Master’s in Reading Education |KU Online

Online Degrees Curriculum and Teaching Reading Master's

Video Transcript

Dr. Heidi Hallman:
In the 21st century, we acknowledge that things like literacy and teaching diverse students are 21st century themes. The importance of literacy in all content areas, and as a school-wide initiative, I think is pretty dominant in our current era. And C&I has decided to use these new strands as emphases within our online programs.

We've really have tried to build our program around relevant 21st century themes. So these include teaching diverse learners, so our students at KU will experience coursework that not just focuses on diverse learners, but focuses on diverse learners within all of the courses. So instead of kind of isolating these themes, we've chosen to see them as integral to each course.

According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), literacy “improves lives by expanding capabilities which in turn reduces poverty, increases participation in the labor market and has positive effects on health and sustainable development.”

Additionally, students who can read and communicate clearly from a young age are more likely to become engaged in their classes, avoid truancy, score well on tests, and stay in school. Disruptions to the development of these skills can have long-term consequences.Alarmingly, already declining national literacy rates in the U.S. have plummeted even more sharply in recent years, as "fallout" from the COVID-19 pandemic affects student reading outcomes. Therefore, improving literacy outcomes has become a school-wide initiative in all content areas; literacy is no longer the domain of a single classroom.

If you want to make literacy your focus or better understand how to teach reading and writing outside of language arts—or if you are an administrator seeking knowledge to build a school-wide literacy plan—a master’s in reading education* from the University of Kansas School of Education and Human Sciences can prepare you with the strategies you need.

Transition to a career as a reading specialist, or elevate your teaching skills.

The KU School of Education and Human Sciences offers two tracks for the online master's in reading education, as well as a reading specialist licensure endorsement-only track. These programs help build an understanding of literacy at all levels, including assessment of literacy development from the beginning stages in pre-kindergarten through adolescence and adulthood. A master’s in reading education will help you explore the intersection of diversity and literacy and will teach you to support populations with different reading challenges.

Like all programs from the KU School of Education and Human Sciences, the online master’s in reading education is taught by well-respected faculty who balance their highly regarded academic research with firsthand experience in the classroom. While obtaining a master’s in reading education, you'll study pedagogical theory and learn how to put it into practice in your own teaching. Online coursework will be supplemented by the Reading Room, a virtual space that tracks progress and makes it easier for you to share projects with other classmates.

DEC

15

Application Deadline

December 15

Spring 2024 Term

JAN

8

Next Start

January 8

Spring 2024 Term

Program Details

By enrolling in the reading specialist licensure track of the online reading master’s* program, you'll set yourself on a path toward becoming a reading specialist, which can expand your career possibilities as a teacher, a reading coach or a program developer. To give you hands-on preparation for a career in this field, you'll complete a practicum experience, a case study that lets you put into practice what you've learned by developing and analyzing a program and tutoring striving readers in either a clinical setting or a public school setting.

Program Details

11 courses, 8 weeks per course, 33 credit hours
Complete in as few as 2 years
Opportunity to apply practical approaches grounded in pedagogical theory through interactions with children and youth in your own community
Learn from renowned faculty with extensively published research and diverse real-world experience
Curriculum based on the Standards for Reading Professionals of the International Literacy Association
Complete your coursework anytime, anywhere, through our innovative online format
Track your research and share with classmates in the online Reading Room
No GRE required for admission
Accredited under NCATE/CAEP standards
Required case study practicum

VIEW ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS

What You'll Learn

In this track, you will build a strong understanding of the foundations of literacy. You'll explore the intersection of multicultural education and literacy, and you'll learn how to connect with striving readers through assessment and effective instruction from pre-kindergarten through individuals, including individuals with reading disabilities. Your studies will prepare you for a hands-on practicum experience and a culminating master's project that reflects your successful achievement of the program’s four key outcomes: Teaching All Students, Knowing and Using Research, Pedagogical Content Knowledge, and Foundational Knowledge.

For more detailed information on the topics covered in this program, view the course listings.

Career Outcomes

After completing the reading specialist licensure track of the online master's in reading education, you may choose to pursue a number of literacy-related careers. You'll be prepared to become a reading specialist at the elementary, middle or high school level, and you may also find success as a PK–12 literacy coach. Other potential career paths include becoming an adult literacy teacher, teaching in higher education or consulting for a publisher of reading textbooks.

