MEd in Education, Reading Emphasis

Program Overview

The Master's Degree in Education with an Emphasis in Reading prepares K-12 educators to enhance their literacy teaching competencies and qualify for roles as literacy coaches, reading specialists, and curriculum specialists. The program emphasizes pedagogical knowledge, equitable practices, and evidence-based instructional strategies for teaching reading to diverse student populations. Candidates complete core courses, emphasis courses, and a capstone course, totaling 30 program hours.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Overview:

The Master's Degree in Education is an accredited program designed for K-12 teachers, specialists, department chairpersons, and individuals working in informal learning or international educational settings. Candidates select electives to support their personal growth and development as educational leaders, enabling them to impact the communities they serve.

Objectives:

• Advance pedagogical knowledge
• Recognize inequalities in educational opportunity
• Design differentiated assessments to inform practice
• Critically examine professional practice
• Demonstrate commitment to ethical professional practice

Program Structure:

Candidates and advisors collaborate to plan programs that align with the College of Education and UMSL Graduate School policies.

Emphasis in Reading (K-12 literacy):

This program prepares candidates to enhance their competencies as teachers of reading, writing, and other communication arts. It also qualifies them for roles as literacy coaches, reading specialists, curriculum specialists, and consultants in communication arts. The program may lead to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) requirements for Special Reading K-12 certification in Missouri.

Admission Requirements:

• Meet general graduate admission requirements of the Graduate School
• Apply for admission through the Graduate School

Degree Requirements:

• Required Core (12 hours):
• TCH ED 6010: Examining History, Community, and Social Justice in Education
• ED PSY 6030: Required Evaluation of Abilities and Achievement Course
• ED REM 6716: Academic Assessment and Intervention
• Required Capstone Course (3 hours):
• ELE ED 6482: Problems and Research in Teaching Elementary School
• Emphasis in Reading (18 hours):
• ELE ED 6387: Literacy Acquisition and Learning for Diverse Students
• ELE ED 6684: Instructional Strategies for Teaching Reading
• ELE ED 6686: Analysis and Correction of Reading Disabilities
• ELE ED 6493: Reading Specialist Practicum I
• ELE ED 6494: Reading Specialist Practicum II
• Literacy Related Elective

Total Program Hours:

30

Outline:

Content:

• Pedagogical knowledge
• Learning science principles
• Equitable frameworks and inclusive practices
• Digital and global society
• Supportive, inclusive, and culturally responsive classroom environments
• Family and community partnerships

Structure:

• Core courses (12 hours)
• Emphasis in Reading courses (18 hours)
• Capstone course (3 hours)

Individual Modules with Descriptions:

Core Courses:

• TCH ED 6010: Examining History, Community, and Social Justice in Education: Explores the historical, social, and cultural contexts of education, with a focus on social justice and equity.
• ED PSY 6030: Required Evaluation of Abilities and Achievement Course: Provides foundational knowledge and skills in educational assessment, including test selection, administration, scoring, and interpretation.
• ED REM 6716: Academic Assessment and Intervention: Focuses on the principles and practices of academic assessment and intervention, including data collection, analysis, and the development of individualized learning plans.

Emphasis in Reading Courses:

• ELE ED 6387: Literacy Acquisition and Learning for Diverse Students: Examines the processes of literacy acquisition and development in diverse student populations, including those with learning disabilities and cultural differences.
• ELE ED 6684: Instructional Strategies for Teaching Reading: Explores evidence-based instructional strategies for teaching reading, including phonics, fluency, comprehension, and vocabulary development.
• ELE ED 6686: Analysis and Correction of Reading Disabilities: Provides an in-depth understanding of reading disabilities, their assessment, and the development of effective interventions.
• ELE ED 6493: Reading Specialist Practicum I: Offers supervised field experiences in reading instruction and assessment, focusing on the application of theoretical knowledge and skills.
• ELE ED 6494: Reading Specialist Practicum II: Continues the supervised field experiences, with an emphasis on advanced reading instruction and assessment techniques.