M.S. Ed. Reading and Language Arts
This 30-semester hour program is designed for teachers with initial certification and satisfies the requirements for a Master of Science in Education Degree in Reading and Language Arts. In addition, to required courses, candidates must pass praxis examinations for certification in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. There is no internship or residency requirement for the degree. Course work includes six credits in Educational Foundations and Psychology, a minimum of 18 credits in Reading and Language Arts courses, and six credits of electives. Candidates have access to computer laboratories, a multi-media center, curriculum library, a fully networked and automated reference library, onsite and remote access to online databases and electronic journals. The Reading Clinic is used as a practicum center by graduate reading candidates enrolled in the diagnostic and/or tutorial labs. Graduate reading and language arts courses meet International Reading Association Standards and encompass Duquesne University themes and domains:
Standards
Standard 1: Foundational Knowledge of Dispositions
Standard 2: Instructional Strategies and Curriculum Materials
Standard 3: Assessment, Diagnosis, and Evaluation
Standard 4: Creating a Literature Environment
Standard 5: Professional Development
Themes
Diversity, Leadership and Technology
Domains
Learning Theory, Curriculum Design, and School Context
Students may qualify for reading specialist and reading supervisor certificates, valid for grades K-12, after completing specific required courses following the basic program.
Graduates of the Reading and Language Arts program will be qualified to fill these IRA specific roles:
- Instruction-The reading specialist supports, supplements, and extends classroom teaching and works collaboratively to implement a quality reading program that is research-based and meets the needs of students.
- Assessment-The reading specialist has specialized knowledge of assessment and diagnosis that is vital for developing, implementing, and evaluating the literacy program in general and in designing instruction for individual students. They can assess the reading strengths and needs of students and provide that information to classroom teachers, parents, and specialized personnel such as psychologists, special educators, or speech teachers in order to prove an effective reading program
- Leadership-The reading specialist provides leadership as a resource to other educators, parents, and the community.
Reading Supervisor
Must complete five years as a reading specialist, a master's degree and 54 credits.
