Program Overview

Teachers skilled and confident in the methods of literacy and language arts instruction and research, as well as methods for assessing learning, are well positioned to have a voice in the on-going development of language and literacy curriculum, policy and practice.  This Master of Arts program provides a balance of theory, research, and practice toward developing leaders at the school and district levels, as well as in government, business and private settings where literacy is a primary concern.

Bold by Design

The Master’s Degree Program in Literacy Instruction is designed for committed and competent teachers in K-12 and postsecondary classrooms who seek to gain additional knowledge and skill in literacy education in order to become professional leaders (i.e., Literacy Coach, Reading Coach, Instructional Coach), improve teaching and learning of literacy in their own classrooms, and possibly seek a Reading Specialist Credential.

A Modern Inspection of Literacy

The specific objectives of the Literacy Masters Program are to help students to:

• Recognize the significance of language and literacy as found in children, adolescents and adults
• Recognize the need to frame their teaching based on state standards
• Recognize the need to frame their teaching based on best practices
• Recognize the need to learn more about the processes that help students achieve high levels of competence in language and literacy as it impacts instruction in the processes of reading, writing, speaking, listening, and viewing
• Value the role of reading, writing, speaking, listening, and viewing in teaching and learning
• Gain an advanced understanding of the social, psychological, cultural and linguistic  foundations of literacy
• Examine and learn to assume professional leadership roles in reading, writing, speaking, listening, and viewing in teaching and learning
• Learn more advanced skills and knowledge of the processes and practices that help students achieve at high levels of competence in language and literature.
• Connect theory, research, and practice for literacy curriculum and instruction.

Beth Jones