Interdisciplinary Studies - Reading Specialist, CAGS (online)

• CAGS, Interdisciplinary Studies: Reading Specialist Concentration - Program information from the University Catalog.
• Two-Year Course Rotation (PDF)

Tuition and Fees

Students pursuing the initial licensure programs for Reading Specialists, including the CAGS in Interdisciplinary Studies/Reading Specialist concentration, the M.Ed. in Special Education/Reading Specialist concentration, and the Reading Specialist Graduate Certificate program, may be eligible for the Dr. Rosemarie Giovino Reading Specialist Scholarship. Students in these programs who have taken SPED/READ 7016 and SPED/READ 7017, and who also hold or are pursuing Wilson Language Level I certification are eligible. Other criteria apply.

Completed applications are reviewed on a rolling admission basis. Admission requirements are as follows:

• Official transcripts of a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
• Initial Massachusetts licensure in early childhood, elementary, middle school or special education
• Have taught under an Initial Massachusetts Educator License for a minimum of one year
• Passing scores on the Communication and Literacy MTEL
• Three letters of recommendation
• Professional resume
• Graduate application and fee
• Prerequisite courses completed
  • Children or Young Adult Literature
  • Child Development (or equivalent)
  • Principles and Practices of Teaching Reading (or equivalent)
• An essay, no more than one page in length, in response to one of the following questions:
  • Tell us about a positive situation in which you helped a person and made a significant difference in that person’s life.
  • What are the most important factors in establishing a long-term working relationship with students, friends, etc.?
  • Tell us about a significant event that involved you in a teaching or helping mode.
    • Describe the situation as it occurred at the time.
    • What did you do in that particular situation?
    • How did you feel about the situation at the time you were experiencing it?
    • How do you feel about the situation now?
    • What would you change, if anything?

*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.

Note: Prior to completion of the program of study, initial licensure candidates are required to take the Fitchburg State University ESE-approved SEI course in order to be endorsed for licensure.