Specialized Learning Opportunities
Reading Specialist Option
Program of Study
Thirty-three (33) semester hours of graduate credit are required for the Master of Science in Education. Course requirements are as follows:
CI 513 Literature Across the Curriculum
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 Diagnostic Assessment and Instruction
CI 572 Diagnostic Literacy Practicum for Elementary Level
CI 573 Diagnostic Literacy Practicum for Middle and Secondary Level
Literacy-related electives to complete the Reading Teacher Endorsement
CI 596d Field Study in Education
CI 548 Action Research: Literacy or EPFR 501 Research in Education
Field Experiences During Foundations Courses
Intensive and extensive field experiences (CI 521, 525 and 540) help prepare candidates to analyze their own instruction and assume the new role of consultant and collaborator with other school professionals. Candidates begin on-going reflection and development of their knowledge of literacy processes, assessment, instructional strategies and materials to plan and adapt instruction to meet the diverse needs of students in pre-kindergarten through grade 12. Through collaboration and constructive coaching, candidates enhance their knowledge, skills and dispositions.
Entry to Clinic Practicum
Prior to enrolling in CI 571, the first clinical course, candidates must earn an A or B in the following four core courses (CI 520, CI 521, CI 525, CI 540), and pass all initial program assessments.
Literacy Clinic Practicum
The Cougar Literacy Clinic in the Reading Center is a low cost diagnostic and instructional service that provides literacy development support for students in grades 1-12 from the surrounding communities. Reading Teacher candidates complete a minimum of two practicum courses, CI 571, and 572 or 573. Graduate candidates conduct and analyze diagnostic literacy assessments, provide individualized developmental and remedial instruction, and write comprehensive literacy development reports for each student. Clinicians are supervised during the clinic through direct observation, as well as videotaping, case study discussions and lesson plan reflections. Candidates work with colleagues to observe, plan and provide coaching on each other's practice during the three semesters of clinic.
