Master of Education in Reading (Online)

Master of Education in Reading (Online)

The basic mission of the Master of Education Program is to develop professionals who can provide leadership support to schools and districts, particularly in the multicultural context of Guam and Micronesia in the areas of the respective specializations. The programs will develop professionals who have competency to lead and teach in the elementary and secondary level schools involving students in a multicultural and multilingual environment. Where appropriate, the M.Ed. candidates will meet certification standards in Guam and Micronesia. The professional is also prepared to goon for advanced study or to complete training at the doctoral level.

The Master of Education degree includes specialization areas in Administration and Supervision, Secondary Education, Reading, Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), and Special Education. The M.Ed. degree is designed for certified teachers seeking advanced knowledge of teaching and learning in a specific area. Students seeking teacher certification should obtain a Guam Commission on Educator Certification (GCEC) teacher certification evaluation before developing a program of study. Students completing the Administration and Supervision degree will be able to apply for certification in that field from the GCEC.

Students should contact an advisor for information about the program in which they are interested.

Objectives

The School of Education offers a Master of Education program with five areas of specialization, all of which are designed to prepare students for advanced roles in the field of Education:

Administration and Supervision (33 credits)
Reading (36 credits or 45 credits thesis/special project option)
Secondary Education (33 credits)
Special Education (33 credits)
Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL): (33 credits)

Option A: Thesis / Special Project

Option B: Non-Thesis

Prerequisite for Admission

A minimum 3.0 cumulative undergraduate GPA or 3.0 graduate cumulative GPA based on a minimum of 9 graduate credit hours
Submit an Electronic Portfolio on LiveText to the Admission Committee to include the following:
1. an essay, between 300-500 words, of accomplishments, interests, and goals relating to education.
2. three School of Education dispositions rubrics to be completed by two School of Education faculty and one current/former employer or school site administrator or master teacher.
A completed Graduate Program Entry form.

Contact the School of Education Dean’s Office for more information.

Continuing Requirements

Maintain 3.0 GPA for all coursework in the M.Ed. program. The School of Education is responsible for the academic advisement of its graduate students. Candidates are required to maintain an online, electronic portfolio. The portfolio will be used as a basis for assessment and advisement throughout the graduate studies experience and will be closely monitored at major decision points such as admission to candidacy, midpoint, and exit. All candidates must pass the PRAXIS II in their content area with a passing score approved for licensure on Guam. Current requirements (May 11, 2010) may be found at the Guam Commission for Educator Certification website http://www.gcec.guam.gov.

Graduate Double Majors in Education

Students wishing to complete a Double Major in two areas of Education may do so by completing the following requirements:

Core Courses: 6 or 9 credits.
Two Areas of Specialization Coursework.
Note: Elective courses may be taken in second area of specialization.
PRAXIS II covering both areas of specialization.
Thesis or Special Project option (6 credits) to include both areas.

Students electing to Double Major will receive one degree with both areas of study listed on the transcript.

Thesis and Special Project Descriptions

Definitions and descriptions of the scope and format for Special Project and Thesis requirements appear in the Degree Requirements of this Bulletin. A student in consultation with his or her advisor will decide upon which requirement will best meet student and program goals.

Foundations

Core Foundations Faculty teach the educational research and theorical foundation course for all students working towards a Masters in Education specialization, as well as the core research course in the MA Counseling Program.

The M.Ed. in Reading online program is ideal for working professionals from Guam or the region who are interested in becoming specialists in reading and language arts. The program was approved in August 2011 by the Senior Commission of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

The program offers the same rigor and academic quality as a traditional face-to-face degree program, yet offers the convenience of online learning that fits the schedule of a busy professional. Our online program allows you to learn from the comfort of your own home or nearby school or library at a time that is convenient for you. We believe students will find the program both engaging and meaningful.

Download the program brochure here.

Objectives

The specialization in Reading is designed to prepare professionals in the field of reading/literacy who are interested in becoming highly effective teachers and specialists in reading and language arts. A thesis or special project is recommended for students who anticipate further study at the doctoral level. Reading faculty will conduct an admissions interview as an entry level assessment for new applicants.

This Program prepares professionals for the following roles:

To develop students' literacy (reading and writing) in language arts and across the curriculum, with an emphasis on pre-school, elementary and secondary years.
To assess and instruct students with diverse literacy needs in regular classrooms, as well as specialized settings (developmental or basic classes, ESL classes, special education classes, adult literacy centers, etc.).
To participate as a member of a professional learning community, reflecting on practice and contributing to the improvement of instructional programs, advancement of knowledge and practice of colleagues.

Graduates find diverse professional positions, with the majority serving in schools as classroom teachers, reading/language arts resource teachers, special education teachers, and school consultants. Some become diagnosticians and reading specialists in clinical settings or private practice, and some go on to doctoral study.
In addition to course work that integrates theory and practice, students will diagnose and instruct individuals who have reading and writing problems.

Prerequisites for Admission into the Reading Program

A student who wishes to be admitted into this specialization must have a Bachelor's degree in Education or a related field (e.g. psychology, English, linguistics, etc.); and teaching experience of one or more years. Note that a teaching certificate is required for those wishing to teach at the elementary or secondary levels in the Guam Public School system.

Exemption Clause: Program Chair has the right of waiver in lieu of other regional requirements, conditions, and qualifications for teacher education.

Course Requirements

Core Courses (3 or 6 CREDITS)

ED601 Introduction to Research methods (3)
ED602 Qualitative Inquiry in Education (3),
or
ED603 Quantitative Analysis (3)

(ED602 or ED603 required only for students who wish to complete a thesis or special project)

Area of Specialization: (30 CREDITS)

ED484G The Art and Craft of Teaching Writing (3)
ED640 Language and Literacy Development (3)
ED641 Middle/Secondary Reading and Writing in the Content Areas (3)
ED642 Seminar in Literature for Children and Young Adults (3)
ED643 Practicum: Literacy Assessment (3)
ED644 Practicum: Literacy Instructional Lab (3)
ED645 Advanced Methods in PK-12 School Literacy (3)
ED646 Organization and Supervision of Reading Programs (3)
ED647 Issues and Research in Literacy Education (3)
ED649 Capstone Seminar in Language and Literacy (3)

ED697 Comprehensive Exam (non-credit for all students in the Program)

Technology and Literacy: (3 CREDITS)

ED638 Teaching with the Internet (3)

Thesis or Special Project: (6 CREDITS)

ED690 Special Project (6)
ED695 Thesis (6)
(ED690 or ED695 required only for those students who wish to complete a thesis or special project)

Capstone Portfolio and PRAXIS II for Reading Specialist required for students who seek Reading Specialist Certification.
OR
Capstone Portfolio and Written Comprehensive Exam required for students who do not seek Reading Specialist Certification.

Total 36 Credit Hours
For students who do not choose to complete a thesis/special project

Total 45 Credit Hours
For students who choose to complete a thesis/special project

Getting Started

Apply for graduate status here
Applicants - If interested in this program, please e-mail Dr. Catherine Stoicovy at cstoicovy@triton.uog.edu. Include the following information:
- Name, address, phone number, email address
Register for a Moodle Account
Ensure that your computer has these settings and software
Enroll in "Moodle101" to help you navigate the online learning environment. The course is a requirement for enrollment in the online courses and admission into the program.
Purchase a Student LiveText Account