Literacy Education, MSE (51-836) (35 hours)

The Master of Science in Education (MSE) in Literacy Education at UCM has received national recognition from the International Literacy Association (ILA- formerly the International Reading Association).

The MSE in Literacy Education degree from the Department of Educational Foundations and Literacy  is designed to address the International Literacy Association Standards for Reading Professionals.

Student Learning Outcomes - The graduate with a Master of Science in Education degree in Literacy Education will use the knowledge and skills obtained in the program to achieve the following professional skills:

• Demonstrate knowledge of major theoretical, conceptual, historical, and evidence-based foundations of literacy and language, the ways in which they interrelate, and the role of the reading/literacy specialist in schools.
• Use foundational knowledge to design literacy curricula to meet needs of learners, especially those who experience difficulty with literacy; design, implement, and evaluate small-group and individual evidence-based literacy instruction for learners; collaborate with teachers to implement effective literacy practices.
• Understand, select, and use valid, reliable, fair, and appropriate assessment tools to screen, diagnose, and measure student literacy achievement; inform instruction and evaluate interventions; assist teachers in their understanding and use of assessment results; advocate for appropriate literacy practices to relevant stakeholders.
• Demonstrate knowledge of research, relevant theories, pedagogies, and essential concepts of diversity and equity; demonstrate an understanding of themselves and others as cultural beings; create classrooms and schools that are inclusive and affirming; advocate for equity at school, district, and community levels.
• Meet the developmental needs of all learners and collaborate with school personnel to use a variety of print and digital materials to engage and motivate all learners; integrate digital technologies in appropriate, safe, and effective ways; foster a positive climate that supports a literacy-rich learning environment.
• Demonstrate the ability to be reflective literacy professionals, who apply their knowledge of adult learning to work collaboratively with colleagues; demonstrate their leadership and facilitation skills; advocate on behalf of teachers, students, families, and communities.
• Complete supervised, integrated, extended practica/clinical experiences that include intervention work with students and working with their peers and experienced colleagues; practica include ongoing experiences in school-based setting(s); supervision includes observation and ongoing feedback by qualified supervisors.

To be accepted into the Master of Science in Education in Literacy Education degree program in the Department of Educational Foundations and Literacy , a student must: (a) have a minimum undergraduate grade point average of 2.5; (b) submit proof of teacher certification or professional endorsement from any of the 50 states or territories and have graduated from an NCATE or regionally accredited university; (c) submit a copy of his/her last summative teaching evaluation (i.e., a PBTE or similar evaluation form), or a letter from a school superintendent, principal or professor attesting to teaching skills and/or graduate studies potential. Applicants who do not meet these criteria must design, with a faculty adviser or graduate coordinator, a conditional program and complete the first 12 hours of that program (including the school’s research course) with a minimum grade point average of 3.50. International applicants should meet these requirements in comparable ways.

The following requirement applies to the M.S.E. in Literacy Education degree program EDFL 5900  or an adviser-approved alternative research course must be taken within the first 12 hours of a program. In order to graduate with the MSE in Literacy Education, each candidate must pass a written portfolio and an oral portfolio presentation, under the guidance of his/her advisor.

Students who seek Missouri Special Reading Certification are advised to consult with the Director of Clinical Services and Certification, University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg, MO 64093.