The graduate program in reading provides certified teachers with the opportunity to develop expertise in reading. The program is designed for those who wish to be licensed as reading teachers or who wish to prepare for service as reading specialists.

Upon completion of a M.S.E. in Reading Education, students will demonstrate knowledge and the skill and ability to apply that knowledge, of elementary school reading programs and the students they serve; secondary school reading programs and the students they serve; literacy assessment techniques applicable to individual students and classroom groups; interactive literacy intervention techniques; educational research methodology; research in the area of reading education; and the administration and supervision of K-12 reading programs. They will provide leadership in the field of reading; and as life-long learners, stay up-to-date about literacy instruction and assessment. They will demonstrate knowledge of and use current technology in appropriate situations and display appropriate and effective oral and written communication skills. They will strive to have a positive impact on the literacy development of their students. They will maintain a positive personal attitude about the value of reading and display a professional attitude and related behaviors. They will show a commitment to belonging to a community of learners and display an ability to effectively work with others.

In addition to the requirements of the Office of Graduate Studies specified in the first section of this bulletin, the program has established the following policies and procedures for admission:

Interview

Qualified applicants must meet with the Graduate Program coordinator prior to admittance to the Reading Education Program.

Licensure

Applicants must hold licensure or have eligibility for same.

References

Three (3) reference letters are required.

Undergraduate Major

The baccalaureate degree must have been taken in teacher education.

Prior Coursework

If the candidate has not completed the following courses in prior work, they must be taken as part of the program:

1. Children and Youth with Disabilities in General Education

2. Child or Adolescent Literature

Core Courses

 Electives

Students are expected to consult with their advisers in selecting recommended electives from the following offerings:

Other Requirements

Students must complete Reading Education 798, “Reflective Journey of a Reading Educator”. This course will require students to complete a Professional Progress Portfolio that will include artifacts from the classes they take. If there are any required assessments for the Reflective Journey for International Reading Association, they also will be required for this portfolio.

Comments

Students must obtain approval of their Graduate Program Coordinator prior to registering for elective courses.  With approval of the Graduate Program Coordinator, elective courses may be taken in related areas outside reading education.

Graduate Achievement Program (GAP) and Certification Requirements

The Graduate Achievement Program in Reading is designed for individuals who have completed a master's degree and who wish additional graduate study in reading for professional enrichment and growth, meeting state license renewal requirements and career advancement. Specifically the program will enable reading specialists to extend their proficiencies in planning, establishing and evaluating reading programs, interpreting research and theories related to reading, leadership related to reading curriculum, programs and issues.

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to the Graduate Achievement Program in Reading, the candidate must have completed a master's degree with a reading emphasis from a regionally accredited university with a grade-point of 3.00 or better.

Program Requirements

The Graduate Achievement Program in Reading is designed as an issues-centered curriculum that is an individually designed sequence of 19 units (crs.).

1. Required courses: 15 units (crs.) from the following courses (not taken in the master's program) selected in cooperation with adviser:

2. Electives:  Three(3 units(crs.)with consent of adviser.

Comments

Graduate Achievement Program (GAP) students will complete a Professional Progress Portfolio that will include artifacts from the classes they take. If there are any required assessments for the Reflective Journey for International Reading Association, they also will be required for the GAP portfolio.

License Requirements

1. Reading Teacher License (316)

To be recommended for this K 12 license, the student must be admitted in a graduate program and complete 19 credits as follows:

The following courses are needed at the graduate level for 316 certification and, if not completed previously, must be included in the program;

a. Children and Youth with Disabilities in General Education

b. Child or Adolescent Literature

* Students pursuing only the Reading Teacher 316 Certification will complete a Reflective Journey that will include artifacts from the classes they take. If there are any required assessments for International Reading Association Standards, they will be included. This Reflective Journey will be presented after the last 316 required course.

2. Reading Specialist License (17)

To be recommended for this license, students must complete the M.S.E.-Reading degree, which includes the following:

Comment

At least nine (9) of the required credits for licensure (316 or 17), including Reading Education 720, must be taken at UW Oshkosh.

Completing all requirements for the MSE does not ensure licensure. The Reading Education faculty must positively recommend the candidate for both 316 and 17 licensure.