Reading, M.Ed.

General Program Information

Karin J. Keith, Ph.D., Department Chair
Graduate Coordinator
401 Warf-Pickel Hall
Box 70684
(423) 439-7598
e-mail: keithkj@etsu.edu

Faculty: Stacey Fisher; LaShay Jennings; Karin Keith; Renee Moran; Cassie Norvell; Natalia Ward; Shuling Yang.

The graduate program in reading education is designed to provide the necessary educational experiences for persons who are either preparing to or are already involved in working toward enhancing the reading, writing, and oral language competencies of children and adults. Candidates are prepared to assume leadership roles in reading education by serving as special reading teachers, clinicians, diagnosticians, program coordinators, reading specialists, literacy coaches, and reading supervisors.

The graduate program meets standards of excellence for reading programs of the International Literacy Association. Graduate program faculty and candidates work extensively in area schools to provide active practicum experiences. 

The M.Ed. in Reading is not an initial licensure program. Persons seeking an initial endorsement license to teach in Tennessee should enter one of the initial licensure programs. Candidates may choose electives that allow them to apply for an English as a Second Language (ESL) PreK-12 endorsement or Special Education Interventionist K-8 license and Special Education Interventionist 6-12 license. Candidates seeking the additional licenses or endorsements must meet all state requirements to apply for the licenses or endorsements.

Admission Policy

Persons seeking admission must meet the general admission requirements for the School of Graduate Studies.  In addition, applicants should:

• have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale OR exceed minimum score requirements on the GRE: Verbal Reasoning 150, Quantitative Reasoning 153, and Analytic Writing 3.5.
• provide three (3) letters of recommendation (at least one from a principal or other individual who serves in a supervisory role),
• provide a current résumé,
• provide a copy of current teaching license, and
• provide a 2-page essay describing your experiences working with struggling readers.

An oral or written interview may be requested by the program coordinator in specific cases.

Graduation Policy

The coordinator of the program to which the prospective candidate has been admitted serves as the initial advisor. A comprehensive oral examination is required of all students completing graduate programs in the M.Ed. in Reading. Presentation of an Action Research Project is required for the oral examination. Further, candidates will be required to take the Reading Specialist Praxis prior to graduating.

Reading, M.Ed. Degree Requirements: 36 credits

Reading Core Requirements: 18 credits

• EDFN 5950 - Methods of Research (3 credits)

• or

• READ 5950 - Action Research in Literacy Education (3 credits)

•  

• READ 5110 - History of Reading Research, Policy, & Legislation (3 credits)
• READ 5120 - Advanced Teaching of Reading and Writing (3 credits)
• READ 5231 - Advanced Assessment Procedures in Literacy Education (3 credits)
• READ 5241 - Practicum in Literacy Teaching & Leading (1-3 credits)
• READ 5871 - Advanced Practicum in Literacy Education (1-3 credits)

Thesis Option: 18 credits

• READ 5960 - Thesis (3-6 credits) (Take for 3 credits)
• Advisor Approved Electives from list (15 credits)

Non-Thesis Option: 18 credits

• Advisor Approved Electives from list (18 credits)

Advisor Approved Elective List

• SPED 5401 - Research and Practice in Positive Behavioral Supports (3 credits)
• SPED 5755 - Assessment and Programming for Exceptional Learning Needs (3 credits)
• SPED 5445 - Advanced Applications of Assistive Technology and Medical Aspects (3 credits)
• SPED 5757 - Evidence-Based Instruction in Reading and Language Arts (3 credits)
• SPED 5497 - Teaching and Learning Strategies for Exceptional Learning Needs (3 credits)
• ENGL 5117 - Grammar and Usage (3 credits)
• ENGL 5190 - Second Language Acquisition (3 credits)
• CUAI 5007 - Assessment of English Learners in PreK-12 Classrooms (3 credits)
• CUAI 5010 - Advanced Studies of Language and Culture in PreK-12 Classrooms (3 credits)
• CUAI 5017 - ESL Teaching Methods and Materials in PreK-12 Classrooms (3 credits)
• CUAI 5604 - Advanced Internship in PreK-12 ESL Classrooms (3 credits)

Note:

Tennessee Reading Specialist PreK - 12-The East Tennessee State University Clemmer College of Education Master of Education in Reading enables individuals to acquire the knowledge and skills stipulated by the Tennessee Licensure Standards for Reading Specialist, PreK-12. Most students who participate in our Reading M.Ed. program are practicing licensed teachers, and those aspiring the specialist licensure must have at least two (2) years of successful classroom experience as such. Graduate students, working toward qualification as licensed reading specialists in Tennessee, will be advised to take a specific set of courses that fulfills both the East Tennessee State University requirements for the M.Ed. in Reading degree and the requirements outlined by the Tennessee Standards for Licensure as Reading Specialist, PreK-12.