M.A. in Literacy Instruction
Graduate Information Session
School of Education
May 8, 2024 @ 4pm | Register Here
Classes are offered in-person, on-campus.
The M.A. in Literacy Instruction, offered through the Caldwell University Division of Education, is a 36-credit program. Twenty-one credits constitute the program’s required core courses. Candidates are then required to choose a 15-credit concentration in either reading or writing from the elementary or secondary strands offered. Through selection of appropriate courses, a Reading Specialist Certification may also be acquired.
The M.A. in Literacy Instruction program is designed for K-12 certificated classroom teachers who seek to improve and/or enhance their knowledge and skills in literacy instruction. Through the structure of the course offerings, this graduate literacy program is designed to balance the requirement of successful K-12 reading and writing development.
Admission Requirements
- Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0
- Official undergraduate/graduate transcript(s)
- Copy of teaching certificate
- Two (2) letters of recommendation
- A one to two-page statement of goals and objectives expected by the candidate while in the program
- Personal interview with Program Coordinator
Transfer Credits
No more than nine Caldwell University graduate credits may be transferred into this graduate program. No more than three graduate credits will be considered for transfer from another college or university graduate program. All transfer credits are subject to approval by the M.A. in Literacy Instruction program coordinator.
Post- Baccalaureate Teacher Certification Program Courses for Transfer
Certified teachers who have completed the Caldwell University Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Certification Program may, with approval, substitute the following three (3) courses for those listed among the M.A. in Literacy Instruction required and/or concentration courses:
Course # Course Title Substitute for:
ED 500 Curriculum Theory and Development (3) ED 573
ED 505 Student Development and Learning (3) ED 578
ED 510 Reading and Communication (3) ED 576
RETENTION FOR ALL PROGRAMS IN THE SCHOOL OF EDUCATION
Students may only earn one grade below B- in a graduate level course. This course may be repeated once to earn a higher letter grade. Any student who receives a grade below B- in a second graduate level course will be dismissed from the program.
Some courses are assessed as PASS/FAIL.
School of Education program requirements are subject to change based on the NJ DoE regulations. For most current information, please consult the Caldwell University School of Education Website.
Please refer to Financial Aid for thesis or dissertation enrollment status information.
All students must successfully complete ED 610/611. ED 610/611 guides students through the process of creating an action research project. The study results in a report that includes a statement of the problem, a review of related literature, a description of the methodology used in the study, an analysis of the collected data, and a reflection on the use of the data to improve teaching and learning. Three areas are assessed as the final outcome for this program, subject matter knowledge, pedagogical knowledge, and caring teaching skills. Similarly, the course objectives align with these three components as students identify research questions relevant to their studies, review and analyze important research related to the topic, design a study using qualitative or quantitative methodology, and reflect on the implications of this study to enhance the quality of teaching. ED 610 will be graded in the Pass/Fail format. ED 611 will receive a letter grade.
M.A. IN LITERACY INSTRUCTION
The M.A. in Literacy Instruction, offered through the Caldwell University School of Education, is a 36-credit program. Twenty-one credits constitute the program’s required core courses. Candidates are then required to choose 15 credits of electives from the elementary or secondary strands. Through the selection of appropriate courses, certified teachers with two years of experience will fulfill the New Jersey Department of Education coursework requirements for Reading Specialist certification.
The M.A. in Literacy Instruction program is designed for K-12 certificated classroom teachers who seek to improve and/or enhance their knowledge and skills in literacy instruction. Through the structure of the course offerings, this graduate literacy program is designed to balance the requirement of successful teaching of K-12 reading and writing.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
- Formal application to Caldwell University Office of Graduate Studies
- Official transcript(s)
- Two (2) letters of recommendation
- Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0
- A one to two-page statement of goals and objectives expected by the candidate while in the program
- Personal interview
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Required Core Courses (21 credits)
Course Code : ED 528
Course Description :
This course focuses on classroom assessment practices that will provide accurate data for reading and writing instruction in order to inform reflective teaching. Teacher-made assessments, along with required statewide standardized tests, will be examined. (12-hour field requirement).
Credit : 3
Course Code : ED 576
Course Description :
This course examines the foundation of reading: the nature of the reading process, early childhood reading instruction, definitions of reading, current practices in the teaching of reading and the implications for teachers as they influence literacy in a technological society.
Credit : 3
Course Code : ED 564
Course Description :
This course is designed to provide practice for the teacher in the use of formal and informal assessments as they apply to the diagnosis of student skills and ability in reading. The utilization of a literacy profile, miscue analysis, running records and diagnosis and prescriptive techniques will be emphasized in this course. (12-hour field requirement)
Credit : 3
Course Code : ED 577
Course Description :
This course is designed to provide the fundamentals necessary for the instruction of writing at the K-12 level. The course will examine the entire writing process: pre-writing, drafting, revising, editing/proofreading, publication and celebration of the final product. Techniques for assisting students as they move through the writing process will be examined along with methods for encouraging reluctant writers and refining the skills of proficient writers.
