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May 23, 2025
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2020-2021 Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Reading Specialist: Literacy Leadership (RDS) MS
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Overview
Contact: Lisa Buckler The graduate program for certification of reading specialists is designed to create contemporary leaders in literacy education. The program offers a comprehensive approach to reading instruction and incorporates current research, theoretical perspectives, informed practice, and thoughtful reflection. Candidates implement a repertoire of assessment procedures and instructional techniques to address the needs of diverse learners. In addition, graduate candidates develop the capacity to coordinate and enhance school-wide literacy through professional development initiatives, literacy coaching, mentoring experiences, and collaboration with professional colleagues, support teams, parents, and students. In addition to core reading specialist coursework, candidates select an area of specialization: teaching English learners or dyslexia. This comprehensive 36-credit graduate reading program has been evaluated and approved by National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education/Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, International Literacy Association (ILA), and the Maryland State Department of Education. Pennsylvania State Department of Education guidelines are addressed during the advisement process for students seeking employment and/or licensure in Pennsylvania. The RDS program adheres to the ILA Standards for the Preparation of Literacy Professionals (2017). Embedded in course content and program level assessments are the seven standards: 1) Foundational knowledge, 2) Curriculum and instruction, 3) Assessment and evaluation, 4) Diversity and equity 5) Learners and the literate environment, 6)Professional learning and leadership, 7) Practicum/clinical experiences. Admissions Requirements
Candidates seeking admission to the Reading Specialist: Literacy Leadership Program must submit the following documentation: - application to graduate study;
- official transcript conferring bachelor’s degree (minimum 3.0* GPA) from an accredited institution;
- valid initial teaching certification such as Early Childhood, Elementary, Secondary, Special Education or related fields;
- state-designated qualifying scores for the Praxis Exam or equivalency;
- three completed reference forms with checklists linked to the Professional Unit’s Conceptual Framework.
*Students not meeting this criterion may be reviewed on an individual basis for admission to this program. Reading Specialist Practicum
Candidates are admitted to RDS 552 after completion of the following course sequence: All candidates must successfully complete a six-credit supervised practicum experience in the McDaniel College Reading Clinic.
Program Completion
In addition to successfully completing the practicum and fulfilling the 36-credit course requirements with a 3.00 GPA, candidates must pass a comprehensive written examination or complete a thesis as approved by the Program Coordinator. Candidates may consider writing a thesis as a culminating experience for program completion. This option is particularly valuable for students considering the pursuit of a doctorate or those with a well-defined research interest. Successful completion of the thesis is used in place of the comprehensive exam and credits earned from work on the thesis may count as the 3-credit program elective. Phase I: Foundational Knowledge:
Phase II: Diagnostic Teaching:
Phase III: Literacy Leadership and Professional Development:
Specialization
Specialization: Teaching English Learners OR Dyslexia Total Credit Hours: 36 or 37 (depending on area of specialization)
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