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Academics

CAGS in Interdisciplinary Studies - Reading Specialist

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Degree Overview

Students choosing to study the fields of Fundamentals of Reading Instruction and Assessment and Leadership in Literacy Instruction as part of the CAGS in Interdisciplinary Studies work with an advisor from the graduate reading specialist program to develop a plan of study. CAGS consists of an integrated core curriculum, research, supervised professional practicum, and a capstone experience. Students choosing the disciplines of Fundamentals of Reading Instruction and Assessment and Leadership in Literacy Instruction complete a practicum and seminar as their capstone experience. This program leads to Initial Licensure as a Reading Specialist.

Requirements and Curriculum

Program Prerequisites:

  • Children's Literature or Literature of Young Adults
  • Child Development (Child Growth and Development)
  • Principles and Practices of Teaching Reading or equivalent
  • An initial teaching license
  • Passing scores on the MTEL Communication and Literacy test
  • Appropriate bachelor's and master's degrees.

Required Courses
IDIS 8000 Critical Inquiry in Interdisciplinary Studies 3 S.H.
SPED/READ 9100 Research in Reading Education 3 S.H.
12 semester hours of advanced graduate level course work in each declared discipline
Discipline Area I: Fundamentals of Reading Instruction:
SPED 8300 Language Development, Differences, and Disorders (or a comparable course) 3 S.H.
SPED/READ 7016 Understanding the Structure of the English Language 3 S.H.
SPED/READ 7017 The Psychology of Reading 3 S.H.
SPED/READ 8017 Specialized Reading Approaches 3 S.H.
Discipline Area II: Assessment and Leadership in Literacy Instruction:
SPED/READ 8018 Reading Disabilities and the Assessment of Reading 3 S.H.
SPED/READ 8019 The Assessment of Writing Skills and Writing Disabilities 3 S.H.
SPED 9500 Independent Study: Action Research 3 S.H.
SPED/READ 9012 The Reading Specialist: Leadership Roles 3 S.H.
*Capstone Experience:
SPED/READ 9101 Practicum: Reading Specialist 3 S.H.
SPED/READ 9104 Reading Specialist Practicum Seminar 3 S.H.

Total for Degree

 36 S.H.

*Candidates must successfully pass the Stage Review prior to enrolling in this capstone experience; the Stage Review includes a passing score on the Reading Specialist MTEL.


Career Opportunities

Reading Specialist
Literacy Coach

“The Reading Specialist program is comprehensive, practical and diverse. It was designed to give each candidate the finest and most up-to-date research-based instruction in preparation for them to be literacy leaders for the future. I was provided exceptional training in assessment, instruction and leadership roles with opportunities to practice and use what I learned in real life situations. It has truly given me everything I need and more to support students and teachers in reading. ”
–Rosemary Reidy, 2011

HOW TO APPLY

Apply online or request a print application

WHAT NEXT?

Contact Admissions Office: (978)665-3144, admissions@fitchburgstate.edu

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Program
at a Glance

Admissions

Completed applications are reviewed on a rolling admission basis.
Admissions Requirements (PDF)

Delivery

Face-to-face and online courses offered in the evenings with some day courses during the summer.

Total Credits

36 credits

Program Cost

Tuition and fees

Time Frame

While you can complete the program in as few as 2 years, you have 6 years to complete the program.
Suggested sequence of courses (PDF)

Careers

Title I or Remedial Reading Teacher
Literacy Coach
Private Academic Tutoring Business

Program Highlights

Program leads to Initial Licensure as a Reading Specialist.

 

Graduate and Continuing
Education

(978) 665-3182
gce@fitchburgstate.edu

Location: 
Anthony, Room 112
Hours:
Monday - Thursday 8-6:30 pm
Friday 8-5 pm