Education
Master of Education: Reading and Reading Specialist Certification Program – ONLINE Program Director: Dr. Carmella Covell Phone: 814-871-5534 • covell006@gannon.edu
MISSION STATEMENT OF THE READING AND READING SPECIALIST PROGRAM The mission of the Master of Education in Reading/Reading Specialist Program at Gannon University is to prepare Reading professionals who have the skills and knowledge in literacy instruction, diagnosis, and assessment to ensure that all students have the opportunities and resources to develop the literacy skills they need to reach their full potential.
OVERVIEW Preparation in Reading is a valuable area of specialization The Master of Education in Reading provides a strong foundation in the pedagogical, curricular, and leadership dimensions of reading instruction required for key positions in literacy programs. The M.Ed. in Reading provides training to become a reading professional who can function collaboratively and in a variety of capacities. Preparation consists of theory, application, and implementation of research-based instruction and assessment practices. Candidates who complete the Master of Education in Reading are eligible to apply for Reading Specialist Certification in Pennsylvania upon successful completion of the degree requirements and passing the Reading Specialist Praxis Exam. The Reading Specialist is trained in instruction and assessment techniques and given leadership opportunities to support and advance literacy programs for students, parents, other educators, and the community.
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LEARNING OUTCOMES Upon completion of the Master of Education: Reading/Reading Specialist program, graduate learners are able to: • Demonstrate skills to administer appropriate literacy assessments and to analyze the results to determine instructional needs • Develop and implement coherent, inclusive lessons for all students in need of specialized literacy instruction • Collaborate with colleagues to select and use appropriate literacy resources • Create a respectful and culturally responsive classroom for teaching, learning, and communication • Establish active communication with students, school personnel, and parents to enhance student learning
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS • A completed application for admission including three letters of recommendation from persons qualified to judge the applicant’s scholarly/professional abilities and character • Candidates applying for the M.Ed. in Reading must submit an official transcript showing completion of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university • Candidates applying for the Reading Specialist Certificate only, must submit a copy of their valid Instructional I or II teaching certificate in addition to an official transcript (see above) • A graduate minimum cumulative grade point average of a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale • Evidence by previous academic record that the applicant has the general ability and preparation necessary to pursue graduate study successfully
CURRICULUM REQUIREMENTS Transfer of credits: Transferring credits to a program is done at the discretion of the program coordinator. Minimum requirements are that they are graduate courses from an approved institution which have a grade of “B” or better and are recorded on an official transcript, and which are no older than five years at the time of submission for consideration.
Those who already hold a master’s degree in education can add the Reading Specialist Certification by completing the required 27 credits and passing the Reading Specialist Praxis Exam.
Candidates must successfully pass the Reading Specialist K-12 Praxis Exam to be eligible for certification.
During a specified time in the summer, all candidates must complete 75 hours of clinical experience and attend a mandatory one-day on-campus orientation as part of GEDU 647 Assessment of Literacy Development/Clinical Application (Reading Clinic). The summer clinical experience is completed at an approved site under the supervision of a site-based reading specialist and a University faculty supervisor. In addition, the Pennsylvania Department of Education requires 40 hours of practicum experience (i.e., 25 hours are integrated in coursework and opportunities to complete the practicum hours vary; 15 hours are required in an ESL specific placement.).
Requirements for Reading Specialist Certification (27 credits total) GEDU 520 Methods and Materials for Teaching English Language Learners (ELLs) (3 credits) GEDU 626 Foundations of Literacy in Elementary Programs (3 credits) GEDU 627 Foundations of Secondary and Content Area Literacy (3 credits) GEDU 631 Diagnosis and Correction of Reading Difficulties (3 credits) GEDU 633 Diverse Learner Competencies for Reading Specialists (3 credits)
