Program Overview
The Reading Specialist (PK-12), M.ED program at York College equips educators with advanced expertise in reading instruction, focusing on childhood and adolescent literature, literacy program development, and effective classroom strategies. Graduates are eligible for the PK-12 Reading Specialist Certification and are prepared for various professional roles in the field of literacy. The program emphasizes practical application through hands-on activities and collaboration, and offers a flexible schedule with online modules for individualized learning.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Program Goal:
This program equips professionals in the field of education with advanced expertise in reading instruction. It focuses on childhood and adolescent literature, literacy program development, and effective classroom strategies. Upon completing the program, graduates are recognized as highly competent literacy experts within their respective schools and organizations.
Certification:
Individuals who hold an active teaching certificate from the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) upon program completion, and who successfully pass the corresponding Praxis exam, become eligible to apply for the PK-12 Reading Specialist Certification.
Program Features:
This program stands out due to its emphasis on practical application through hands-on activities in the classroom environment. Participants are encouraged to refine their reading skills while analyzing their effectiveness through collaboration, field-tested pedagogy, and continuous improvement strategies.
Outline:
Program Structure
This program primarily revolves around the completion of 36 total credits, encompassing 21 credits dedicated to core coursework and 15 credits designated for professional electives within the M.ED degree.
Course Description
The coursework includes a comprehensive range of subjects catering to reading instruction fundamentals. Here's a breakdown of the courses:
- Education Foundations (9 credits):
- Introduction to Educational Research: Explores research methods for educational settings, focusing on critical thinking in evaluating existing research and applying it for effective practice.
- Development, Learning, and Inclusive Practice: Addresses child development theories and best practices for fostering inclusive learning environments that cater to diverse learning needs.
- Curriculum Trends and Issues: Delves into contemporary educational issues and the evolving curriculum landscape, enabling students to navigate current trends and their implications for classroom practice.
- Graduate elective (500 or above): Students have the flexibility to choose one elective course at the 500 level or above within the domain of their choice.
- Professional Core (21 credits):
- Foundations of Reading Instruction: Delves into the fundamental principles that govern effective reading instruction across diverse learners, with a focus on phonology, decoding strategies, and vocabulary development for constructing comprehension.
- Children and Adolescent Literature: Provides a deep analysis of children's and young adult literature across diverse genres and cultural contexts, equipping educators with the knowledge for selecting and utilizing high-quality texts in their instruction.
- Advanced Reading in the Content Areas: Emphasizes strategies for integrating reading instruction across different disciplines such as science, mathematics, and social studies, promoting content area literacy skills within diverse learning environments.
- Development and Administration of School Reading Programs: Explores practical aspects of designing and overseeing effective reading programs within educational institutions, addressing management strategies, resource allocation, evaluation methods, and collaboration with stakeholders.
- Advanced Psychology of Reading: Examines the cognitive processes underlying reading acquisition and development, with particular emphasis on identifying reading difficulties and designing appropriate interventions.
- The Reading Specialist as Literacy Coach: Equips educators with the skills and knowledge to guide classroom reading instruction through collaborative coaching strategies that support teachers in creating engaging and effective literacy experiences for diverse learners.
- Clinical Practicum in Reading: Correction and Remediation: Empowers students to implement evidence-based interventions to address specific reading issues through designing structured reading instruction plans, monitoring progress, and continuously adapting approaches for optimal outcomes.
Assessment:
Assessment Approach:
Student learning is evaluated through multiple forms of assessment throughout the program, ensuring a comprehensive approach:
- Formative assessments: Continuous feedback is provided through class participation, group work, project presentations, and self-reflection assignments to monitor development and enhance areas where necessary.
Summative assessments:
In-depth evaluation relies on diverse methods including case studies, field observation reports, individual conferences, performance assessments, and comprehensive exams to comprehensively gauge students' competency in applying theoretical knowledge into effective practice.
Teaching:
Pedagogy:
Further research or inquiries with the college would be needed to gain a complete picture of the schedule.