^{*This program is an online Master of Science in Education (M.S.E.) degree in curriculum and instruction with an emphasis in reading education.}

^{*The reading specialist licensure track of the online reading master’s program meets the educational requirements for licensure in the state of Kansas. If you plan to obtain a license or certification in a state other than Kansas or a US territory after completion of your program, it is highly recommended you first seek guidance from the appropriate licensing agency BEFORE beginning the academic program to ensure you can obtain a license of certification in your home state or territory. The website https://nc-sara.org/professional-licensure-directory provides resources for licensure and certification boards outside of Kansas.}

The non-licensure track of the online master's in reading education* program is meant for educators who already have their teaching and/or reading specialist license or for administrators who wish to develop literacy programs at their schools. You'll build on your existing experience in the field of education, focusing on how to cultivate literacy skills in a range of striving readers, especially English language learners, and you'll gain a deeper understanding of literacy at all age levels.

Program Details

10 courses, 8 weeks per course, 30 credit hours
Complete in as few as 2 years
Opportunity to apply practical approaches grounded in pedagogical theory through interactions with children and youth in your own community
Learn from renowned faculty with extensively published research and diverse real-world experience
Curriculum based on the Standards for Reading Professionals of the International Literacy Association
Complete your coursework anytime, anywhere, through our innovative online format
Track your research and share with classmates in the online Reading Room
No GRE required for admission

View Admissions Requirements

What You’ll Learn

In this track of the online master’s in reading education, you will build a strong understanding of the foundations of reading and literacy. You'll explore the intersection of multicultural education and literacy, including a focus on English language learners, and you'll develop your ability to connect with striving readers from pre-kindergarten through adults, including adults with reading disabilities. Your studies will prepare you for a culminating master's project that reflects your successful achievement of the four program outcomes:

Teaching All Students
Knowing and Using Research
Pedagogical Content Knowledge
Foundational Knowledge

For more detailed information on the topics covered in this program, view the course listings.

Career Outcomes

With the non-licensure track online master's in reading education, you may choose to pursue a number of literacy-related careers. You'll be prepared to provide reading expertise at the elementary, middle or high school level; you may also find success as a PK–12 literacy coach. Other potential career paths include becoming an adult literacy teacher, teaching in higher education or consulting for a publisher of reading textbooks.

^{*This program is an online Master of Science in Education (M.S.E.) degree in curriculum and instruction with an emphasis in reading education. It does not lead to initial nor advanced licensure in the state of Kansas.}

What You’ll Learn

In the reading specialist licensure endorsement track, you will build a strong understanding of the foundations of reading and literacy. You'll explore how to connect with striving readers from pre-kindergarten through individuals, including individuals with reading disabilities. Your studies will prepare you to complete two practicum experiences, one an early intervention program for younger students and one a case study with older students. You'll also explore what it means to be a reading program coordinator or supervisor at the school level.

For more detailed information on the topics covered in this program, view the course listings.

Career Outcomes

This program prepares you to pursue a career as a reading specialist, which entails one-on-one tutoring with struggling readers, collaborating with fellow teachers at the PK–12 level to help support their students in literacy development, and consulting with administrators about literacy programs at the school or district level.

^{*This online academic program satisfies the requirements for the reading specialist licensure endorsement in Kansas, but does not fulfill the requirements needed to complete a master's degree. In order to enroll in this program, both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree are required.}

^{*The online reading specialist licensure endorsement track program meets the educational requirements for licensure in the state of Kansas. If you plan to obtain a license or certification in a state other than Kansas or a US territory after completion of your program, it is highly recommended you first seek guidance from the appropriate licensing agency BEFORE beginning the academic program to ensure you can obtain a license of certification in your home state or territory. The website}^{https://nc-sara.org/professional-licensure-directory}^{provides resources for licensure and certification boards outside of Kansas.}

Note: In order to enroll in any of these programs, a bachelor's degree is required. No program can guarantee reading specialist licensure for every state, so it is each student’s responsibility to determine the licensure requirements in his or her state and to apply for the licenses or endorsements necessary to his or her career goals. Our department staff and licensure officer can provide individual support during the application process to help you understand your state’s requirements.

Reading and literacy are some of the most important skills one learns within a classroom. With a Master of Science in Education (M.S.E.) in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Reading Education, you will learn strategies needed to develop literacy in students in today’s diverse and technology-enabled classrooms. All courses listed are worth 3 credits.

Please note: Course list and sequence are subject to change.

Master's: Reading Specialist Licensure Track

C&T 709 - FOUNDATIONS OF CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION

Basic concepts and processes of curriculum and instruction, including theories, planning models, resources for decision-making, current trends, research, and proposals for improvement of curriculum and instruction.

C&T 740 – FOUNDATIONS OF READING: PROCESS, THEORY, AND INSTRUCTION

It is the purpose of this course to introduce students to the foundations of the reading process, developmental levels, theory, models, and procedures at the emergent, elementary, and secondary levels. Elements of cultural, linguistic and ethnic diversity that affect the reading process are included. Students work with research related to the reading process, remediation and assessment.

