Endicott College

Reading & Literacy Instruction (M.S.): Reading Specialist Licensure

Master evidence-based reading instruction and become a certified Reading Specialist.
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Format
*Hybrid with clinicals
Time Commitment
Part-time or full-time options
Duration
12-24 months
Program Start
Fall or Summer
Credits
30

*The program is delivered through a hybrid model that integrates asynchronous coursework, structured synchronous engagement, and in-person clinical experiences.

Program Overview

Target Licensure / Track: MA Reading Specialist License

Designed for licensed educators, this Master of Science program provides advanced clinical training in language development, diagnostic reading assessment, disciplinary literacy, and literacy coaching. Candidates learn to implement and lead evidence-based reading strategies and support school-wide literacy improvement across all grade levels.

Professional Standard Alignments

Program coursework explicitly incorporates:

  • Massachusetts Subject Matter Knowledge (SMKs)
  • International Literacy Association (ILA) Standards for the Preparation of Literacy Professionals (2017)
  • International Dyslexia Association (IDA) Knowledge and Practice Standards for Teachers of Reading (2018)

Prerequisite: Candidates must hold an active Massachusetts initial teaching license to enter the licensure track. Practicum is 150 hours under the specialist practicum requirement.

Curriculum Requirements - Total Credits Required: 30

Required Curriculum

  • RDL 500 - Foundations of Language and Literacy (Cr: 3)
  • RDL 505 - Disciplinary Literacy (Cr: 3)
  • RDL 510 - Critical Approaches to Children's and Young Adult Literature (Cr: 3)
  • RDL 515 - Exploring Writing (Cr: 3)
  • RDL 585 - Literacy in the Digital Era (Cr: 3)
  • RDL 525 - Learning Differences in Literacy (Cr: 3)
  • RDL 526 - Literacy Assessment and Instruction I (Cr: 3)
  • RDL 527 - Literacy Assessment and Instruction II (Cr: 3)
  • RDL 550 - Literacy Coaching and Collaboration (Cr: 3)
  • RDL 560 - Practicum in Reading and Literacy (Cr: 3)

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, students will:

  • Identify and model instructional strategies that foster early literacy.
  • Examine the importance of the five components of reading (phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension) to the emergence of literacy.
  • Differentiate between phonemic awareness phonological awareness and decoding; describe their role in literacy acquisition, and take an informed stance about the current research on modeling the relationships between models of reading.
  • Summarize with clarity and depth the research related to literacy development for all populations, including those for whom English is a second language and students with learning disabilities.
  • Compare the differences between emergent and adolescent literacy
  • Plan purposeful instruction to develop reading, writing, and speaking & listening skills, while addressing material specific to a given content area
  • Analyze and apply literacy instructional models that enable students to develop as independent readers and writers
  • Administer and analyze a battery of reading assessments to determine student needs; develop reports based on the results.
  • Design literacy instruction incorporating International Reading Association standards for Reading Professionals and differentiating instruction for at least three levels of student need, while acknowledging cultural and linguistic background and other pertinent characteristics of pupils.
  • Model the development of a literate classroom environment--including daily reading and writing lessons that support the development of lifelong readers and writers.

View academic catalog and learning outcomes
School of Education

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Tuition & Fees
The total cost of attendance reflects the cost-per-credit pricing for the current academic year and depends on how quickly students complete the program. Please visit the link below for more information on tuition and fees, and read our Financial Aid information for ways to fund your education. You may also reach out to one of our helpful graduate school admission staff with any questions.
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Financial Aid
Investing in an advanced education is a significant financial commitment, but it is an investment in your future. At Endicott College, we believe in supporting our students through financial aid to ensure success, while maintaining financial stability. Financial aid available for graduate students includes federal Stafford and Graduate PLUS loans, as well as additional private loan options. Please visit this page for more information about financial aid for our graduate programs.
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