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Instruction: Teacher of Reading

Master of Education

Program Purpose

The Master of Education in Instruction: Teacher of Reading degree program is designed for educators who are interested in advancing their professional knowledge and skills related to literacy teaching and learning, including the following:

  •  choosing effective and appropriate instructional approaches and materials
  • designing integrated, comprehensive, balanced curricula that support student learning in reading and writing
  • designing and implementing appropriate assessment strategies
  • developing awareness, understanding, and respect for cultural differences
  • creating literacy-rich learning environments that foster reading and writing
  • exploring leadership and professional development opportunities

Program Competencies

The program competencies adopted for the Master of Education in Instruction: Teacher of Reading degree program are the International Literacy Association (ILA) Standards for Classroom Teachers (2010). The M.Ed. in Instruction: Teacher of Reading degree program is designed to enable candidates to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in the following standards:

Program Competency Standard 1. Foundational Knowledge

Candidates understand the theoretical and evidence-based foundations of reading and writing processes and instruction.

Program Competency Standard 2. Curriculum and Instruction

Candidates use instructional approaches, materials, and an integrated, comprehensive, balanced curriculum to support student learning in reading and writing.

Program Competency Standard 3. Assessment and Evaluation

Candidates use a variety of assessment tools and practices to plan and evaluate effective reading and writing instruction.

Program Competency Standard 4. Diversity

Candidates create and engage their students in literacy practices that develop awareness, understanding, respect, and a valuing of differences in our society.

Program Competency Standard 5. Literate Environment

Candidates create a literate environment that fosters reading and writing by integrating foundational knowledge, instructional practices, approaches and methods, curriculum materials, and the appropriate use of assessments.

Program Competency Standard 6. Professional Learning and Leadership

Candidates recognize the importance of, demonstrate, and facilitate professional learning and leadership as a career-long effort and responsibility.

Outcomes Assessment

Multiple assessments are used to determine candidate growth toward achievement of the knowledge and skills described in the Master of Education in Instruction: Teacher of Reading degree program competencies and college-wide graduation competencies. Performance-based assessments are used to evaluate projects, assignments, and research papers. Goals, learning outcomes and activities, external assignments, and assessment strategies are linked directly to program and graduation competencies as stated on each course syllabus. Other assessment strategies may include mentoring sessions and observations of performance-based projects in authentic settings.

Program Design

This 33-credit degree program consists of 18 credits of foundation courses that focus on teaching and learning, 12 credits of reading content courses, and three credits of electives. The program requires that candidates be working in an educational setting or a training center to complete the program competency assignments. There is a non-credit E-Folio course requirement.

Course Requirements

Foundation Courses (18 credits)

Assessment and Evaluation

Instructional Design

Psychology of Learning

Curriculum Development

MED 8804: 6 credit course offered in the Spring and Fall semester

Reading Concentration Courses (12 credits)

E-Folio

Causes of Reading Difficulties

Foundations of Reading

Brain-based Reading Instruction

Phonemic Awareness and Auditory Processing

Elective Courses (3 credits)

Literacy Skills for Early Childhood

Vocabulary and Comprehension Development for Middle School and High School

Authentic and Differentiated Instruction for Reading

Qualifications for Degree

To qualify for the Master of Education in Instruction: Teacher of Reading degree, a candidate must successfully complete a minimum of 33 credit hours with a GPA of at least a 3.0. The program must be completed within five years.

NOTE:

Completion of this degree does not qualify the recipient for a Delaware teaching license, endorsement, or certification, since there is no applicable Delaware licensing or certification category.

This information applies to students who enter this degree program during the 2024-2025 Academic Year. If you entered this degree program before the Fall 2023 semester, please refer to the academic catalog for the year you began your degree program.