leaders UNIVERSITY OF SIOUX FALLS RAPID CITY AREA SCHOOLS
Master of Education Leadership in Reading
BECOME AN INSTRUCTIONAL LEADER IN YOUR CLASSROOM AND SCHOOL.
l e a r n Desire to learn.
At the University of Sioux Falls, we understand that committed educators have a passion for learning, a desire to make a difference and very busy schedules. That’s why our coursework is designed around careers and family. Leaders of Rapid City Area Schools believe that highly effective teachers are the best resource we can provide our students. That’s why our literacy department has hosted this collaborative partnership with USF since 2004. This master’s degree in reading is open to educators in the RCAS and surrounding area.
Leadership in Reading at a Glance: • Assume a leadership role in curriculum development, staff development and literacy evaluation at the K–12 levels. • Program meets USF, state and national standards. • As a graduate, you are eligible for South Dakota Department of Education certification as a K–12 reading specialist. • Most individuals complete the program in two to three years. • Classes offered in Rapid City and online.
g r o w Engage to grow.
“The advantages of sitting side by side with fellow educators and pursuing our educational journey together outweighed the miles traveled to Rapid City and time spent in class. The curriculum, timeline, staff and cost made this program ideal.”
Rebecca Sukstorf • Spearfish School District • Sixth grade teacher • High school yearbook adviser • Upward Bound reading teacher
The three Rs. Leadership in Reading graduates find the program extremely relevant, rigorous and rewarding. Instructors lead by example, using real-world experience to support a curriculum that’s both challenging and visionary. Coursework goes beyond the books to include hands-on applications,
l e a d Commit to lead.
“I help teachers with literacy instruction on a daily basis. Whether it’s in a one-on-one coaching situation, teaching a class, facilitating a small group or working with the entire faculty, I apply what I’ve learned.”
Ranae Hofer • Rapid City Area Schools • Instructional support teacher • Reading specialist
networking opportunities, research, self-analysis, classroom dialogue and more. Graduates rave about the connections and resources available to them through USF and are thrilled to achieve a degree that distinctly prepares them to make a difference in the world of education.
Typical Course Schedule Most educators complete their degree in two to three years.
Semester
Fall
Proposed Dates
Course
Location/Format
September–December
EDU 537 Foundations of Literacy
Rapid City
September–December
EDU 538 K–12 Literacy Practicum
Rapid City
September–November
EDU 501 Professional and Ethical Leadership
Online
EDU 588 Practicum: Qualitative Inquiry in Literacy Learning
Spring
January–April
EDU 536 Adolescent Literacy
Rapid City
January–April
EDU 538 K–12 Literacy Practicum
Rapid City
January–April
EDU 585 Research Methods
Online
EDU 588 Practicum: Qualitative Inquiry in Literacy Learning
Summer
June
EDU 517 Constructive Literacy Assessment
Rapid City
June
EDU 518 Teaching Diverse Literacy Learners
Rapid City
June
EDU 557 Literacy Across the Curriculum
Rapid City
August
EDU 551 Professional, Student and Staff Development
Rapid City
Specialized Literacy Focus EDU 517—Constructive Literacy Assessment Constructive review of formal and informal assessments will provide a basis for professional decision-making. Class participants will develop an understanding of benchmarks and standards for proficient reading and writing. A balance of objective evaluation and student-centered observation will provide a strong basis for monitoring literacy achievement. EDU 518—Teaching Diverse Literacy Learners Special attention is given in this course to the special needs of struggling readers and English language learners. Current research in brain-based learning principles is examined along with strategies for meeting individual needs in today’s diverse student populations. EDU 557—Literacy Across the Curriculum Application of literacy strategies across all curricular areas and in a variety of contexts is the focus of this course. The use of children’s and adolescent literature integrated throughout the disciplines will provide strategic use of a variety of text features and structures. Attention is given to curriculum mapping and integrated designs to maximize the use of time and resources.
Leadership Emphasis EDU 501—Professional and Ethical Leadership This course is a study of leadership theories and principles as applied in educational settings. Various leadership definitions, leadership styles, characteristics and skills are explored and tested in class and in the students’ workplace environments. EDU 551—Professional, Student and Staff Development This course focuses on leadership for literacy development in the classroom and with colleagues at the building, district and state level. Attention is given to classroom management, giving effective presentations and cognitive coaching. Staff development programs and roles for literacy coaches and teachers will be examined.
Research Application: Theory and Practice EDU 538—K–12 Literacy Practicum The Literacy Practicum provides the opportunity to apply foundational principles and instructional strategies into literacy education. Participants will develop an action research project designed to examine an essential question related to their own professional literacy practice evidenced by a final portfolio. EDU 585—Research Methods An introduction to the basics of research, including principles of behavioral studies, research terminology, structure of research reports, measurement and intrepretation of statistics, types of research and planning a research project. Emphasis will be on enabling the practicing professional to evaluate and implement research effectively. EDU 588 Practicum: Qualitative Inquiry in Literacy Learning (Formerly EDU 598) The practicum, Qualitative Inquiry in Literacy Learning (QuILL), will provide opportunities for students to engage in action research, a reflective process of problem solving in which reading specialists demonstrate their leadership in making curriculum decisions. Students will develop a qualitative action research study culminating in the publication of a research article. Within the Fredrikson School of Education’s curriculum model of educator as developing professional, this course will emphasize the components of researcher, communicator, and evaluator. The ensuing research will serve as a synthesis and capstone aligned to the IRA Standards for Reading Professionals.
Foundational Literacy Background EDU 536—Adolescent Literacy The unique needs of adolescent literacy learners are examined in this course. Foundational principles based on current research provide an opportunity to develop understanding of workshop approaches for reading and writing designed to provide rigor and relevance for students in grades 4–8. EDU 537—Foundations of Literacy This course explores theoretical principles and practices based on current research with emphasis on early literacy acqusition. The role of language and cognitive development forms the foundation for study. Emergent and early instructional approaches provide a theory to practice experience.
Visit us online or in person. Visit our Web site at RCAS.org for a complete list of program specifics and admission criteria. You can also call Rapid City Area Schools’ literacy department at (605) 394-6948 for more information or to set up a program review appointment. A collaborative partnership.