View Full Description

EPSY 715 – UNDERSTANDING RESEARCH IN EDUCATION

This course introduces the concepts and skills involved in understanding and analyzing research in education and related areas. The course provides an overview of basic, general knowledge of various research methodologies. Students should expect to study much of this material in greater depth through additional course work before being fully prepared to conduct independent research. However this course should enhance their ability to locate, read, comprehend and critically analyze research articles and reports. Topics in the course include quantitative and qualitative methods and designs, historical and descriptive research and program evaluation..

C&T 741 – COMPREHENSION AND STUDY STRATEGIES FOR USE WITH MULTIPLE TEXTS

It is the purpose of this course to examine research, theory, and practice in reading comprehension. Emphasis is placed on the application of strategies for various text types (expository, narrative, persuasive and technical) for teaching reading comprehension and study skills across content areas in the K-12 classrooms. Prerequisite: C&T 740 or permission of the instructor.

View Full Description

C&T 807 - MULTICULTURAL EDUCATION

In order to provide the student with an understanding of multicultural education, the course will examine the effects of such issues as ethnicity in America, the melting pot theory, separatism, cultural pluralism, legal issues, and bilingual education upon the curriculum and instruction in today's classrooms. It will include an evaluation of materials for bias and stereotypes. Field experiences are a part of this course.

View Full Description

C&T 840 – EMERGENT LITERACY AND BEGINNING READING

A study of emergent literacy through the beginning stages of literacy development. Course content focuses on the history, theory and research that supports instructional reading practices for children Pre-kindergarten through grade 2.

View Full Description

C&T 841 – EARLY INTERVENTION IN READING PRACTICUM

A case study approach to the instruction of children in need of early intervention in reading. Requires assessment, instruction, and case reports of tutored children.

C&T 842 – SUPPORTING STRIVING READERS: ADOLESCENT THROUGH ADULT

A study of the characteristics and multiple causes of reading and writing difficulties, principles and procedures for diagnosing and remediating reading difficulties, how to provide individual and group intervention strategies, communicate diagnostic information and gain awareness of the impact of research on instructional decision-making for students with reading difficulties.

C&T 843 – SUPPORTING STRIVING READERS: PRACTICUM

Case study approach to the treatment of pre-adolescent through adults with reading disabilities. Requires diagnostic testing of the learner, compilation of case study reports, and participating in staffing for the purpose of designing remedial reading programs. Students also participate in implementation of remedial programs with pre-adolescent through adults through tutoring in either a clinical setting or a public school setting.

C&T 844 – THE READING PROGRAM COORDINATION AND SUPERVISION

An overview of the role of the reading coordinator/supervisor and that individual's responsibility for the components of a balanced reading program. Emphasis will be given to assessment of the reading program, strategies for change, improving the reading program, in-service programs, working with other school personnel, providing services, and public relations.

C&T 898 - MASTER’S PROJECT

The master’s project is a collection of artifacts completed during courses in the program, along with documentation of other activities demonstrating leadership and professionalism, to demonstrate the four program outcomes: Teaching All Students, Knowing and Using Research, Pedagogical Content Knowledge and Foundational Knowledge.

Master's: Reading Non-Licensure Track

C&T 709 - FOUNDATIONS OF CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION

Basic concepts and processes of curriculum and instruction, including theories, planning models, resources for decision-making, current trends, research, and proposals for improvement of curriculum and instruction.

C&T 740 – FOUNDATIONS OF READING: PROCESS, THEORY, AND INSTRUCTION

It is the purpose of this course to introduce students to the foundations of the reading process, developmental levels, theory, models, and procedures at the emergent, elementary, and secondary levels. Elements of cultural, linguistic and ethnic diversity that affect the reading process are included. Students work with research related to the reading process, remediation and assessment.

View Full Description

EPSY 715 – UNDERSTANDING RESEARCH IN EDUCATION

This course introduces the concepts and skills involved in understanding and analyzing research in education and related areas. The course provides an overview of basic, general knowledge of various research methodologies. Students should expect to study much of this material in greater depth through additional course work before being fully prepared to conduct independent research. However this course should enhance their ability to locate, read, comprehend and critically analyze research articles and reports. Topics in the course include quantitative and qualitative methods and designs, historical and descriptive research and program evaluation..

C&T 741 – COMPREHENSION AND STUDY STRATEGIES FOR USE WITH MULTIPLE TEXTS

It is the purpose of this course to examine research, theory, and practice in reading comprehension. Emphasis is placed on the application of strategies for various text types (expository, narrative, persuasive and technical) for teaching reading comprehension and study skills across content areas in the K-12 classrooms. Prerequisite: C&T 740 or permission of the instructor.

