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Academic Programs: Master of Arts in Reading
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Early Childhood, Elementary and Literacy Education

Academic Programs: Graduate
Master of Arts in Reading

Coordinator: Dr. Linda Wise
Office: University Hall, Room 3126
Phone: 973 655-4436
Email: wisel@mail.montclair.edu

The Master of Arts in Reading Program is a (minimum of) 33 credit program designed to provide literacy educators with appropriate experiences and solid grounding in the field of literacy. It is expected that students will graduate with a comprehensive understanding of literacy's broad definition, sociopolitical underpinnings, and the ways they can effectively serve as change agents in their respective spheres of influence. Program graduates should be equipped with both the skills and dispositions to effectively advocate for the field of literacy and the profession of literacy educators. As a department, it is our hope and anticipation that our graduates will be prepared to serve in a wide array of educational roles in a variety of institutional and multicultural contexts. The curriculum places emphasis upon reflection and critical thinking about professional practice and helps students analyze the moral and ethical responsibilities of literacy educators.

It is strongly recommended that students enrolling in the Master of Arts in Reading already hold a professional certification and have spent at least one year teaching in schools or working with students in a professional capacity. Students who wish to receive certification as Reading Specialists must possess an initial teaching certificate, a Masters degree in any field, two years teaching experience, and 30 hours of study as outlined in their study programs prepared with the program coordinator, and a passing score on the Praxis (Reading) Exam.

Successful matriculation through the program will be based upon the quality of academic performance as indicated by grades and instructor input.


Admission Information:

All candidates must meet application and admission requirements as defined by The Graduate School.

Course Requirements:

The course requirements listed below apply to those students admitted on or after Fall 2011. Anyone admitted prior to this term should refer to their Analysis of Academic Progress on WESS or see your academic advisor for your official program of study.
+ Prerequisite Courses
Number Name Hours
FCST 214 Child Development I - One semester of child development (with a focus on
birth - middle childhood) or equivalent. 		3
OR    
FCST 512 Child Development I - Theories of Child Development 3
SPCH 101 Speech 3
  Physiology & Hygiene (State certification requirement; approved course or county exam)  
  Passing score on PRAXIS II - Elementary Content Knowledge (#0014)  
     
Required Foundation Courses
Number Name Hours
ELRS 503 Methods of Research 3
READ 500 The Nature of Reading 3
 
Required Core Courses
Number Name Hours
READ 501 Techniques of Reading Improvement in the Secondary School 3
READ 502 Administration and Supervision of Reading Programs 3
READ 503 Literature for Adolescents 3
READ 505 Research Seminar in Reading 3
READ 508 Critical Thinking and Literacy 3
READ 511 Case Studies of Reading Difficulties 3
READ 513 Supervised Clinical Practicum, Part I 3
READ 514 Supervised Clinical Practicum, Part II 3
 
Elective Course in Reading (select one)
Number Name Hours
MEDI 503 Critical Basics of Media and Technology Production 3
MEDI 506 Evaluation and Selection of Educational Media 3
READ 504 Literacy Needs of Adult Learners 3
READ 507 Understanding Reading Comprehension 3
READ 510 Field Experience in Reading 3
READ 519 Language and Early Literacy Development 3
READ 522 History of Literacy and Media 3
READ 524 Teaching Multiethnic Literature in P-8 Classrooms 3
READ 525 Literacies, Digital Technology and Learning 3
READ 600 Workshop in Contemporary Issues in Reading 3
 
Culminating Activity
  • Supervised clinical experience within the framework of required courses (in particular, within READ 513/514 and READ 505)

  • Final research project within READ 505.
    		•
     
    PROGRAM TOTAL: 33 credits
     
    + These Prerequisites may be waived if equivalent coursework has been completed at your undergraduate institution.

    Additional Student Responsibilities:
    • Students are responsible for seeking advisement from their academic advisor for registration and completion of degree requirements.
    • In order to complete the program, students must file the proper audit forms in the Registrar's Office: October 1 for May graduation, March 1 for August graduation, and June 1 for January graduation.
    • Any variation from this work program must be approved by The Graduate School through the proper filing of a substitution form.