Reading Specialist

The graduate Reading program is designed to provide the graduate student seeking advanced educational specialization with both theoretical knowledge and practical experience in the teaching of reading. The recipient of this degree has the competencies necessary to act as a Reading Specialist, a reading resource teacher or supervisor, or a reading specialist in Pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade classrooms. This program fulfills the standards set forth by the Kansas Department of Education for licensure as a Reading Specialist and with the recommendations and guidelines of such professional groups as the International Reading Association. Students seeking the M.Ed. in reading must complete a thirty-six hour graduate program which includes a core curriculum of graduate courses and twenty-seven credit hours of specialized coursework in reading. Students are recommended for a license upon completion of MEd.

Student Learning Outcomes for MEd - Reading Specialist

At the conclusion of the Reading Specialist program, candidates are expected to have:

• acquired the ability to understand theories of the reading process and the variables that may impact students engaged in the reading process;
• demonstrated the ability to select, administer, analyze, and use data from all forms of assessment instruments to understand the learner’s literacy strengths and challenges;
• acquired extensive knowledge of current, research-based instructional practices and interventions in literacy and be able to select and use them appropriately in meeting all struggling readers’ needs;
• demonstrated the ability to create and implement appropriate plans for all learners who struggle with reading and writing (P-12) and to monitor for student progress towards literacy goals, and adjust instruction as necessary;
• developed the ability to provide staff development for teachers, paraprofessionals, administrators, school boards, parents, the community, the media, and others who need to be informed about research and instructional practices in literacy; and
• acquired the tools and the desire to continue to grow professionally and to serve as a literacy leader.

Core
ED 560 Advanced Educational Psych
ED 565 Introduction to Educational Research
ED 568 Curriculum Development & Evaluation

Reading Specialist Professional Course
RD 484 Reading in the Content Area
RD 510 Classroom Reading Instruction
RD 512 Literature & Literacy Instruction
RD 516 Teaching Writing
RD 520 Assessment Procedures in Reading
RD 522 Instruction for Readers at Risk
RD 526 The Reading Specialist
RD 528 Language Development & Assessment
RD 530 Literacy Practicum

Reading Program of Study (PDF)

The Portfolio/Oral Exam Capstone

This option will require documentation and its interpretation related to the licensure/degree objectives of a program. A student will develop a portfolio which demonstrates how each objective of the program was achieved and at what competency level. The student will be required to complete a program evaluation with suggestions for its improvement. An oral examination with the three- member committee is required after each committee member has reviewed the portfolio. The examining committee will consist of the advisor and at least two other faculty members.