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The Master of Education in Reading program at Worcester State University provides you with the theoretical knowledge and practical experience you need to qualify for initial licensure as a reading specialist in Massachusetts.
Worcester State offers 3 programs of study:
In classes taught by accomplished faculty, you will build knowledge and competence in language development, reading theory and instruction, and meeting the needs of all learners. You will translate theory into practice through hands-on practicum experiences. Your studies culminate in a literacy research project and an electronic portfolio of work that not only demonstrates your successful completion of all program competencies but also helps you to advance your career.
In addition, you will have opportunities to collaborate with faculty on literacy research and to join the International Reading Association’s Alpha Upsilon Alpha honor society; in fact, Worcester State’s Beta Mu chapter is 1 of only 2 in Massachusetts—and it’s the only graduate-level honor society on campus.
Graduates of this renowned program are qualified to work as reading specialists, literacy coaches, and literacy / English language arts directors. Although many pursue these specific careers, others remain classroom teachers, enhancing their instruction with their reading specialist background.
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The Master of Education in Reading program at Worcester State University is a 2½-year, cohort program designed for early childhood and elementary teachers interested in pursuing a professional license in early childhood or elementary education in Massachusetts as well as an initial license in reading. This MEd cohort program is designed for individuals who do not have an MEd but who have an initial or professional license in elementary education or early childhood education and are seeking initial licensure as a reading specialist.
The program is designed to offer many levels of support for working professionals, including a mainly blended and online format, a cohort of colleagues, experienced professors, and a predictable schedule. To complete the program, students must complete a 40–43 credit program, which includes 27–30 credits in specialized reading courses. Students must pass the Reading Specialist MTEL and complete a 150-hour practicum or practicum equivalent. (Candidates must pass the Reading Specialist MTEL before registering for ED-919 Reading Practicum.)
The program consists of the following courses:
Philosophy and Research Requirements (9 credits)
Reading Content Courses (27 credits)
Reading Elective Course (3 credits) Graduate reading/writing courses or ED-970/971 special literacy topic courses (All electives must be pre-approved by the program coordinator.)
Practicum or Practicum Equivalent (3–6 credits)
Capstone Course
Total credits: 40–43 credits
The Master of Education in Reading with Reading Specialist Licensure program is designed for persons who wish to earn both an MEd in Reading and the Reading Specialist license. To complete the program, candidates must complete a 40–43 credit program, which includes 27–30 credits in specialized reading courses. Candidates must pass the Reading Specialist MTEL and complete a 150-hour practicum or practicum equivalent. (Candidates must pass the Reading Specialist MTEL before registering for ED-919 Reading Practicum.)
Reading Elective Course (3 credits) Graduate reading/writing courses or ED-970/971 special literacy topic courses (All electives must be pre-approved by the program coordinator.) Practicum or Practicum Equivalent (3–6 credits)
The following program is designed for individuals who have a minimum of an initial teaching license in another field and are seeking initial licensure as a reading specialist. This is a graduate-level, non-degree program.
Students meet with the coordinator of the graduate reading program to set goals for their program and have the option to waive up to 2 courses already taken as a part of their MEd program (the program must include a minimum of 22 credits). In conjunction with the coordinator, each candidate then selects appropriate electives to meet requirements for initial licensure for reading specialist. Candidates must pass the Reading Specialist MTEL and complete a 150-hour practicum or practicum-equivalent. (Candidates must pass the Reading Specialist MTEL before registering for ED-919 Reading Practicum.)
Reading Content Courses (24 credits)
Total credits: 28–31 credits
In addition to the Worcester State graduate school’s general application requirements, applicants to this program must have:
For applicants who obtained licensure prior to the MTEL requirement, a passing score on the Communication and Literacy Test is required.
