Ed.M. in Literacy Education

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I. Purpose

The master of education (Ed.M.) program in literacy education is designed for teachers working in literacy education at any grade level or for those who are interested in working in literacy education in contexts that do not require certification. The program is designed to encourage students to articulate their visions of themselves as teachers, to identify and critique the assumptions that undergird their vision, to become critically familiar with competing visions, to develop instructional strategies that will help them enact their visions, and to engage in the kind of reflective inquiry that is an essential characteristic of an effective teacher.

II. Program Description

The program requires 30 credits of study beyond the bachelor of arts degree. Students are required to take at least 12 credits in literacy education and to situate their studies in literacy education both within related areas and educational foundations. In addition, students must successfully complete a comprehensive exam.

III. Program Outline

Minimum Credits: 30

1. Area of Specialization (12 credits)

A. Required course

15:299:561 Theoretical Foundations of Literacy - Research, Policy, and Practice (3)

B. At least 9 additional credits in literacy education

These credits may include courses in English education, reading, or early literacy.

2. Electives (18 credits)

A. Educational Foundations (6 credits)

Students should select courses that help them to relate to their studies in literacy education and to the field of education as a whole.

B. Related areas (6 credits)

Many other areas address issues relevant to literacy education. Taking courses in related areas will help students expand their understanding of the variety of ways that different areas and different disciplines approach issues of literacy and education. Students should select courses from related areas either within or outside the Graduate School of Education (GSE). Students should consider such areas as anthropology, bilingual/bicultural education, English, language education, library science, linguistics, and women's studies.

C. Electives (6 credits)

Courses may be selected from within the GSE or from the university at large.

All courses must be taken with the approval of the student's adviser.

IV. Comprehensive Examination

The comprehensive exam involves the preparation of a professional portfolio that demonstrates knowledge of research theory and practice in the field of literacy.