Program Description
The Reading Specialist Master of Education program at Cal U prepares competent literacy leaders by developing and enhancing the knowledge, professional practices and professionalism of certified classroom teachers and educators for work in all educational settings. It is designed for students who want to earn a Master of Education degree and reading specialist certification on their Pennsylvania teaching certificate.
Program Adviser
Dr. Diane Fine
Delivery Mode
All courses are delivered online, except for the clinical practicum experience, which takes place on campus during a five-and-a-half week summer reading practicum.
Accreditation
The Reading Specialist program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP, formerly NCATE) and approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education; the Reading Specialist program is nationally recognized by the International Literacy Association (ILA).
Curriculum
| Course | Credits |
| RES 800 Methods of Research | 3 |
| RSP 700 Foundations of Literacy: Theory and Instruction | 3 |
| RSP 702 Literacy Assessment and Instruction | 3 |
| RSP 703 Practicum I: Assessment | 3 |
| RSP 704 Practicum II: Instruction | 3 |
| RSP 705 Psychology of Reading | 3 |
| RSP 706 Literacy Leadership | 3 |
| RSP 707 Creating and Fostering Literate Environments | 3 |
| RSP 708 Literacy Development for English Language Learners | 3 |
| RSP 734 Content Area Reading | 3 |
| Total | 30 |
Additional Requirements
The Pennsylvania Department of Education requires all reading specialists to have 9 credits of special education and 3 credits of English as a second language. Therefore, if a student entering the reading specialist program does not have those courses in their undergraduate transcript, those credits must be earned prior to applying for the reading specialist certification through the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
To graduate from the program, candidates must successfully complete a PracticumFolio during the reading practicum experience.
To have the reading specialist certification added to a Pennsylvania teaching certificate, candidates must pass the Reading Specialist Praxis test. Candidates interested in certification outside Pennsylvania are required to secure and follow regulations from the other states or entities.
Clearances
Pennsylvania Act 24, 34, 114, 131 and 151 clearances (or appropriate clearances for non-Pennsylvania residents) are required for field-based course registration but not admission. Applicants may be admitted to the program but will not be able to register for field-based courses until all of the up-to-date clearances are submitted.
Program Webpage
https://www.calu.edu/academics/graduate/masters/education-campus/reading-specialist/index.aspx