Reading Instruction, M.Ed.

Degree Requirements

Applicants must have a valid, level 4 or higher, Professional, Advanced Professional, or Lead Professional teaching certificate, leadership certificate, service certificate, or Life certificate; and must have at least three years of teaching experience. An M.Ed. in Reading Instruction can be achieved by completing a 30-hour program of study, The program consists of 18 hours in Literacy Concentration (Area I), 3 hours in Research (Area II), 6 hours in ESOL and/or Teacher Leadership (Area III), and 3 hours in Technology Integration (Area IV). Candidates must pass a comprehensive exam during their final semester in the program. Georgia educators must pass the GACE Content Assessment in Reading to add the Reading Specialist certification to their GaPSC teaching certificate.

Plan of Study

Area I: Literacy Concentration (18 Hours)

• READ 7271 - Theoretical and Pedagogical Approaches to Language and Literacy Instruction 3 Credit Hours
• READ 7263 - Comprehensive Language and Literacy Assessments and Interventions 3 Credit Hours
• READ 7201 - Teacher as Language and Literacy Leader 3 Credit Hours
• READ 7261 - Language and Literacy Engagement through Writing 3 Credit Hours
• READ 7262 - Trends and Issues in Language and Literacy Education 3 Credit Hours
• READ 7267 - Diversity and Equity in Children’s and Young Adult Literature 3 Credit Hours

Area II: Research (3 Hours)

• EDRS 6301 - Introduction to Research in the Human Sciences 3 Credit Hours

Area III: Area of Specialization (6 hours)

Choose two of the following courses from Option 1 (ESOL) and/or Option 2 (Teacher Leadership).

Area IV: Technology Integration (3 Hours)

• MEDT 7461 - Instructional Technology, Media, & Design 3 Credit Hours

Total Program: (30 Hours)

Program Notes:

1. The Reading Endorsement courses are (a) READ 7271, (b) READ 7263, and (c) READ 7201, and this is the preferred course sequence.

2. ESOL Endorsement courses are (a) READ 7239, (b) READ 7240, and (c) READ 7241. Students have the option of either completing or partially completing the ESOL Endorsement while completing coursework for the M.Ed. in Reading Instruction. While only two Area III specialization courses are required to complete the M.Ed. in Reading Instruction degree, passing all three ESOL Endorsement courses (READ 7239, READ 7240, and READ 7241) will lead to the ESOL Endorsement.

3. All enrolled Georgia candidates are required to attempt the state-approved content assessment (GACE) prior to program completion. A passing score on the state-approved content assessment is not required for program completion; however, a passing score is required for state certification.

4. READ 7263, READ 7201, READ 7240, and READ 7241 require access to student data.

5. All candidates should apply for graduation during the semester preceding the one they plan to graduate.

6. All candidates should take and pass a selected-response comprehension exam during their last semester in the program.