Reading, MEd- Language, Literacy and Culture Concentration

The MEd in Reading- Language, Literacy and Culture Concentration (Non-Licensure) is designed for educators to enhance and expand their skills in language, literacy and culture across diverse population as a classroom teacher. This program provides educators with a foundation in literacy learning across diverse populations and content areas, the use of assessment to inform instruction, the integration of the language arts, the integration of technology, and the knowledge of how to select and use a variety of genres of children’s books in the K-6 classroom. This Master of Education in Reading, LLC concentration does not provide a Reading Specialist license but it can advance your initial license to professional license.

A Master of Education in Reading- Language, Literacy and Culture Concentration from Bridgewater State University offers:

All courses hybrid or fully online
Diverse faculty with extensive teaching experience and ongoing participation in education research, scholarly publication and professional organizations
Compliance with recommendations of the Professional Standards and Ethics Committee and the Advisory Group to the National Council of Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and Joint Task Force of the International Reading Association (IRA), K-12 Classroom Teacher
Small classes facilitating a more personalized learning experience
Affordable tuition, whether you live in state or out of state
GRE is not required

Program Director: Adam Brieske-Ulenski, Ed.D. | abrieskeulenski@bridgew.edu

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Student Testimonial:

"This program has benefited me in how I teach in my classroom for my English Language Arts block providing me with different strategies and instructional tools."

"The Masters in Reading program has helped me become more aware of various literacy assessments that can be used in the classroom, has helped me understand and connect the theories behind literacy acquisitions to my own students and become more confident in my literacy instruction in the classroom."

Admissions Requirements for the Reading, MEd- Language, Literacy and Culture Concentration

Online application and $50 application fee
Resume
Transcripts - Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate course work
GPA - Minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 2.8 based upon four years of course work or a 3.0 based on the last 60 credits
Personal Statement - Prepare a brief, but careful statement regarding the reasons you want to pursue graduate work in Reading and your career goals
Letters of Recommendation - A rating of 1 ("Highly Recommended") on three letters of recommendation (at least one from a teaching supervisor and one from someone who has knowledge of the applicant's aptitude for advanced scholarship)
GRE is not required

Application Deadlines

Rolling admission for Fall, Spring and Summer enrollment.
Applications that are not completed prior to the start of the semester will need to be moved to the next applicable semester.

Curriculum

Required courses (30 credits)

READ 542 - A Critical Review of Reading and Writing Across the Content Areas
READ 543 - Assessment and Intervention Techniques for the Elementary Classroom
READ 544 - Children's Literature for the Elementary Classroom
READ 545 - Global Literacies: Discovering the World in the Elementary Classroom
READ 546 - New Literacies for Internet Comprehension
READ 550 - Improving Literacy Instruction
READ 553 - Issues in Literacy Education for Social Justice
READ 554 - Research in Literacy Teaching and Learning
READ 556 - Literacy Curriculum Development and Implementation
READ 557 - Capstone Course in Language, Literacy and Culture

Exit requirement

In addition to the course requirements above, candidates must demonstrate the following competencies:

Successful completion of the Literacy Professional’s Library
An oral presentation or exhibit pertaining to a topic in literacy
A passing score on the written comprehensive examination (Please see Graduate Academic Policies and Procedures for additional information.)
Support for the work of professional literacy organizations

Total minimum credits: 30

Plan of Study: Reading, MEd LLC Concentration Fall Semester

Plan of Study: Reading, MEd LLC Concentration Spring Semester

The learning outcomes for graduate students in this program are the following from the International Literacy Association's standards for reading professionals 2017:

STANDARD 1: FOUNDATIONAL KNOWLEDGE - Candidates demonstrate knowledge of major theoretical, conceptual, historical, and evidence-based foundations of literacy and language, the ways in which they interrelate, and the role of the reading/literacy specialist in schools.

STANDARD 2: CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION - Candidates use foundational knowledge to design literacy curricula to meet needs of learners, especially those who experience difficulty with literacy; design, implement, and evaluate small-group and individual evidence-based literacy instruction for learners; collaborate with teachers to implement effective literacy practices.

STANDARD 3: ASSESSMENT AND EVALUATION - Candidates understand, select, and use valid, reliable, fair, and appropriate assessment tools to screen, diagnose, and measure student literacy achievement; inform instruction and evaluate interventions; assist teachers in their understanding and use of assessment results; advocate for appropriate literacy practices to relevant stakeholders.

STANDARD 4: DIVERSITY AND EQUITY - Candidates demonstrate knowledge of research, relevant theories, pedagogies, and essential concepts of diversity and equity; demonstrate an understanding of themselves and others as cultural beings; create classrooms and schools that are inclusive and affirming; advocate for equity at school, district, and community levels.

STANDARD 5: LEARNERS AND THE LITERACY ENVIRONMENT - Candidates meet the developmental needs of all learners and collaborate with school personnel to use a variety of print and digital materials to engage and motivate all learners; integrate digital technologies in appropriate, safe, and effective ways; foster a positive climate that supports a literacy-rich learning environment.

STANDARD 6: PROFESSIONAL LEARNING AND LEADERSHIP - Candidates demonstrate the ability to be reflective literacy professionals, who apply their knowledge of adult learning to work collaboratively with colleagues;demonstrate their leadership and facilitation skills;advocate on behalf of teachers, students, families, and communities.

Funding Opportunities

The Federal Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program provides grants per term (based on enrollment status) to students who intend to teach in a public or private elementary or secondary school that serves students from low-income families. To learn more about the Teach Grant visit: https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/grants/teach

The College of Graduate Studies provides various opportunities for graduate students to receive funding while working towards their degrees. Appointments are competitive and are determined by undergraduate and/or graduate grade point averages, pertinent experience, educational preparation and interviews. For information on assistantships, fellowships and conference funding awards, please visit our Graduate Funding Opportunities page.

Graduate students are eligible for unsubsidized student loans and applicants are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. For more specific questions, please visit the Financial Aid Office website or contact them directly at finaid@bridgew.edu.