Reading/Literacy Specialization, M.Ed. or Post-Master's Program
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. As candidates progress toward program completion, their course artifacts are archived in an electronic or e-portfolio and monitored by program faculty to ensure and the state’s standards for novice reading specialists.
M.Ed., Reading/Literacy Specialization
The Master of Education–Reading/Literacy Specialization 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. Program completers earn a Master of Education degree; those who have completed three years of full-time teaching are eligible for New Jersey educational services certification as a reading specialist.
Reading Specialist Certification, Post-Master's
This program is designed for experienced and certified teachers who hold a master’s degree from an accredited institution. Upon successful completion of the curriculum, the student is eligible for New Jersey certification as a reading specialist. Candidates for this program must have earned a master's degree and hold a CEAS or Standard instructional certificate prior to applying. Those who have completed three years of full-time teaching are eligible for New Jersey educational services certification as a reading specialist.
Upon successful completion of the program of studies for Reading/Literacy Specialization or Reading Specialist, the student will receive a Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree or complete the Post-Master's Reading Specialist Certification program 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.
- The 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 evidenced through assigned projects, discussions, and clinical practice.
Requirements for Admission
M.Ed. Reading/Literacy Specialization Program
- 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. Transcripts may be sent from your prior institution directly to the GCU Office of Admissions, or you may submit them. All transcripts must be in sealed and signed envelopes. If the original seals have been broken, the transcripts are considered unofficial and cannot be used in support of the application;
- 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);
- At least two years of documented successful teaching experience; and
- A personal interview with the director of the reading/literacy specialization program may be required.
Post-Master's Reading Specialist Certification program
- Official transcript(s) showing the award of a baccalaureate degree, and a master's degree in education or in an education-related field, from a regionally accredited college or university. In addition, official transcripts from each undergraduate and graduate institution attended. Transcripts may be sent from your prior institution directly to the GCU Office of Admissions, or you may submit them. All transcripts must be in sealed and signed envelopes. If the original seals have been broken, the transcripts are considered unofficial and cannot be used in support of the application;
- 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);
- At least three years of successful documented teaching experience; and
- A personal interview with the director of the reading/literacy specialization program may be required.
M.Ed.Reading/Literacy Specialization
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| M.Ed. Reading/Literacy Specialization | ||
| EDC5002 | Diversity in Inclusive Education | 3.0 |
| EDC5027 | Literacy for Multilingual Learners | 3.0 |
| EDC5034 | Understanding Learning Disabilities | 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 |
| Total Credits | 30.0 | |
Post-Master's Reading Specialist certification
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Post-Master's Reading Specialist Certification | ||
| 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 |
| Choose at least 9 credits from among the following: | 9.0 | |
| Diversity in Inclusive Education | ||
| Literacy for Multilingual Learners | ||
| Understanding Learning Disabilities | ||
| Nature & Needs Indivs w/Aut&PervasDevDis | ||
| Introduction to Wilson Reading System | ||
| Wilson Reading System Part 1 | ||
| Wilson Reading System Part 2 | ||
| Total Credits | 30.0 | |
Exit Requirements for Post-Master's Reading Specialist Certification:
- At least three years of documented successful teaching experience; and
- A minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA