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Concrete books sit in a Kent State University courtyard, designed by artist and professor Brinsley Tyrrell.

Literacy Specialization - M.Ed.

The Master of Education degree in Reading Specialization develops practical and professional knowledge that is essential for educators concerned with the improvement of literacy at all instructional levels. Most of the coursework for this program is offered online.

Program Coordinator: Dr. Lori Wilfong | lgkrug@kent.edu | 330-672-2580

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More About This Program

Reading Specialization M.Ed. students study the nature of the reading and writing processes; the interrelationships among language, literature and literacy; literacy learning and teaching; the nature and needs of students who find reading and writing difficult; reading and writing as vehicles for learning and enjoyment; and the role of research in literacy instruction.

This program prepares educators to:

  • Teach students in classroom learning contexts, including reading in the content areas (grades K through adult). Example: A third grade teacher or a high school content area teacher wants to become more knowledgeable and skilled in the teaching of literacy.
  • Teach students who have difficulties with reading (grades K through adult). Example: A teacher spends the majority of time working with students, usually in small groups or individually, who have difficulties in reading.

Vacca Scholarship for Teachers of Literacy

Program Information for Literacy Specialization - M.Ed.

Program Description

Full Description

The Master of Education degree in Literacy Specialization develops practical and professional knowledge that is essential for educators concerned with the improvement of literacy at all instructional levels. Students study the nature of the reading and writing processes; the interrelationships between language, literature and literacy; literacy learning and teaching; the nature and needs of students who find reading and writing difficult; reading and writing as vehicles for learning and enjoyment; and the role of research in literacy instruction.

The program's curriculum is aligned with the Science of Reading, which is large body of interdisciplinary research showing how people learn to read and identifying the most effective, evidence-based practices for teaching literacy.

Admissions for Literacy Specialization - M.Ed.

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.

Admission Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
  • Minimum 2.750 undergraduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale
  • Official transcript(s)
  • Goal statement
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:1
    • Minimum 79 TOEFL iBT score
    • Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
    • Minimum 58 PTE score
    • Minimum 110 DET score
1

International applicants who do not meet the above test scores may be considered for conditional admission.

Application Deadlines

  • Fall Semester
    • Rolling admissions
  • Spring Semester
    • Rolling admissions
  • Summer Term
    • Rolling admissions

Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate outstanding or satisfactory knowledge of the foundations of reading and writing processes and instruction.
  2. Use a wide range of instructional practices, approaches, methods and curriculum materials to support reading and writing instruction.
  3. Use of a variety of assessment tools and practices to plan and evaluate effective reading instruction.
  4. Create and engage their students in literacy practices that develop awareness, understanding, respect and valuing of differences in society.
  5. Create a literate environment that fosters reading and writing by integrating foundational knowledge, use of instructional practices, approaches and methods, curriculum materials and the appropriate use of assessments.
  6. View professional development as a career long effort and responsibility.

Coursework

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

Major Requirements
CULT 69521MULTICULTURAL EDUCATIONAL PRACTICE AND POLICY 3
or CULT 69522 ETHICS IN PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE
or TLCS 67353 TEACHING LITERATURE, GRADES K-12
MCED 50005EFFECTIVE USE OF PHONICS IN READING 13
TLCS 60169UNDERSTANDING EMERGENT BILINGUAL AND IMMIGRANT STUDENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES 3
or TLCS 60171 TEACHING EMERGENT BILINGUAL AND IMMIGRANT STUDENTS
TLCS 67310THEORY AND PRACTICE IN THE TEACHING OF READING 13
TLCS 67312TEACHING WRITING AS A PROCESS 3
TLCS 67319DIAGNOSIS AND REMEDIATION IN READING 13
TLCS 67330LITERACY IN THE CONTENT AREAS 3
TLCS 67351PERSPECTIVES ON EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH 3
TLCS 67352INSTRUCTIONAL COACHING 3
TLCS 67396INDIVIDUAL INVESTIGATION IN READING AND LANGUAGE ARTS 1-5
Culminating Requirement
CI 67692CLINICAL PRACTICUM IN CORRECTIVE READING 13
TLCS 67399TEACHER AS EDUCATIONAL RESEARCHER 3
Minimum Total Credit Hours:34
1

Courses must be taken in sequence and are required for reading endorsement. MCED 50005 may be waived for students who completed a phonics course in their undergraduate program. Students who have MCED 50005 waived may graduate with 31 credit hours.

Graduation Requirements

Minimum Major GPA Minimum Overall GPA
- 3.000
  • No more than one-half of a graduate student’s coursework may be taken in 50000-level courses.
  • Grades below C are not counted toward completion of requirements for the degree.

Licensure information

Candidates seeking Ohio licensure are required to pass specific assessments in order to apply for licensure. Students should consult their advisors for specific program requirements and refer to the Ohio Department of Education-Educator Preparation website for more information on assessments specific to licensure type.

Program Delivery

  • Delivery:
    • Fully online