Multisensory Literacy w/Reading Specialist Cert., M.Ed.
The Master of Education–Multisensory Literacy with Reading Specialist Certification program provides a pathway for educators to fully understand the latest research and practices in multisensory literacy through courses designed to engage them in working with learners with diverse literacy and language needs. Additionally, this program prepares certified teachers to be reading specialists and to use their expertise in reading in their classrooms or as a director or coach in a reading and literacy program in a school or district.
Based on the standards of the International Reading Association (IRA) for Reading Professionals, New Jersey Student Learning Standards for English/Language Arts Literacy (NJSLS for ELAL), and New Jersey Professional Standards for Teachers (NJPST), the program builds expertise through courses in the theories and processes of reading and writing, diagnosis and remediation, assessment, best practice literacy instruction strategies, program evaluation, coaching techniques, and a practicum. These provide experiences for candidates to work with a variety of approaches and strategies and design, select, and use standard and alternate instruction, assessment, and coaching techniques that serve the needs of diverse students and educators.
All courses include a keystone assessment/artifact that demonstrates the accomplishment of course goals and the integration of acquired knowledge and skills.
Program completers earn a Master of Education degree; those who have completed two years of full-time teaching are eligible for New Jersey educational services certification as a reading specialist. Successful completion of courses and practicum will earn candidates Level 1 credentials through Wilson Reading System. This degree program is an opportunity for candidates to combine courses in Wilson Reading System with a NJ state-approved certification for reading specialists. This is an important combination of the most current literacy research with the certificate that encompasses a well-rounded preparation to work under this certification.
Upon successful completion of the program of studies for Multisensory Literacy with Reading Specialist Certification, the student will receive a Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree and will have given evidence of the following outcomes and goals:
- Knowledge and application of the theories and concepts of literacy acquisition and development as evidenced through course exams, assigned projects, and discussions.
- Identification and evaluation of a variety of instructional methods and materials to meet the needs of diverse learners evidenced through assigned projects and discussions.
- Understanding of multisensory literacy instruction and assessments as appropriate for learners with diverse literacy and language needs.
- Design and implementation of data-driven literacy instruction evidenced through assigned projects, discussions, and clinical practice.
- Identification, evaluation, administration, and analysis of results from a variety of formal and informal assessment measures and techniques focused on the area of literacy acquisition and development evidenced through assigned projects, discussions, and clinical practice.
- Literacy leadership within the educational setting as evidenced through assigned projects, discussions, and clinical practice.
- Official transcript(s) showing the award of a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university. In addition, official transcripts from each undergraduate and graduate institution attended are required;
- Evidence of minimum undergraduate or graduate GPAs of 3.0;
- A copy of a valid New Jersey instructional certificate (P–3; Elementary; K–8; 5–8; 7-12; or K–12); and
- A personal interview with the director of the reading/ literacy specialization director may be required.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| M.Ed., Multisensory Literacy with Reading Specialist Certification | ||
| EDC5027 | Literacy for Multilingual Learners | 3.0 |
| EDC5201 | Nature of the Reading Process | 3.0 |
| EDC5202 | Multicultural Literature for Children | 3.0 |
| EDC5203 | Engaging Diverse Lrnrs in Rdg & Wtg | 3.0 |
| EDC5204 | Articulation Superv & Eval of Read Prog | 3.0 |
| EDC6084 | Reading Specialist Practicum | 3.0 |
| EDC6201 | Assess & Diagnosis of Read Abilities | 3.0 |
| EDC6202 | Rsrch-Based Techniq Correct Rding Chall | 3.0 |
| EDC6203 | Introduction to Wilson Reading System | 1.0 |
| EDC6204 | Wilson Reading System Part 1 | 3.0 |
| EDC6205 | Wilson Reading System Part 2 | 3.0 |
| EDC6206 | Wilson Reading System Practicum A | 1.5 |
| EDC6207 | Wilson Reading System Practicum B | 1.5 |
| Total Credits | 34.0 | |