their students, schools, and lives as teachers.
Prerequisite: Possession of an Initial License in Reading.
Professional Licensure Program of Study
| ED 580 |
Innovative Practices in Education |
3 cr. |
| ED 581 |
Technology in Education |
3 cr. |
| ED 582 |
Research Methods |
3 cr. |
| EDC 510 |
Policy Analysis, Leadership, and Change Processes |
3 cr. |
| EDC 525 |
Social Context in American Schoolings |
3 cr. |
| EDC 570 |
Understanding the Dynamics of Student Aspirations |
3 cr. |
| IED 509 |
Language Diversity in Education |
3 cr. |
| ITP 543 |
Multimedia Literacy Instruction |
3 cr. |
| RDG 502 |
Learning and Cognition |
3 cr. |
| RDG 504 |
Family Literacy Connections |
3 cr. |
| RDG 509 |
Portfolio Assessment |
3 cr. |
| RDG 513 |
Advanced Seminar Reading/ Language |
3 cr. |
| Plus Comprehensive Examination |
|
|
| Total degree requirements |
|
36 cr. |
Completion Requirements
To successfully complete the Appropriate Master’s Degree program, students must successfully complete all of the required
courses and, where relevant, the required field work and the comprehensive examination.
Eligibility for Professional Licensure
According to Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) regulations, a Professional License is granted to
individuals who possess an Initial License, have completed an Appropriate Master’s Degree in an Education school, have
completed a one-year induction program with a mentor, and have completed at least three years of employment in the role
of the license. Students completing the Master’s degree who have not met the other requirements for the Professional License, including a one-year induction program with a mentor and at least three years of employment in the role of the license, i.e., as a reading specialist, will be advised to apply to the DESE for the Professional License when they have met these requirements. Students who have met the induction and employment requirements will be advised to apply for their Professional License with DESE.
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