Reading Specialist: Literacy Leadership (RDS) MS

Overview

Program Coordinator: Lisa Buckler

Program Delivery Format: Online (Hybrid delivery, mix of online and in-person, is available for School Partnership cohorts), 8-week sessions.

Total Credits: 36/37

Specializations:

TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Language)
Dyslexia (Wilson Reding Certification)

Average Completion Time: 24 months

Admission: Fall, Spring, and Summer (two admission options each semester, six entry points a year)

For more information contact:

Graduate Admissions: Crystal Perry, Assistant Director, Graduate Enrollment Management
cperry@mcdaniel.edu
(410) 857-2516

McDaniel Graduate and Professional Studies - gpsadvising@mcdaniel.edu or 410.857.2500.

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 the 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.

McDaniel College is a member in good standing of the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP), a national accrediting organization recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. McDaniel is working toward Initial Accreditation Status for its educator preparation programs with an anticipated accreditation review in Spring 2024.

Admissions Requirements

Candidates must submit:

Application for graduate study (online) - www.mcdaniel.edu/grad
Official transcripts conferring bachelor’s degree (minimum of 3.00 GPA*) from an accredited institution; graduate transcripts if applicable.
Copy of a Teaching Certificate - Maryland State Department of Education Standard Professional Certificate (SPC I or SPC II). Students with Professional Eligibility Certification or evidence of completion of teacher preparation program and passing Praxis II scores can be accepted in lieu of teacher certification. Teachers who hold a license or certification from states outside of Maryland must also provide a copy of their teaching certificate. Students holding provisional or conditional teacher certification would not be eligible for this program and should discuss options for initial certification with the Office of Graduate and Professional Studies.

Please note: Students who have a 2.75 to 2.99 GPA may be admitted provisionally and will be required to maintain a 3.0 GPA in the first 9-12 credit hours. Students with less than a 2.75 GPA will be considered for admission on a case-by-case basis for provisional admission but may be required to provide additional documentation and/or participate in an interview. Admission may also come with additional conditions.

Courses

Phase I: Foundational Knowledge: (9 credits)

Phase II: Diagnostic Teaching: (9 credits)

Phase III: Literacy Leadership and Professional Development: (9 credits)

Specialization: (9 to 10 credits)

Specialization: Teaching English Learners OR Dyslexia

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.

Total Credit Hours: 36 or 37 (depending on area of specialization)

State Authorization

McDaniel is an approved institutional member of the National Council of State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (NC-SARA). Membership in SARA is intended to make it easier for students to take online courses/programs offered by postsecondary institutions based in another state. For more information about SARA, including the states currently participating in the agreement, visit http://www.nc.sara.org.

SARA membership allows McDaniel to accept and deliver our programs/courses online to students in 49 States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Students who reside in California, currently the only state not a member of SARA, should contact the admissions office prior to application to verify if you are eligible to participate in the online program of interest.

For more information about state authorization requirements and complaint resolution, visit https://www.mcdaniel.edu/academics/graduate-professional-studies/state-authorization-requirements-complaints-resolution

Professional Licensure

Requirements for professional licensure in fields such as accounting, education, counseling, psychology, and social work vary from state to state. McDaniel’s academic programs listed below are designed to meet Maryland’s licensure requirements and may not meet requirements from other states. Before beginning any academic program that leads to licensure, McDaniel highly recommends that you contact the appropriate state licensing board where you wish to seek licensure to determine whether the program you are considering will meet that state’s licensing requirements. You may also contact McDaniel at gps@mcdaniel.edu to inquire.

For more important information regarding professional licensure and the completion of McDaniel degrees, please review our Professional Licensure Disclosure Statement.