Reading and Literacy - Professional Licensure (PreK-12)

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The 36-credit Appropriate Master Degree in Reading and Literacy prepares reading specialists who already possess an initial license in the field with a program of study that prepares them to be eligible for professional licensure in the state of Massachusetts. The Appropriate Master Degree combines the study of advanced level of subject matter and pedagogy in reading with an in-depth examination of research methods, policy analysis, the social history of American education, and the foundations of student aspirations. Preparing practicing reading specialists to build a deeper understanding of the field, the Appropriate Master Degree also provides educators with the opportunity to better examine trends in twenty-first century American education that impact their students, schools, and lives as teachers.

Pre-requisite: Possession of an Initial License in Reading.

General Information Reading and Literacy

The programs in Reading and Literacy prepare candidates to work as Reading Specialists for all grade levels by:

Enabling students to develop a philosophy of “emerging literacy” as it relates to current trends in the field of reading and language and development.
Providing students knowledge of significant theories, practices, and programs for developing skills and reading comprehension.
Providing students knowledge about child and adolescent development and timing of formal reading instruction
Providing students with multiple opportunities for practicum experience to assess, diagnose, and provide remedial strategies for students who may be experiencing reading/language difficulties.
Providing students with appropriate methods of administering reading programs for K-12 grade levels, including curriculum planning, staff development, and selection of materials.
Providing opportunities for students to pursue research on the topic of authentic assessment, literacy, and the integration of the language arts.
Providing students with opportunities to design instructional strategies to meet the needs of reading disabled youngsters.
Providing opportunities for students to understand to understand the changing role of the consulting teacher of reading as a member of a support team and instructional leader.
Modeling effective ways of staff supervision, teacher selection, and curriculum development through course content, observation, and practicum experience.

The programs in Reading and Literacy are designed in two tracks: 1) a 21-credit post-baccalaureate program that leads to Initial Licensure, and an optional 15 additional credit program to obtain a Masters degree in Initial Licensure, 2) a 36- credit Appropriate Master’s Degree Program that leads to Professional Licensure.

Specific Admission Requirements

application form and fee;
statement of professional goals;
official transcripts of all academic work (at a minimum a Bachelor’s degree);
two letters of recommendation
a copy of Massachusetts Initial Licensure in reading; and
official score on either the Miller’s Analogy or GRE.

Program of Study

ED 510 - Policy Analysis, Leadership and the Change Process Credits: 3

ED 580 - Innovative Practices in Education (Cr: 3)
ED 581 - Technology in Education: An Integrated Approach (Cr: 3)
ED 582 - Research Methods (Cr: 3)
EDC 525 - Social Context in American Schooling (Cr: 3)
EDC 570 - Understanding the Dynamics of Student Aspirations (Cr: 3)
IED 509 - Language Diversity in Education (Cr: 3)
ITP 543 - Multi-Media Literacy (Cr: 3)
RDG 502 - Learning and Cognition (Cr: 3)
RDG 504 - Family Literacy Connections (Cr: 3)
RDG 509 - Portfolio Assessment (Cr: 3)
RDG 513 - Advanced Seminar in Reading/Language (Cr: 3)

Comprehensive Examination

Total Degree Requirements - Credits: 36

Completion of Program

To successfully complete the appropriate Master Degree program, students must successfully complete all of the required courses and, where relevant, the required field work and the comprehensive examination.

Eligibility for Professional Licensure

According to DOE regulations, a Professional License is granted to individuals who possess an initial license, have completed an Appropriate Master Degree in an education school, have completed a one-year induction program with a mentor, and have completed at least three years of employment in the role of the license. Students completing the masters degree who have not met the other requirements for the professional License, including a one-year induction program with a mentor, and at least three years of employment in the role of the license, i.e., as a reading specialist, will be advised to apply for the Professional License when they have met these requirements will be advised to apply for their professional license with the Department of Education.