Reading and Literacy Education
Our Master of Arts in Education (MAEd) in reading and literacy education will prepare you to promote K–12 students’ literacy growth.
Reading and Literacy Education Program Overview
Language and literacy proficiency are central to academic, professional and personal success, and research indicates that reading/literacy specialists have an impact on both students and teachers.
The Master of Arts in Reading and Literacy Education Degree is an online 30 semester-hour program designed to develop advanced competencies in K–12 reading and literacy education in the following areas: foundational knowledge, curriculum and instruction, assessment and evaluation, diversity and equity, the literacy environment, literacy leadership, and practical experiences. At least 24 hours are in reading and literacy education with a focus on excellence and equity. The desired outcome is preparation of specialized literacy professionals, particularly reading/literacy specialists who are able to support K–12 students’ reading and literacy education and to serve as leaders in the literacy profession. Alumni of the program hold many roles, including K–12 reading teachers, adult education teachers, literacy coaches, education coaches, special education teachers and reading specialists/tutors.
ECU Advantage
We have a long-standing tradition and reputation for excellence in teacher preparation. ECU started as a teacher training school in 1907. We have offered a master’s degree in reading since 1979. Our nationally recognized program is totally online, which allows flexibility and convenience. Candidates can continue to work full time while enrolled in the program.
Tuition cost is affordable, and there is opportunity for advanced teaching licensure. With valid initial North Carolina teaching licensure, candidates who successfully complete this program will be eligible to apply for the add-on K–12 reading license.
Internationally recognized literacy faculty design and teach courses and mentor our graduate students. Our award-winning faculty are at the fore of the field in research, teaching and service.
What You Will Study
Program Coordinator: Christy Howard (126 Ragsdale Hall; 252-737-5093; howardch14@ecu.edu)
The Reading and Literacy Education, MAEd is a program designed to develop advanced competencies in K-12 reading and literacy education in the following areas: foundational knowledge, curriculum and instruction, assessment and evaluation, engagement and belonging, the literacy environment, leadership, and practicum experiences. A minimum of 24 semester hours are in reading and literacy education with a focus on excellence and equity. The desired outcome is preparation of specialized literacy professionals, particularly reading/literacy specialists who are able to support K-12 students' reading and literacy education and to serve as leaders in the literacy profession. The degree is administratively located in the Department of Literacy Studies and Special Education in the College of Education.
The degree requires a minimum of 30 s.h. as follows:
Core Requirements:
Core - 27 s.h.
- READ 5316 - Word Study: Phonics, Spelling, and Vocabulary Instruction
- READ 5317 - Adolescent Literacy in the Content Areas
- READ 6101 - Learning to Read: From Novice to Expert
- READ 6102 - Literacy Development and Instruction K-5
- READ 6103 - Literacy Development and Instruction 6-12
- READ 6104 - Assessment and Evaluation in Literacy Education
- READ 6105 - Fostering Connection, Belonging and Engagement in Literacy Instruction
- READ 6106 - Using Literacy Assessment for Instructional Intervention
- READ 6107 - Literacy Leadership and Coaching
Electives - 3 s.h.
Take 3 s.h. of approved electives in the following areas related to the role of the literacy specialist: academically or intellectually gifted (AIG), adult literacy, adult education, educational leadership, educational research, elementary education, instructional technology, library science, reading and literacy, special education, supervision, teaching English as a second language (TESL), and/or other areas in consultation with advisor. Students who took ECU's READ 5316 and READ 5317 in advanced undergraduate studies choose 6 s.h. (in addition to the existing required elective) of approved electives in the following areas related to the role of the literacy specialist: academically or intellectually gifted (AIG), adult literacy, adult education, educational leadership, educational research, elementary education, instructional technology, library science, reading and literacy, special education, supervision, teaching English as a second language (TESL), and/or other areas in consultation with advisor.
Comprehensive culminating assessment requirement
Licensure/Certification Requirements in North Carolina
The curriculum for all ECU Certificates, Degrees, and other Graduate Programs have been designed to meet the licensure/certification requirements in North Carolina and prepare students to sit for licensure/certification exams in North Carolina. The various licensure boards in each state are responsible for setting requirements for licensure/certification in their state. Other states have their own requirements, and you'll want to make sure your program meets criteria in your home state (or state where you intend to work) before you apply.
For more information about this degree visit the university's academic catalogs.
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