Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction with a Specialization in Reading Online

Duration: 7 weeks   |   Credit Hours: 3

This course is designed to provide a historical and conceptual foundation in the discipline of curriculum and instruction for those beginning their graduate work. It will cover the historical and philosophical beginnings of the traditional content taught in the public school systems in the U.S., from pre-kindergarten through completion of the academic core of post-secondary schooling. Examination of key components of the purpose and methods of instruction will punctuate the historical context to identify specific C&I elements in some of the following eras: ancient and pre-modern contributions, Pre-Colonial and Colonial American schooling, early foundations of instruction in the U.S., implications of modern C&I, and trends in post-modern C&I. A major element of the course will be the development of a research topic and subsequent student project focusing on the topic. Pre-requisites: Graduate Standing

Duration: 7 weeks   |   Credit Hours: 3

Engage in critical analysis of education’s place in today’s rapidly changing local and global society with a focus on comprehending education from historic, philosophic, social and cultural perspectives and the impact of those perspectives on current practice. Evaluate curricular and instructional perspectives and ways of viewing educational history from a theoretically informed lens. Critically examine the practices and policies used in schooling to enact decisions on curricular reforms in schooling with a critical understanding of diversity, social inequity, and equal educational opportunities. Pre-requisites: Graduate Standing

Duration: 7 weeks   |   Credit Hours: 3

This course is a thorough treatment of various standard, research-based techniques for evaluation of instruction (i.e., authentic assessments, alternative assessments, qualitative and quantitative testing methods, and non-specific measurement methods). In addition, this course explores the concepts behind assessment, identifies various assessment tools and incorporates models of assessment appropriate for a variety of instructional settings. Pre-requisites: Graduate Standing

Duration: 7 weeks   |   Credit Hours: 3

This course is a general survey of theories of learning as they apply to the modern classroom. The course is designed to acquaint students with major historical and modern theories and their proponents of how children learn together, with implications for schools in modern society. Pre-requisites: Graduate Standing

Duration: 7 weeks   |   Credit Hours: 3

This course provides the competencies required for critical understanding, evaluation and utilization of published educational research. The course addresses quantitative and qualitative research methods. Topics include problem formulation and refinement; research design; sampling; measurement and data collection; data-analysis techniques; and the inference process.

Duration: 7 weeks   |   Credit Hours: 3

This course addresses teacher leadership in the context of advancing the expertise and leadership of peers, thereby expanding the teacher-leader’s sphere of influence beyond the walls of the classroom. Teachers explore mentoring and coaching models designed to promote the professional growth of their colleagues. They learn and apply skills for mentoring novice teachers and for engaging in coaching relationships with peers at all stages of the teacher-development cycle. Various forms of collaboration with colleagues are addressed, and diversity—as well as interpersonal and communication skills—are emphasized. Pre-requisites: Graduate Standing

Duration: 7 weeks   |   Credit Hours: 3

In this course, historical perspectives on literacy instruction and literacy research are examined. A variety of reading models are explored with an emphasis on language and cognition, literacy development, comprehension, motivation, current literacy trends, and digital literacies. Pre-requisites: Graduate Standing

Duration: 7 weeks   |   Credit Hours: 3

This course focuses on methods, materials and organization of reading programs, with emphasis on the scope and sequence of the total reading program from pre-K through 12th grade. Theories, principles and strategies for designing and implementing developmentally appropriate reading programs will be reviewed; and programs will be evaluated to prepare the reading professional to make appropriate instructional decisions. Attention will be given to professional development models and professional ethics.

Duration: 7 weeks   |   Credit Hours: 3

In this course, students will use formal and informal instruments to diagnose reading problems. Students will review a variety of case studies and develop their own case study throughout the semester as they monitor and assess students with reading difficulties. This course may be taken as a core course by individuals pursuing the Master Reading Teacher (MRT) Certificate. Pre-requisites: Graduate Standing

Duration: 7 weeks   |   Credit Hours: 3

This advanced course focuses on literacy interventions (reading and writing) for learners from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Course activities include the administration of diagnostic assessment instruments and procedures for implementation of individualized strategies and lessons. Reading professionals engage in critical reflection and response to intervention for diverse populations.
Prerequisites: Graduate standing.

Duration: 7 weeks   |   Credit Hours: 3

This advanced course provides a series of on-line scaffolded modules in preparation for transitioning into the roles and responsibilities of a Reading Coach, Literacy Interventionist, or Reading Professional in the field. An emphasis is placed on collaboration and communication with educational stakeholders. Course activities include engagement in leadership practice involving curriculum and assessment of literacy practices.
Prerequisites: Graduate standing.