certificate of advanced graduate study IN
SPECIALIST teacher IN reading (levels: ALL)

For Licensed Specialist Teachers in Reading with a Master's Degree, this program offers thorough training in literacy strategies and approaches to meet the needs of diverse learners. Students work with faculty on the cutting edge of literacy research, pedagogy, and policy, and focus on staff development as well as direct services to students across the grades.

This program is ideal for established K-12 practitioners already licensed in reading looking to further develop their literacy skills and to move to a higher-level degree program. The degree is of particular value to those who seek positions with responsibility for curriculum, staff development, and supervision.

Prerequisites: Licensure as a Specialist Teacher in Reading (Levels: All); Master's Degree in Education

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

EEDUC 6136
Struggling Readers and Writers
This course explores the nature of the challenges facing those students at all grade levels who struggle (for diverse reasons) to achieve expected progress in reading and writing development. Participants will describe and analyze the nature of difficulties encountered by struggling readers and writers; they will identify appropriate classroom approaches to address these difficulties and will survey the many well-established programs for learners who are struggling. Issues related to serving diverse populations are raised throughout. Prerequisites: For matriculating students in the Reading and Special Education programs only. For Reading students–EEDUC 5121, EEDUC 6001, and EEDUC 6101; For Special Education students–ESPED 5100, ESPED 5114, and ESPED 6122.

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EEDUC 6135
Assessment: A Literacy Perspective
This course examines principles of assessment and evaluation in the language arts, with emphasis on reading and writing, for the literacy educator. The central concern is the role of assessment in instruction for both individual students and whole classrooms. Topics of study include the nature of data collection, analysis and interpretation in various assessment approaches, and issues related to serving diverse student populations. Prerequisites: EEDUC 5121, EEDUC 6001, and EEDUC 6101.

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EEDUC 7102
Research in Reading
Research paper on a reading issue is completed concurrently as library resources are discussed, research studies evaluated, and critical issues reviewed.

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EAGSR 6003
Program Evaluation
An introduction to systematic, interactive program evaluation with an emphasis on underlying theories, current practices, techniques for collecting and analyzing data, and report writing.

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EAGSR 7101
Quantitative Research Methods I: Statistics for Research
This course is designed to introduce graduate students to basic statistical methods and involves two broad topics: descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. In addition, students are introduced to statistical model building through the technique of regression analysis and correlational analysis. While the course centers on parametric statistical techniques, a brief introduction to non-parametric statistical methods, such as the chi-square test, is included.

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EAGSR 7102
Quantitative Research Methods II: Research Design
Discussion of a variety of experimental designs stressing applications to participants’ research interests. Includes analysis of variance, multiple regression, and non-parametric analysis. Prerequisite: EAGSR 7101.

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EAGSR 7103
Qualitative Research Methods I
The purpose of this class is to learn to conduct qualitative social science research. Participants will read a variety of perspectives on the philosophical bases as well as tools of the practice of qualitative data gathering and analysis. Each participant will engage in a small qualitative study that is consistent with her or his graduate study goals. They will choose a topic and research setting, negotiate research relationships, collect and analyze data, and present findings. Readings, analytic memos, interview transcriptions, and field notes will provide material for the class to work with as co-consultants. Formerly: Qualitative Research Methods.

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EEDUC 8001
Advanced Professional Seminar
This interdisciplinary seminar will focus on professional identity development and issues of professional practice. Students will be introduced to reflective practice, systems analysis, and action research. Students from diverse disciplines will learn about collaborative problem solving for the systems in which they have to function. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the cultural, social, and community contexts for professional practice from a critical perspective.

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EEDUC 7003
Directed Study: Reading and Language Arts
Students pursue in-depth study of an individually selected topic in reading or language under the direction of a faculty sponsor.

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Lesley University reserves the right to unilaterally add, withdraw, or revise any course offering in the above-mentioned program of study, including policies, provisions, requirements, and fees.

Lesley University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity institution and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, religion, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, handicap, or disability in its education programs, employment, or in admissions to, access to, or treatment in its programs or activities.