Reading and Literacy

Overview

The next chapter is waiting.

Turn the page in your career with the online Master of Education in Reading and Literacy offered by Notre Dame College Online.

Designed for both current and aspiring educators, our online master’s in reading education successfully prepares you to help students build their literacy skills and develop a strong foundation for learning. Featuring an in-depth curriculum, the program trains you in the proficiencies you need to become an expert in this highly important area of education.

As a student, you will be supported by our faculty members, who offer years of real-world experience. Our M.Ed. programs are taught by doctorally-qualified faculty with exceptional experience in college classrooms and backgrounds in education as superintendents, principals, teachers, education consultants and more.

Classes are synchronous, with regularly scheduled touch points designated throughout the semester. This provides you with an opportunity for academic support and to build personal and professional community.

We are particularly proud of our teaching programs. Notre Dame College has successfully trained tomorrow’s educators for nearly 100 years. Offered in a fully digital format, the online master’s in reading education is convenient for the needs of working adults. You will be able to earn your degree when and where it is right for you and fit your education around your life.

Recognizing the sacrifice that Catholic school teachers and staff make, Notre Dame College offers teachers, staff, and administrators at Catholic schools and Catholic institutions an automatic 20% discount on tuition at Notre Dame College.

Topics of Study

• Phonics
• Literacy theory and research
• Instructional strategies in literacy
• Multisensory approaches to language development
• Content area reading
• Integrated technology
• Children’s and young adult literature studies
• Assessment and intervention in literacy

The M.Ed. in Reading and Literacy program also requires 50 hours of field experience, allowing you the opportunity to gain hands-on training and immediately apply your skills as a literacy professional.

Program Outcomes

Graduates of the program are well-equipped to begin work in their specialty. For those with an initial teacher licensure, the credential adds a full endorsement. The program is a solid foundation for students who wish to advance to more in-depth graduate or post-graduate studies in reading disabilities and interventions.

This Program Is Designed for:

• Licensed Pre-K–12 teachers
• Individuals who hold a bachelor’s degree in any subject who want to become specialists in reading instruction
• Adults seeking to earn an advanced degree in a flexible study format

Why Notre Dame College

Located in South Euclid, Ohio, Notre Dame College is a small yet vibrant liberal arts Catholic college. We are committed to offering world-class learning both on campus and online with student success as our top priority. Our reputation for excellence is rooted in our variety of degree programs, expert instructors and continuous support of our students. Whether you learn on campus in Ohio or in one of our flexible online degree programs, you’ll experience the exceptional education Notre Dame College is known for.

Notre Dame College’s Elementary/Intermediate Classroom Teacher Programs have been nationally recognized by the ILA (International Literacy Association) for the Preparation of Literacy Professionals.

Courses & Requirements

Your course of study will help you earn the credential you need to take the next step in your career. Our online M.Ed. with Reading Endorsement requires 36 hours, 18 hours of reading content courses, 12 hours of common core courses and 6 hours of research courses.

Reading Content (18 hours)

Course	Description	Credits
ED 520	Children & Young Adult Literature Studies This course offers an in-depth overview of children’s and young adult literature, covering topics such as genres; children’s and young adult books from developmental and sociocultural perspectives; the history of children’s and young adult literature in Western cultures; multicultural books; culturally competent teaching using children’s and young adult literature; psychological, educational, and literary theoretical approaches; and children’s and young adult literature in various media. Graduate candidates will explore titles of their choice as well as touchstone titles for whole group discussion.	3
ED 525	Foundations of Literacy This course presents major theories and research studies from the past 100 years that form the basis of current literacy practices and instruction and describe cognitive, linguistic, motivational and sociocultural foundations of literacy development, processes and components. Graduate candidates become familiar with models of literacy processes and examine and apply the models as they are related to analytic and systematic phonics instruction, whole language approaches, literature-based instruction and balanced approaches to literacy.	3
ED 535	Disciplinary Literacy This course exposes graduate candidates to a variety of disciplinary (content area) literacy skills that help Pre-K–12 students learn specific content through critical thinking, problem solving and collaborative interactions. While the course content focuses on literacy for the middle and secondary levels, candidates learn how to adapt and differentiate basic before, during and after reading strategies to all grade levels.	3
ED 556	Principles of Literacy Instruction This course focuses on teaching and extending literacy strategies for teachers. Candidates learn to identify particular strategies that are supported by literature and research in teaching concepts of print, phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, comprehension, fluency, critical thinking, motivation, and writing. Knowledge of critical stances and quality traditional print, digital, and online resources are an important focus of the course. Candidates also learn to use culturally competent strategies to promote and advocate for equality and social justice by creating literate environments that allow all P-12 students to learn. (20 field experience hours required). Literacy Theories and Research Application (ED 525) is a prerequisite for this course.	3
ED 557	Diagnosis and Correction of Reading Problems This course introduces graduate candidates to formal and informal instruments for the evaluation of reading problems of children with diverse abilities, cultural backgrounds and learning styles. Candidates engage in the study and application of various types of assessments and identify their purposes, strengths and weaknesses. Candidates also engage in developing, administering and interpreting authentic assessments and create instructional plans based on assessment results. Finally, candidates are responsible for communicating assessment results to stakeholders in keeping with the roles of the literacy specialist in Pre-K–12 education. (30 field experience hours required) (ED 525 and ED 530 or ED 621/622 are prerequisites for this course)	3
ED 655	Reading Practicum The goal of this course is for candidates to demonstrate their knowledge of literacy assessment and instruction, their positive dispositions related to their own and their students’ literacy and their ability to engage in professional exchanges of literacy theories and applications. Topics include analyzing literacy data gathered through formal and informal assessments, creating and evaluating reading programs, providing lesson planning assistance to teachers and aiding paraprofessionals through professional development. Pretesting, determining an intervention plan, post testing and writing a diagnostic report are elements of the practicum and serve as the basis for intensive problem-solving in the online meetings with the instructor. Candidates must record one lesson to share with the instructor who evaluates the teaching and conducts an assessment interview with the candidate. This is the final course in the reading program; candidates must have completed the rest of the literacy courses in order to participate in this course. Multisensory Approaches to Language Development (ED 521), Principles of Literacy Instruction (ED 556) and Diagnosis and Correction of Reading Problems (ED 557) are prerequisites for this course.	3

