Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction: Reading

• Reading: Foundation and Framework
  
  This course will examine the past trends in reading instruction in America and will address the effects of historical studies that impacted the evolution of reading instruction over the past half century.
  
  
• Curriculum and Instruction
  
  Course participants will learn about designing curriculum units and differentiating instruction for all students. Participants will use the skills associated with backward design, brain theory, and other learning theory principles.
  
  
• Foundation, Cognition, and Emergent Literature
  
  The course focuses on using literature within a complete developmental literacy program from the emergent stage to the adult proficiency level. Particular emphasis will be dedicated to the various genres that exist within the literature spectrum and how to utilize the different genres to meet specific instructional needs and literacy goals. Knowledge and skills will be developed to assist the student with applying the components of balanced literature-based literacy programs within their classroom or school setting.
  
  
• Descriptive Linguistics and Phonics
  
  This course provides foundational knowledge related to linguistic principles of the English language – the basics of phonetics, phonology, morphology, and syntax – while addressing the issues related to the usage of standard and non-standard varieties of English.
  
  
• Research Techniques and Procedures
  
  This course is designed to facilitate the development of research knowledge and skills in the education profession. The course will provide participants with a foundation for data-driven decision-making, change, and improvement.
  
  
• Developmental and Corrective Reading Process
  
  The purpose of this course is to introduce participants to the barriers that prohibit students from learning to read. The course will provide participants with a working knowledge of common reading difficulties. Participants will be provided with informal diagnostic tools to diagnose common reading problems. Research-based intervention programs and guidelines for accessing appropriate resources to provide instructional support for students with reading difficulties will also be discussed.
  
  
• Literacy in a Multicultural Society
  
  This course is designed to develop understanding and appreciation of cultural differences (including values, attitudes, behaviors, abilities, and learning styles) present in both the general public and schools. Both theoretical constructs and practical applications of literacy in a multicultural society are emphasized.
  
  
• Children, Adolescents, and Learning
  
  This course combines a study of learning (including both cognitive and behavioral perspectives), human development (childhood through adolescence), and assessment (traditional and performance; teacher-made and standardized).
  
  
• Teaching Reading in the Content Areas
  
  This course links reading skills across the curriculum through the use of instructional strategies and assessments.
  
  
• Practicum in Reading
  
  This course provides an in-depth study of the International Reading Association Standards by examining research-based approaches linking assessment and instruction. Teachers will learn to use a wide range of formal and informal assessment tools and methods to diagnose and assess reading and writing development, instruction, and assessment. Students will develop individual case studies.