The post-baccalaureate Master of Education in Reading and Literacy program prepares candidates to work as reading specialists for all grade levels. This program will prepare candidates who are experienced teachers to obtain Massachusetts State Licensure as a Reading Specialist for all grades (PreK-12). Students must possess an Initial License in Early Childhood, Elementary or Special Education in order to enter the program.
The programs in Reading and Literacy are designed in two tracks: 1) a 24-credit post-baccalaureate program that leads to Initial Licensure, and an optional 12 additional credit program to obtain a Master’s degree in Reading and Literacy, 2) a 36-credit Appropriate Master’s Degree program that leads to Professional Licensure.
A passing score on the Reading Specialist Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) prior to enrolling in the practicum is required.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the program, students will:
• Demonstrate skill in planning curriculum and instruction, delivering effective instruction, managing classroom climate, promoting equity and meeting professional standards
• Demonstrate knowledge of and approach to the process of reading and development of literacy skills
• Demonstrate skill in assessing student and program performance
Reading Specialist: Initial Licensure (PreK-12)
The program in Reading and Literacy enables candidates to be eligible to apply for Initial Licensure in Reading. Courses such as RDG 506 Emergence of Literacy, RDG 507 Writing Across the Curriculum, RDG 511 Children’s Literature, RDG 512 Diagnosis and Remediation, and RDG 508 Improvement of Reading Instruction provide background knowledge to the teacher to become a reading specialist. While practical experiences are part of each course format, pre-practicum experiences are included in RDG 512 Diagnosis and Remediation and RDG 508 Improvement of Reading Instruction and the 150-hour practicum and accompanying seminar to prepare the teacher through supervised classroom experiences to take on the role of a reading teacher for all grade levels. Each course addresses the relevant Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks and the Professional Standards of Teachers.
Completion Requirements
To successfully complete the Reading and Literacy program for Initial Licensure in Reading, students must successfully complete all of their required courses, fieldwork, and the comprehensive examination. Students are also required to pass the MTEL in Reading Specialist prior to graduation and application for Initial Licensure as reading specialists. To be eligible for licensure, students must complete one year teaching under their prerequisite license.
Other Options for Early Childhood, Elementary Education, and Moderate Disabilities Candidates
The program of study for the Master of Education in Reading and Literacy is also approved for obtaining eligibility for Professional Licensure in Early Childhood, Elementary Education, and Moderate Disabilities (PreK-8, 5-12). Initial Licensure in the respective field mentioned above is required for entry into the program.
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