Is the master's in Reading and Literacy program for me?

The M.Ed. in Reading and Literacy program is a good fit if you want to become a reading specialist, literacy coach or better overall teacher.

You can earn this master's degree online or in mixed mode - a combination of online and in-class learning. If you choose the online degree program, you still have access to all CityU's great resources. You'll log in to get assignments, discuss topics with your classmates, collaborate on projects and check your grades. Basically, everything you do in class but without the commute.

What will I learn in the master's in Reading and Literacy program?

In our master's in Reading and Literacy degree program, you'll develop the skills you need to help ELL, special education, gifted and at-risk students improve their reading, writing and speaking skills. The program focuses on language acquisition, up-to-date methodologies, literacy assessments, culture and diversity.

What can I do with my master's degree in Reading and Literacy?

You'll advance your career with a CityU master's degree in Reading and Literacy. Completing this program, and passing the WEST-E for Reading, leads to a reading endorsement for teachers in Washington (with reciprocity in select states). You'll also be qualified for reading specialist or literacy coaching jobs.

Why CityU?

• Because you want an education that's relevant to what's happening in the real world, right now.
• Our faculty teach what they do for a living, not just what's in the book. They're smart, successful people who can help you get there, too.
• You'll go through the program with the same group of students. We call it cohort learning - it's like a built-in support group.
• You can get an education without sacrificing your lifestyle. Attend class and complete your coursework on a schedule that works best for you.
• Over 500 educators choose CityU each year to start or advance their careers in education.

How to get started:

1. Chat with an admissions advisor or call 888.42.CityU
2. Apply to CityU
3. Complete the M.Ed. Reading and Literacy application packet
4. There may be other requirements for Pro Teach or National Board, ask an advisor.
5. Submit application packet

Total Required Credits:		49
M.Ed. in Reading and Literacy Core:		24
ERL 504	Literacy Development and the Cognitive Process	3
What is literacy and why is it important? This course introduces the literacy skills of reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Educators will examine foundations for 'best practices' in literacy, emerging discoveries in brain research, and motivational student-centered strategies to apply in their professional environment.
ERL 506	Personalized Learning in the Classroom	3
Personalized learning honors each student as an individual learner, recognizes that each student has his or her own learning style, unique gifts, interests, aspirations, and challenges to learning, and supports each student to learn in his or her own unique way. This course applies literacy strategies to facilitate differentiated instruction and understand different learning styles in order to build successful working relationships with students from diverse backgrounds. This information will help in developing a plan for implementing a literacy program that meets the needs of all students.
ERL 516	Language Acquisition and English Language Development	3
What are the conditions of learning that create language acquisition? What are strategies for teaching students who have English as their second language? Candidates will learn specific strategies useful for communicating with and instructing all students as they acquire literacy skills while focusing on the impact of cultural differences and diversity in the classroom.
ERL 518	Education In A Global Society	3
This course provides a global, theoretical, and practical review of issues affecting education and literacy development. Candidates deepen their understanding of issues of diversity, policy and equity as they impact theory and practice in literacy, strategies designed to address diversity in the classrooms's global educational setting and best practices in culturally responsive teaching by examining acquisition of literacy skills, literacy development outside of school, and specific areas for teacher development. This analysis and comparison of educational and literacy development establishes the important commonalities and links needed to provide educators with current and broad-ranging information to develop stronger and more effective literacy programs that are culturally responsive.
ERL 520	Teaching a Comprehensive Literacy Program for All Students	3
This course addresses ways to develop a comprehensive literacy program. Candidates learn specific strategies for instructing and assessing students as they acquire literacy instruction skills, particularly in the processes of reading and writing. Candidates will learn how to individualize their programs to accommodate a wide variety of learning needs including ELL and special education students.
ERL 552	Literacy in the Content Areas	3
How do I integrate literacy across content areas? How can my students learn content objectives and also use effective literacy strategies? Strategies will be introduced to help educators assess both concepts taught in specific subject areas and the processes in reading and writing students use to master those concepts.
ERL 554	Diagnostic Assessment in Literacy	3
This course focuses on formative and summative assessments to guide literacy instruction. Candidates examine the ways in which assessments are impacted by language, age, and cultural barriers. Candidates build on their knowledge of literacy skill development and utilize effective ongoing diagnosis and assessment strategies to support and enhance literacy skills and strategies development.
ERL 560	Building Family Partnerships and Learning Communities	3
How do I establish a partnership with parents and community to develop good literacy programs? Educators will develop a plan for establishing effective partnerships with families and community in literacy to include outreach and networking. Topics include techniques to encourage parental involvement in the education of their children and community understanding of literacy best practice.
Master of Education Project:		6
ERL 508	Research Methods in Literacy	3
This course introduces candidates to the wealth of information and tools that are the foundation of graduate study. Candidates use the inquiry process to select research topics, evaluate sources and identify outcomes to become effective researchers. They learn how to evaluate academic research and use it to inform their work in the educational field. Prerequisites: Candidates must complete this course prior to completing ERL 512.
ERL 512	Using Data to Inform Instruction	3
In this course, candidates deepen their understanding of research and how using data applies to the everyday world of classroom teaching. Candidates learn how to use the inquiry process to collect evidence, evaluate interventions and become an effective researcher. Overall, the systematic collection of data is used to document positive impact on student learning.
Approved Electives:
ERL 514	Linking Literacy to Technology	3
This course explores ways in which technology tools can be used to teach 21st century literacies, broadening the concept of literacy from page-based to screen-based, in support of reading and writing skill development. Candidates learn ways to meet challenges in a world of changing technologies, to connect their students to classrooms around the world, and to integrate technology into the curriculum.
ERL 534	Current Instructional Practices	3
This course focuses on effective instructional techniques to ensure that all students achieve their full literacy potential. Emphasis is placed on providing the skills and structure needed for examining and applying comprehensive, contemporary best practices in literacy instruction. Candidates deepen their knowledge of evidence-based best practices to promote high rates of student achievement and how best to implement these in current classroom settings. Prerequisites: Admittance into the program or aprroval of program coordinator.
ERL 563	Child and Adolescent Literature	3
This course provides an introduction to the use of literature as part of the literacy program involving children and adolescent learners. Educators explore a variety of genres in literature, the various features of each, and how each can be used with literacy instruction. Also included is a study of how the use of literature affects reading motivation, reading engagement, and how it can be integrated into the curriculum.
ERL 529	Reading and Writing Instruction and Assessment	3
This course builds the educator's knowledge of reading and writing development and effective instructional strategies and introduces the role of ongoing assessment. Educators will understand shared, guided, and independent learning strategies and tools to assess learning before, during, and after instruction.
ERL 562	Effective Literacy Leadership	3
Please check back soon for the full description of this course.
ERL 514	Linking Literacy to Technology	3
This course explores ways in which technology tools can be used to teach 21st century literacies, broadening the concept of literacy from page-based to screen-based, in support of reading and writing skill development. Candidates learn ways to meet challenges in a world of changing technologies, to connect their students to classrooms around the world, and to integrate technology into the curriculum.
ECU 540	Writing for Reflective Practice	3
Please check back soon for the full description of this course.
ECU 550	Empowering Student Voice through Storytelling Strategies	4
Please check back soon for the full description of this course.