Credit : 3
Course Code : ED 610
Course Description :
This course guides students through the process of creating a research proposal for action research to be conducted in their school systems. This proposal will include a statement of the problem, a review of related literature, and a description of the methodology to be used in the study. As part of the process, students will develop an understanding of research procedures and analyze published research related to their topic of study. ED 611 continues the research process with a focus on implementing the study, analyzing data collected, and formally writing the results.
Credit : 3
Prerequisites :
At least 27 graduate credits.
Course Code : ED 611
Course Description :
Guides students through 1) the process of conducting an action research study and completing a thesis from the proposal developed in Educational Research I, or 2) the process of preparing a journal article suitable for publication. The thesis or article will present a defensible position on a matter of significance in the topic of study. Capstone projects will be published on the Web by ProQuest/UMI; a fee of $60.00 will be billed with course tuition to partially cover publication and copyright costs.
Credit : 3
Prerequisites :
ED610
Course Code : ED 628
Course Description :
This course is the capstone course in the M.A. in Literacy Instruction program and requires thecandidate to complete a minimum of 40 hours of reading/literacy teaching experience in aclinical or school setting. This practicum will be under the supervision of a cooperating readingspecialist and a Caldwell University School of Education university supervisor. The student willbe required to complete a reflective journal indicating areas of professional growth. (40-hourfield requirement).
Credit : 3
AREAS OF CONCENTRATION
A. Elementary Strand (15 credits)
The Elementary Strand for the M.A. in Literacy Instruction offers K-6 classroom teachers courses that will provide them with an opportunity to concentrate on reading or writing at the elementary (K-6) school level. Selection of three (3) of the following courses that are preceded by a “+” along with four of the required “+” core courses listed above constitutes the Reading Specialist Certification Track. The Reading Specialist certification requires that a teacher have at least two years of successful full-time 96 teaching experience.
Course Code : ED 526
Course Description :
This course will focus on the role of the reading specialist as a resource for the classroom teacher. The prospective reading specialist will learn effective techniques for interacting with classroom teachers. They will provide teachers with individual assessment findings and recommendations for improving student literacy.
Credit : 3
Course Code : ED 534
Course Description :
This course will focus on effective instructional strategies recommended when teaching writing skills to students with special needs. Assessment of writing skills and differentiation of instruction for this student population will become an integral part of this course. Student profiles will be used to develop individualized programs for students within the special needs population.
Credit : 3
Course Code : ED 535
Course Description :
This course provides a comprehensive examination of theories of learning, emphasizing analysis of the commonality and diversity among learners. Objectives include the study of theories relative to learning, intelligence, reading, learning styles, developmental diversity, and the neurophysiological influences upon learning. A course outcome is the research-based examination of how various physical, emotional, and chemical conditions impact human development and thereby influences learning in all areas of the curriculum. This course has a 12- hour field component.
Credit : 3
12-hour field requirement
Course Code : ED 574
Course Description :
This course is intended to provide teaching techniques that will foster reading through the use of children’s literature. A critical study of literacy trends and an introduction of materials which research has found are appropriate and effective in developing life-long readers will be presented in this course. An important component of this course will be the evaluation and selection of print, non-print and electronic material appropriate for the K-6 student.
Credit : 3
Course Code : ED 578
Course Description :
This course will review major findings in brain-based research and implications for literacy instruction. Students will design literacy instruction modules which reflect the latest in brain-based theory and learning.
Credit : 3
Course Code : ED 579
Course Description :
This course will examine the scope of critical thinking habits of mind, skills and strategies. The infusion of critical thinking into all areas of literacy development will be studied and applied to required instructional modules designed.
Credit : 3
Course Code : ED 581
Course Description :
This course will include topics such as writing development and research that is integral to the teaching of writing at the elementary school level. Conferencing skills used in the development and guidance of beginning writers will be studied. Practice in Writer’s Workshop Model.
Credit : 3
Course Code : ED 615
Course Description :
This course is a continuation of the ED 614 LDTC Practicum I. During this practicum the student will have the continued opportunity to function as the LDTC on the Child Study Team under the continued mentorship of a certified Learning Disabilities Teacher consultant. Students will continue to apply the knowledge, skills and values learned throughout the specialized courses in this program. The focus will be on the understanding, diagnosis and assessment, and instructional planning for the education of students with disabilities incorporating the NJCCS mandates and proper placement of each student in the Least Restrictive Environment through collaboration between educational professionals and parents. The student will also participate in the development of the IEP and participate during the Determination of Eligibility IEP parental meetings and other Annual IEP parental meetings throughout the practicum. The outcomes will be discussed during class sessions. (Minimum of 45 hours of Field Experience under LDTC supervisor.)
