Literacy M.Ed.

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Availability
Available - On Campus
Program Credits
36

The M.Ed. degree program in Literacy with Reading Specialist certification provides classroom teachers with the tools to better manage resources in the classroom for students with literacy needs. The program offers both a theoretical and applied approach to working with students' literacy problems in the classroom. Candidates learn to assess reading difficulties, implement appropriate literacy instructions, and use data-driven instruction to plan school-wide literacy programs.

Students enrolled in the reading specialist program take 27 credits to meet the competencies for K-12 reading specialist certification in Pennsylvania. Unlike other programs, students take a course in structured literacy and an optional structured literacy practicum. Students interested in earning a master's in literacy are then required to take nine additional credits to complete the program (36 credits required for master's degree with an additional one credit option).

RMU's Structured Literacy program, accredited by the International Dyslexia Association, is a seven credit program for those seeking training in structured literacy practices and working with children with learning literacy differences.

Scholarships may be available for the Reading Specialist Program. The Reading Specialist program is a one-year certification program that meets the needs of working adults. Classes are offered in the evenings in eight-week sessions with an on-campus practicum. Students can pursue a Master’s in Literacy with an additional nine credits.

The initial teacher preparation and advanced educator programs in the School of Nursing, Education, and Human Studies have been accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).

CAEP

IDA

Contact Information

Dr. Soren I. Fanning, Ph.D.
Department Head, Social Sciences
Associate Professor of History
World history, Russian history, geography, national identity
fanning@rmu.edu
412-397-5403 phone (M)
412-397-6468 fax
Wheatley Center 213

Carianne Bernadowski, Ph.D. 
Professor of Education
bernadowski@rmu.edu
412-397-5463

Course Plan

Fall, 1st 8 Weeks

  • RDSP 6700 Current Trends/Issues

Fall, 2nd 8 Weeks

  • EDUC 6400 Reading/English Language Learners
  • RDSP 6710 Foundations of Literacy

Spring, 1st 8 Weeks

  • RDSP 6730 Assess/Intervention Adolescent
  • RDSP 6720 Assess/Intervention Early Literacy

Spring, 2nd 8 Weeks

  • RDSP 6740: Leadership/Supervision/Literacy Coaches
  • SPED 6020: Reading/Special Education

Summer

  • RDSP 6010 Structured Literacy Course
  • RDSP 6015 Structured Literacy Practicum 
  • RDSP 6750: Practicum
    • Take Reading Specialist Praxis Exam

Reading Specialist Certification

  • EDUC 6065: Educational Statistics
  • EDUC 6130: Research Seminar
  • EDUC 6140: Research Practicum

Sample Courses:

These are some of the classes for students in this academic program:

Current Trends & Issues in Literacy
Supervision of Reading Specialists
Assessment & Intervention in Early Literacy

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School of Education and Social Science

School of Education and Social Science

The School of Education & Social Science prepares students for impactful careers in education, public service, and social sciences.

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