Reading Specialist, All Levels, Non-Licensure Concentration, Special Education, M.Ed.

Graduate Curriculum Committee

Lyndsey Benharris, PhD
Danette Day, EdD
Robert Shapiro, PhD, BCBA-D
Annette Sullivan, EdD

Reading Specialist

Program Description

This program provides students with a specialized body of knowledge in reading. The program defines the knowledge and skills necessary for effective assessment, instruction and leadership in the field of reading. The program is responding to the needs of school districts by preparing specialists in leadership roles, as well as equipping candidates with the requisite knowledge to meet the needs of students with a wide  range of abilities.

The Reading Specialist Program provides candidates who hold initial licenses in a related teaching area with a rigorous, research based curriculum, as well as a range of assessment, teaching and staff development opportunities.

This program has been approved by CAEP, the International Literacy Association, and by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Program Prerequisites

• Literature for Children or Young Adults (or equivalent)
• Child Growth and Development (or equivalent)
• Principles and Practices of Teaching Reading (or equivalent)
• An initial teaching license as outlined above

Admissions Standards and Criteria

To apply for enrollment in the Master of Education in Special Education Non-Licensure Reading Specialist Program, a student must submit documents as outlined in the Graduate Admission section, as well as a Personal Statement:

Students must complete an essay of no more than one page in response to one of the following questions/statement:

1. Tell about a positive situation in which you helped a person and made a significant difference in that person’s life.
2. What are the most important factors in establishing a long-term working relationship with students, friends, etc.?
3. Tell us about a significant event that involved you in a teaching or helping role.

• 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?

MEd in Special Education: Reading—All Levels (Non-Licensure)

This concentration does not lead to Reading Specialist licensure. Initial licensure in a related teaching area or permission of the Program Chair, is required for entry into this concentration.

Total for Degree 33 cr.