View Full Description

C&T 807 - MULTICULTURAL EDUCATION

In order to provide the student with an understanding of multicultural education, the course will examine the effects of such issues as ethnicity in America, the melting pot theory, separatism, cultural pluralism, legal issues, and bilingual education upon the curriculum and instruction in today's classrooms. It will include an evaluation of materials for bias and stereotypes. Field experiences are a part of this course.

View Full Description

C&T 840 – EMERGENT LITERACY AND BEGINNING READING

A study of emergent literacy through the beginning stages of literacy development. Course content focuses on the history, theory and research that supports instructional reading practices for children Pre-kindergarten through grade 2.

View Full Description

C&T 842 – SUPPORTING STRIVING READERS: ADOLESCENT THROUGH ADULT

A study of the characteristics and multiple causes of reading and writing difficulties, principles and procedures for diagnosing and remediating reading difficulties, how to provide individual and group intervention strategies, communicate diagnostic information and gain awareness of the impact of research on instructional decision-making for students with reading difficulties.

C&T 743 – WRITING AND SPELLING DEVELOPMENT AND INSTRUCTION

A study of the research base on writing, spelling, speaking and listening for teaching the language arts; an overview of development in writing and spelling, the writing and spelling processes and instruction and strategies for integrating the language arts.

C&T 745 – READING AND THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNER

The course focuses on the literacy development, research and effective teaching practices that support emerging bilinguals (EBs) and additive bilinguals becoming literate in PK–Grade 12 and adult academic settings. We examine how learning to read, write, speak and view in a new language are similar and/or dissimilar from these dimensions in a first language. Cognitive, sociocultural, linguistic and educational perspectives are investigated as part of this examination. Specific examples of challenges that exist for students as they learn to communicate in English are shared and problem-solved. Ways to connect students’ home languages, background literacy knowledge and development are also explored. The course examines the essential components of literacy instruction: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary development and comprehension. As each component is studied, implications for literacy development with EBs are highlighted.

C&T 898 - MASTER’S PROJECT

The master’s project is a collection of artifacts completed during courses in the program, along with documentation of other activities demonstrating leadership and professionalism, to demonstrate the four program outcomes: Teaching All Students, Knowing and Using Research, Pedagogical Content Knowledge and Foundational Knowledge.

The Reading Specialist Licensure Endorsement Track

C&T 740 – FOUNDATIONS OF READING: PROCESS, THEORY, AND INSTRUCTION

It is the purpose of this course to introduce students to the foundations of the reading process, developmental levels, theory, models, and procedures at the emergent, elementary, and secondary levels. Elements of cultural, linguistic and ethnic diversity that affect the reading process are included. Students work with research related to the reading process, remediation and assessment.

View Full Description

C&T 741 – COMPREHENSION AND STUDY STRATEGIES FOR USE WITH MULTIPLE TEXTS

It is the purpose of this course to examine research, theory, and practice in reading comprehension. Emphasis is placed on the application of strategies for various text types (expository, narrative, persuasive and technical) for teaching reading comprehension and study skills across content areas in the K-12 classrooms. Prerequisite: C&T 740 or permission of the instructor.

View Full Description

C&T 840 – EMERGENT LITERACY AND BEGINNING READING

A study of emergent literacy through the beginning stages of literacy development. Course content focuses on the history, theory and research that supports instructional reading practices for children Pre-kindergarten through grade 2.

View Full Description

C&T 841 – EARLY INTERVENTION IN READING PRACTICUM

A case study approach to the instruction of children in need of early intervention in reading. Requires assessment, instruction, and case reports of tutored children.

C&T 842 – SUPPORTING STRIVING READERS: ADOLESCENT THROUGH ADULT

A study of the characteristics and multiple causes of reading and writing difficulties, principles and procedures for diagnosing and remediating reading difficulties, how to provide individual and group intervention strategies, communicate diagnostic information and gain awareness of the impact of research on instructional decision-making for students with reading difficulties.

C&T 843 – SUPPORTING STRIVING READERS: PRACTICUM

Case study approach to the treatment of pre-adolescent through adults with reading disabilities. Requires diagnostic testing of the learner, compilation of case study reports, and participating in staffing for the purpose of designing remedial reading programs. Students also participate in implementation of remedial programs with pre-adolescent through adults through tutoring in either a clinical setting or a public school setting.

C&T 844 – THE READING PROGRAM COORDINATION AND SUPERVISION

An overview of the role of the reading coordinator/supervisor and that individual's responsibility for the components of a balanced reading program. Emphasis will be given to assessment of the reading program, strategies for change, improving the reading program, in-service programs, working with other school personnel, providing services, and public relations.

Please note: The course list and sequence are subject to change.

Sources

Retrieved on November 30, 2023, from unesco.org/en/literacy/need-know
Retrieved on November 30, 2023, from nytimes.com/2022/03/08/us/pandemic-schools-reading-crisis.html