Common Core (12 hours)

Course	Description	Credits
ED 501	Integrating Technology through Collaborative Teaming Across the Curriculum This research course focuses on technology integration, research studies and assessment of the effectiveness of technology integration in the classroom. It assumes the graduate candidate has basic computer literacy. The course is delivered on three levels: (1) Research: graduate candidates research effective methodology and pedagogy in technology integration, (2) Technical: graduate candidates explore emerging technologies (which include assistive technologies) and their relevance to academic content and a diverse student population and (3) Design, Preparation and Assessment: graduate candidates apply a variety of design models to create and assess a learning environment enhanced by technology.	3
ED 503	Social and Cultural Issues in Education This course introduces the historical and social forces that shape American education as well as the political and economic conditions underlying modern schooling; examines the Ohio Standards for Teachers and the Code of Professional Conduct; considers the spectrum of contemporary thought and controversy that has influenced the character of American education; and explores the nature of diverse schools, school choice and the “new segregation”.	3
ED 504	Psychological Implications for the Professional Educator This course provides a study of learning principles and theories from several perspectives: the physiological basis of thinking and learning, behaviorism, social cognition, learning and memory, developmental stages of cognition and motivation. Graduate candidates will use these perspectives as lenses through which to evaluate and implement teaching and learning practices.	3
ED 506	Introduction to Educational Research This course introduces the fundamentals of educational research. Topics include the nature of scientific investigation, ethical considerations in human subject research, quantitative and qualitative research methodology and their respective philosophies and appropriate data analysis techniques for different research designs. Graduate candidates learn to analyze and interpret published research reports in order to become better consumers of research.	3

Research (6 hours)

Select One:

Course	Description	Credits
ED 670	Action Research This capstone is designed for candidates who are currently teaching or in a professional capacity in which an Action Research project can be implemented for a period of four weeks. Candidates identify a content or classroom/ student management area for study that adds to or improves their teaching practice. Candidates use 20 sources of archival research that informs the methodology. The methodology is implemented over a four- week period and data is collected on its impact. A public presentation of the project is scheduled at the end of the semester.	6
ED 671	I-Search Although this capstone is intended for all candidates, its design will accommodate candidates who are either not currently teaching or not sufficiently familiar with the 40 instructional and programmatic regularities of an educational site where they can develop a proposal that includes active data collection for a sustained period of eight to 10 weeks. Candidates will identify a topic for study that is of interest and importance to their practice. Methodology will focus on incorporating primary data sources. Hence, in addition to archival sources, candidates are required to use three forms of multimedia [e.g. documentary, videotape, DVD, radio and/or television interviews]; three in-person interviews consisting of at least 10 faculty-approved questions and two observations using a faculty-approved observation protocol. Data is gathered, analyzed and reported. A public presentation of the project is scheduled at the end of the semester.	6

Admission Requirements

Students applying for the online M.Ed. with Reading must meet the following requirements:

1. Have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university and minimum 3.0 GPA

How to Apply

Students applying for admission to the online M.Ed. with Reading Endorsement must submit the following materials:

1. A complete online application
2. Official transcripts from your degree granting institution
3. Proof of current teaching license/s, if applicable
4. Two professional references utilizing the reference for for admission to the Master of Education program (available online with the application form)
5. A personal statement of philosophy of education

Costs & Financial Aid

Notre Dame College Online features a high-quality education at a price you can afford. See how your past academic credentials can help you make the most of your college education.

Outcomes & Resources

Careers

Learn more about potential careers available after you graduate. Some include:

• Literacy coach
• Reading specialist
• Remedial reading teacher
• Adjunct instructor in literacy

Related Programs

Learn more about similar programs of study offered by Notre Dame College.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I be a successful online student?

Online students are exceptionally self-motivated. They demonstrate determination, discipline and a willingness to fulfill their commitments. Be prepared to devote a significant amount of time each week to your classes. Engage in discussion, meet your deadlines and communicate with your advisor if you have questions or concerns. These habits will help you move successfully through our programs.

Can I afford Notre Dame College Online?

Yes! Notre Dame College Online recognizes the importance of an affordable education, and we strive to ensure your financial situation is not a boundary when it comes to your career success. Refer to our Financial Aid page to learn more about how to pay for your degree.

What is FAFSA and how can it help me fund my education?

The Free Application for Free Student Aid determines your eligibility for financial aid programs, such as loans and grants. It helps identify the types of aid you may receive, such as federal and state grants, work study programs and low interest loans. We strongly recommend you fill out your FAFSA form each year to help identify which financial aid opportunities may be available to you.