Reading Specialist

Program Overview

The program includes a blend of coursework and a practicum, and is designed to develop candidates' expertise in assessing and intervening in reading difficulties, designing effective literacy instruction, and using technology to support literacy teaching and learning.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Provides teachers with a comprehensive background in literacy.
• Prepares candidates for the Praxis exam and certification as reading specialists from the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
• Offered at the graduate level.
• Can be taken as a standalone program or combined with additional courses for an M.Ed.
in Literacy.
• Earned Accreditation Plus™ through the International Dyslexia Association.
Students can add the Dyslexia Interventionist Credential to their program.
• Tuition scholarships are available.

Objectives:

• Develop a strong foundation in literacy theory and research.
• Gain expertise in the assessment and intervention of reading difficulties.
• Become proficient in using technology to support literacy teaching and learning.
• Develop leadership skills in literacy education.

Program Description:

• Requires completion of 27 program credits.
• Includes a blend of evening coursework and a 3-credit practicum with ELL or students with special needs at RMU's on-site clinic under the direct supervision of an instructor.
• Provides candidates with the opportunity to test, diagnose, and design literacy programs for individuals or small groups of students.

Outline:

• The program consists of eight courses:
• RDSP6010: Structured Literacy Course (Summer)
• RDSP6700: Current Trends & Issues in Literacy (Fall)
• EDUC6400: Reading Across Curriculum and ELL (Fall)
• RDSP6710: Foundations and Principles of Literacy Instruction (Fall)
• RDSP6730: Assessment and Intervention in Adolescent Literacy (Spring)
• SPED6720: Assessment and Intervention in Early Literacy (Spring)
• SPED6020: Reading and Special Education Instruction Methods (Spring)
• RDSP6750: Practicum – Clinical experience (Summer)

Assessment:

• Each course will have its own assessment methods, which may include exams, papers, presentations, and projects.
• The practicum experience will be assessed by the supervising instructor.
• Candidates must pass the Praxis exam to be certified as reading specialists by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

Teaching:

• Courses are taught by experienced faculty who are experts in literacy education.
• The program uses a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, discussions, simulations, and technology.
• The program offers a personalized learning environment with small class sizes.

Careers:

• Graduates of the program are qualified to work as reading specialists in a variety of settings, including public schools, private schools, hospitals, and clinics.
• Reading specialists work with students of all ages who have reading difficulties.
• The job outlook for reading specialists is expected to be strong in the coming years.

Other:

• The Reading Specialist program is designed to prepare students for a variety of professional opportunities in the field of literacy education.
• The program offers a challenging and rewarding learning experience for students who are passionate about helping others learn to read.
• Students in the program will have the opportunity to network with other professionals in the field and to build a strong foundation for a successful career in literacy education.

Sample Courses:

• Current Trends/Issues in Literacy
• Leadership/Supervisory Reading Specialist/Literacy Coaching
• Reading/Special Education: Instructional Methods/Practices

Admission Requirements:

• Teaching Certificate
• Three acceptable criminal record/ child abuse clearances
• Resume
• 2 letters of reference
• Transcripts

Contact Information: