Degree Title and Name:  Master of Education in Reading

Program Name and Number:  Reading – ME6841

Department/Unit:  Teacher Education

Delivery Mode:  Online

Term(s) of Entry:  Summer, Fall

Program Overview:

The Reading Education program is designed to help licensed teachers further their knowledge and understanding of language and reading development, teach reading across grades K-12, administer reading assessments and make data-driven decisions, work with other teachers and specialists to design appropriate reading instruction to meet the needs of all students, and develop and conduct original research to further their own learning. The program requires extensive fieldwork with students across all licensure bands (P-12) who require additional support in the development of their literacy skills, as well as with classroom teachers and specialists in the field. Upon completion of this program, candidates will also be eligible to apply for the K­12 Reading Endorsement to be added to their teaching license, which meets the requirements of Ohio’s Third Grade Guarantee. This is an online program that can be completed in three semesters. (Note: A stand-alone non-degree graduate-level reading endorsement program is also available online; for more information, go to https://www.ohio.edu/education/teacher-ed/endorsements/reading.)

Program Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:

• Explain, compare, contrast, and critique the theories of reading that have significant impact on teachers’ and researchers’ beliefs and articulate their personal theory of reading, explaining how it affects their classroom instruction and research interests;
• Identify and explain theories of language and literacy acquisition and use this knowledge to create a rich language instructional context for students and work collaboratively with other educators to engage in inquiry and share understandings;
• Use various assessments to determine struggling readers’ strengths and areas of continued need;
• Write reports which include analyses and interpretations of multiple reading assessments, identification of student strengths and areas of need, and plans for further literacy instruction;
• Implement research-based strategies and activities, using a variety of appropriate reading materials, for diverse K-12 learners;
• Support classroom teachers and paraprofessionals in the development of instruction based on assessment evidence, theory, and research; and
• Interpret research and apply theory/research to practice.

Opportunities for Graduates: Opportunities for graduates may include teaching, coaching, and leading school reading programs. Reading Specialists/Literacy Coaches may also serve as a resource in reading and writing for educational support personnel, administrators, teachers, and the community, provide professional development based on historical and current literature and research, work collaboratively with other professionals to build and implement reading programs for individuals and groups of students, and serve as advocates for students who struggle with reading. Many of these professionals have a specific focus that further defines their duties, such as serving as a teacher for students experiencing reading difficulties, as a reading or literacy coach, as a coordinator of reading and writing programs at the school or district, or in several combinations of these roles.

Link to Program: https://www.ohio.edu/education/teacher-ed/reading

Graduation Requirements: Candidates complete 34 semester hours* of coursework as part of this program. Candidates studying full time may expect to graduate in one calendar year (3 academic semesters). *Note: Number of course hours will be reduced to 31 if a phonics course has been successfully completed at the undergraduate level.

Culminating Experience: All candidates complete a Master’s Research Project as part of their studies.

Admission Requirements: All applicants must have completed a bachelor’s degree program and hold a valid teaching license. Additionally, to be considered for admission to the program, all applicants must submit: an application, three (3) letters of recommendation, a writing sample, a statement of purpose, and all official transcripts.

International Students:  This program does not permit full-time enrollment in residence at Ohio University, and an I-20 cannot be issued based on admission to this program.