Reading Instruction, M.Ed.

Degree Requirements

Applicants must hold a valid level 4 or higher Induction or Professional certificate in any teaching, service, or leadership field. Applicants must have at least 3 years of acceptable classroom teaching experience at an accredited PK-12 school (excluding supply/substitute, paraprofessional, or as a member of a board of education). Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in the foundations of reading, literacy, and language. The proficiency requirement is met for applicants already holding Elementary Education certification earned after July 1, 2025, Reading Endorsement certification based on GaPSC Rule 505-3-.96 effective July 1, 2023 or later, Dyslexia Endorsement, or a passing score on the GACE Content Assessment in Reading Education after July 1, 2025. Candidates not holding one of these certifications should submit, at the time of application, another valid and reliable measure of candidate proficiency (e.g., Lexia LETRS certification, Cox Campus or Georgia Learns K-3rd Structured Literacy Program Certification, Orton-Gillingham Structured Literacy Certification, etc.)

An M.Ed. in Reading Instruction can be achieved by completing a 30-hour program of study. The program consists of 21 hours in Language and Literacy Concentration (Area I), 3 hours in Research (Area II), and 6 hours in ESOL and/or Dyslexia (Area III). Candidates must pass a comprehensive exam during their final semester in the program. Georgia educators must pass the GACE Literacy Specialist assessment to add the Literacy Specialist certification field to their GaPSC teaching certificate.

Plan of Study

Area I: Language and Literacy Concentration (21 Hours)

• READ 7271 - Theoretical and Pedagogical Approaches to Language and Literacy Instruction 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 7263 - Comprehensive Language and Literacy Assessments and Interventions 3 Credit Hours
• READ 7267 - Diversity and Equity in Children’s and Young Adult Literature 3 Credit Hours
• READ 7240 - TESOL: Literacy, Linguistics, and Second Language Acquisition 3 Credit Hours
• READ 7201 - Teacher as Language and Literacy Leader 3 Credit Hours
• READ 6705 - Comprehensive Final Exam for M.Ed. in Reading Instruction 0 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), Option 2 (Dyslexia), and/or Option 3 (Educational Leadership).

Total Program: (30 Hours)

Program Notes:

1. Reading Endorsement courses [Preferred course sequence: (1) READ 7271, (2) READ 7263, and (3) READ 7201].

2. ESOL Endorsement courses (READ 7239, READ 7240, and READ 7241).

3. Dyslexia Endorsement courses (READ 7263, SLPA 7720, and SPED 6500).

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

5. Enrolled Georgia candidates are required to attempt the state-approved content assessment (GACE) after program admission and before August 31 during the year of 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.

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

7. All candidates must register for READ 6705 and take and pass a selected-response comprehension exam during their last semester in the program.