Dec 20, 2024  
OHIO University Graduate Catalog 2024-25 
    
OHIO University Graduate Catalog 2024-25

Reading Education - ME


Master of Education in Reading

Reading – ME6841

Department of Teacher Education
Patton Hall
Ohio University
Athens, OH 45701
740.593.4400
kennedyc@ohio.edu

Delivery Mode: Online

Terms of Entry: Summer, Fall

Terms of Entry Requiring Program Permission: None

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. Candidates studying full time may expect to graduate in one calendar year (3 academic 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.

Further Information

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

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.

Graduation Requirements

Complete a minimum of 31 credit hours as follows:

Field Experience


All students complete field hours working with K-12 students, as part of coursework as follows:

  • EDTE 5221 - Diagnosis: Reading/Language Arts: 35 hours
  • EDTE 5230 - Reading Laboratory: 35 hours
  • EDTE 5261 - Secondary Reading Instruction: 35 hours

All students also complete field hours working with teachers and other educators, as part of coursework as follows:

  • EDTE 6230 - Coaching Classroom Teachers in Reading/Literacy: 60 hours

Culminating Experience


Students complete a master’s research project (EDTE 6940).