Curriculum and Instruction

Master of Science in Education Degree

Literacy Education (K through 12)

Overview - Program of Study – Admission Requirements – Graduate School Application Form - Department Application Form [pdf] - 2009-2010 course schedule [pdf]

Overview
The Master of Science in Literacy Education provides advanced preparation in literacy education for a kindergarten through grade twelve Literacy/Reading Specialist or Language Arts Coordinator. After passing the Illinois Assessment of Professional Teaching Exam (APT) and the Content Area Reading Specialist Exam, and successfully completing an approved program of study, you will earn an Illinois Type 10 Reading Specialist Certificate.

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Program of Study:
In the Literacy Education program, you will complete a 39 credit program of study planned in consultation with a faculty mentor.  You must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 in all course work.  To qualify for the Reading Specialist Certificate you must complete the following components:

Professional Core (9 hours):
EPFR 501 Research Methods in Education
EPFR 515 Advanced Educational Psychology
EPFR 520/521 Analysis of Educational Issues

Literacy Emphasis (30 credits):
CI 520 Theoretical Foundations in Literacy
CI 521 Emergent and Primary Level Literacy
CI 525 Upper Elementary and Middle Level Literacy
CI 540 Content Area Literacy

CI 571 Literacy Diagnostics: Assessment and Instruction*
CI 572 Diagnostic Literacy Practicum: Elementary (Prerequisite CI 571)
CI 573 Diagnostic Literacy Practicum: Middle/Secondary (Prerequisite CI 571)

CI 578 Organization & Administration of Literacy Programs (Prerequisite CI 571)
CI 548 Evaluation of Classroom Instruction: Action Research (Prerequisite CI 571)
CI 591 Issues and Trends in Literacy Instruction (Prerequisite CI 571)

*Prior to CI 571: You must earn a GPA of 3.0 or higher for CI 520, 521, 525 & 540; have 2 years of successful teaching; and pass the Content Area- Reading Specialist exam (176). You can enroll for these exams on line at www.ICTS.nesinc.com and take them at SIUE.   Present evidence that candidate is a member of an organization that will enhance their professional development in literacy (i.e. IRC, IRA, NCTE, AERA).

EXIT REQUIREMENTS: All candidates must complete all program assessments, including an action research paper on an approved literacy research project.

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Admission:
You must have:

• a bachelor’s degree with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher (A=4.0) during at least the last two years and a minimum of a 3.0 in any graduate coursework.
  
• a valid Illinois teaching certificate and a minimum of at least two years of contracted teaching, prior to enrolling in CI 571
  
•  a successfully completed course in Children’s Literature at the undergraduate or graduate level prior to graduation

Complete and submit:

• Graduate Admissions Application (classified) form, which can be obtained from the Student Service Center, or online at www.siue.edu/GRADUATE/application/index.html.  Also submit official transcripts of all college coursework to the Graduate School.
  
• Curriculum & Instruction Application form, which can be obtained from the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, Founders Hall, room 1133, 618.650.3082, or online at    http://www.siue.edu/education/ci/graduate/pdf/dept_grad_app.pdf.

The completed Graduate Admissions Application, the Curriculum & Instruction Application, and transcripts are reviewed by C & I faculty for admission into a graduate program.

Upon notification of acceptance, you should make an appointment to meet with their assigned faculty mentor to plan a program of study.

You may enroll in up to 9 hours of graduate credit as an unclassified graduate student. These credits may be transferred into a graduate program by completing a Graduate Student Request Form. Before taking unclassified credit hours you should consult with the Literacy Program Director.

SIUE allows six years from the date of your first courses (transferred or at SIUE) to complete your degree.

For information contact:

Dr. Stephanie L. McAndrews, Literacy Education Program Director, 618.650.3426

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