Credit : 3
Prerequisites :
ED614, ED521, ED525, ED530, ED535, ED540, ED559, ED568, ED523, ED539
Co requisites :
ED610 or ED611
B. Secondary Strand (15 credits)
The Secondary Strand for the M.A. in Literacy Instruction offers secondary classroom teachers courses that will provide them with an opportunity to concentrate on reading or writing at the 6-12 level. Selection of three (3) of the following courses that are preceded by a “+” along with four of the required core courses listed above constitutes the Reading Specialist Certification Track. The reading specialist certification requires that a teacher have at least two years of successful full time teaching experience.
Course Code : ED 529
Course Description :
This course focuses on the strategies and materials used to develop efficient readers in all areas of the curriculum. Emphasis will be placed on the infusion of literacy skills into specific curriculum disciplines: English/language arts, mathematics, science, social studies and world languages
Credit : 3
Course Code : ED 573
Course Description :
This course will examine the writing needs that various content areas require. Practical examples using writing in the specific content areas in order to assess student understanding of that content will be presented and analyzed.
Credit : 3
Course Code : ED 583
Course Description :
This course will focus on young adult literature and effective ways in which this literature can be used at the middle school and high school levels. In addition, this course will focus on the evaluation and selection of print, non-print and electronic material appropriate for this age group.
Credit : 3
Course Code : ED 526
Course Description :
This course will focus on the role of the reading specialist as a resource for the classroom teacher. The prospective reading specialist will learn effective techniques for interacting with classroom teachers. They will provide teachers with individual assessment findings and recommendations for improving student literacy.
Credit : 3
Course Code : ED 534
Course Description :
This course will focus on effective instructional strategies recommended when teaching writing skills to students with special needs. Assessment of writing skills and differentiation of instruction for this student population will become an integral part of this course. Student profiles will be used to develop individualized programs for students within the special needs population.
Credit : 3
Course Code : ED 535
Course Description :
This course provides a comprehensive examination of theories of learning, emphasizing analysis of the commonality and diversity among learners. Objectives include the study of theories relative to learning, intelligence, reading, learning styles, developmental diversity, and the neurophysiological influences upon learning. A course outcome is the research-based examination of how various physical, emotional, and chemical conditions impact human development and thereby influences learning in all areas of the curriculum. This course has a 12- hour field component.
Credit : 3
12-hour field requirement
Course Code : ED 578
Course Description :
This course will review major findings in brain-based research and implications for literacy instruction. Students will design literacy instruction modules which reflect the latest in brain-based theory and learning.
Credit : 3
Course Code : ED 579
Course Description :
This course will examine the scope of critical thinking habits of mind, skills and strategies. The infusion of critical thinking into all areas of literacy development will be studied and applied to required instructional modules designed.
Credit : 3
Course Code : ED 615
Course Description :
This course is a continuation of the ED 614 LDTC Practicum I. During this practicum the student will have the continued opportunity to function as the LDTC on the Child Study Team under the continued mentorship of a certified Learning Disabilities Teacher consultant. Students will continue to apply the knowledge, skills and values learned throughout the specialized courses in this program. The focus will be on the understanding, diagnosis and assessment, and instructional planning for the education of students with disabilities incorporating the NJCCS mandates and proper placement of each student in the Least Restrictive Environment through collaboration between educational professionals and parents. The student will also participate in the development of the IEP and participate during the Determination of Eligibility IEP parental meetings and other Annual IEP parental meetings throughout the practicum. The outcomes will be discussed during class sessions. (Minimum of 45 hours of Field Experience under LDTC supervisor.)
Credit : 3
Prerequisites :
ED614, ED521, ED525, ED530, ED535, ED540, ED559, ED568, ED523, ED539
Co requisites :
ED610 or ED611
Transfer of Graduate Credits
Caldwell University will accept the transfer of up to six credits of graduate work in education from another institution, provided the credits were completed within five years of the student's registration at Caldwell University. Official transcripts of previous graduate work as well as the description of each course must be submitted for review at the time of application. Approval of transfer credit is based on course content and grade earned in the course which should be no lower than a B. Each transfer request will be reviewed by the Program Coordinator.
Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Certification Program Courses for Transfer
Certified teachers who have completed the Caldwell University Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Certification Program may, with approval, substitute the following courses for those listed among the M.A. in Literacy Instruction required and/or elective courses:
ED 500E Curriculum Theory and Development for ED 573 General and Special Education Students
EED 500S Curriculum Theory and Development for General and Special Education Students
ED 505 Student Development and Learning for ED 578 General and Special Education Students
ED 510 Reading and Communication (3) for ED 576
ED 515 and ED 520 can be transferred as electives
