READING COURSES
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must meet all of the general graduate admission
requirements (see the “Graduate Admissions” section of this
catalog). Applicants MUST have an elementary or secondary
teaching certificate.
SPECIFIC PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
MASTER OF EDUCATION (M.ED.) – 33 CREDITS
To complete the Master of Education in Reading with the
Reading Specialist Endorsement [BR] (K-12), students must
complete 33-35 credits of approved coursework* including a 4
credit research project and a 4 credit clinical practicum.
A. Core Courses in Reading and Literacy (19 Credits)
RDG 7509 Psychology of Literacy Development 3 Credits
RDG 7557 Methods for Teaching Intermediate 3 Credits
and Secondary Reading
RDG 7564 Methods in K-3 Elementary Reading 3 Credits
and Language Arts
RDG 7559 Literature-Based Approaches to 3 Credits
Reading Instruction
RDG 7567 The Writing Process in 3 Credits
Literacy Development
RDG 8639 Research in Reading and 4 Credits
Curriculum Development
B. Courses for Reading Specialist Endorsement (14 Credits)
RDG 8609 Diagnostic Techniques in 3 Credits
Reading Instruction**
– OR –
RDG 7510 Reading Diagnosis and 3 Credits
Differentiated Instruction
RDG 8619 Prescriptive Methods for 3 Credits
Reading Instruction
RDG 8649 Seminar for Reading Specialists 3 Credits
RDG 8669 Clinical Practicum in Reading 4 Credits
RDG 8691 Independent Study: Reading & Technology 1 Credit
* The M.Ed Reading program is listed with a range of credit hours.
Should students need to take an additional course to meet
State requirements, those hours will be considered optional
elective hours and will be included in the student’s program.
** RDG 7510 may be taken in place of RDG 8609 to meet
MDE requirements.
READING SPECIALIST CERTIFICATE – 32 CREDITS***
To complete the Reading Specialist Certificate leading to the
Reading Specialist Endorsement [BR] (K-12), students must
complete 32 credits of approved coursework*** including
prerequisites listed below (including a research project) and
a 4 credit clinical practicum. (Pending approval by the US
Department of Education)
Prerequisite Courses (15 Credits)
Completed in the Master in the Art of Teaching with a Focus in
Reading and Literacy. (See the MAT program in this catalog for
course descriptions)
RDG 7500 Foundations of Reading and Literacy 3 Credits
RDG 7510 Reading Diagnosis and 3 Credits
Differentiated Instruction
RDG 8610 Reading in the Content Areas 3 Credits
RDG 7615 The Reading/Writing Connection 3 Credits
EDU 7501 Teacher as Researcher 3 Credits
EDU 8698B Capstone B – Project must have a 0 Credits
Literacy Focus
A. Core Courses in Reading and Literacy (6 Credits)
RDG 7509 Psychology of Literacy Development 3 Credits
RDG 7557 Methods for Teaching Intermediate 3 Credits
and Secondary Reading
B. Courses for Reading Specialist Endorsement (11 Credits)
RDG 8619 Prescriptive Methods for 3 Credits
Reading Instruction
RDG 8649 Seminar for Reading Specialists 3 Credits
RDG 8669 Clinical Practicum in Reading 4 Credits
RDG 8691 Independent Study: Reading & Technology 1 Credit
*** Total credit hours based on Prerequisite Courses, Core
Courses, and Endorsement Courses
The Reading Specialist Endorsement, granted by the
State of Michigan after successful program completion
and College recommendation, requires a passing score on
the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) Reading
Specialist subject area test. For more information visit:
http://www.mttc.nesinc.com/PDFs/MI_field092_SG.pdf
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
RDG 7509 Psychology of Literacy Development 3 Credits
This course examines, explores, and investigates psychological
variables and the behaviors involved in reading and learning
to read. The course analyzes task and milieu conditions which
facilitate reading skill acquisition, and examines teaching
strategies in relation to research findings about literacy
learning.
RDG 7510 Reading Diagnosis & Differentiated 3 credits
Instruction for Diverse Learners
This course examines formal and Informal literacy assessments,
identified appropriate strategies for remediation of
reading disabilities and plans differentiated instructional
methods with emphasis on phonics, phonemic awareness,
comprehension, fluency and vocabulary. This course also
develops a comprehensive assessment vocabulary in order to
administer, interpret, and evaluate assessment instruments.
Field experience and a case study component will demonstrate
integration of course knowledge and classroom practices.
RDG 7557 Methods for Teaching Intermediate 3 Credits
and Secondary Reading
This course specifically addresses adapting content instruction
to meet the needs of intermediate and secondary school
students with reading problems. Variations in vocabulary,
format, comprehension, and study procedures are covered
across content areas. The course presents teaching strategies
for improving basic reading skills, content reading and
writing proficiency of all students; and explores strategies for
supporting literacy instruction across the curriculum.
RDG 7559 Literature-Based Approaches 3 Credits
to Reading Instruction
This course examines the history, rationale, and criteria for
selection and evaluation of classic, contemporary, culturally
diverse literature for children and young adults. Specific
strategies for culturally conscious literature-based reading
instruction are presented to foster literacy development and
promote an enjoyment of literature.
RDG 7564 Methods in Elementary Reading 3 Credits
and Other Language Arts
This course presents criteria and procedures for examining
reading, writing, listening, viewing, and speaking processes.
Developmentally appropriate teaching strategies and materials
supportive of reading development are explored. This course
also discusses research and management of classroom reading
programs, grades K-8.
RDG 7567 The Writing Process in 3 Credits
Literacy Development
This course presents theories of how to teach writing skills
examining the connection between reading and writing
performance in literacy development. This course also examines
skills that support writing processes and identifies effective
strategies for cross-curricular integration of creative and
informational writing.
RDG 8609 Diagnostic Techniques in 3 Credits
Reading Instruction
This course examines identification of reading disabilities
and possible causative factors through the use of formal and
informal tests and case study methods. This course develops
a comprehensive testing vocabulary in order to administer,
interpret, and evaluate diagnostic tests.
RDG 8619 Prescriptive Techniques in 3 Credits
Reading Instruction
The course examines the implementation of developmental
and remedial reading programs, management systems, and
classroom organization, grades K-12. This course also develops
advanced skills in selecting, designing and evaluating
strategies and materials for the teaching of specific objectives
in reading; in prescribing and modifying for differentiated
instruction; and in applying reading instruction to
content areas.
RDG 8639 Research in Reading and 4 Credits
Curriculum Development
This course provides opportunities for research that focuses on
effective literacy instruction and factors involved in successful
curriculum development of school-wide reading programs.
The course covers formal and informal research techniques.
Students will design, conduct, and present a research project.
RDG 8649 Seminar for Reading Specialists 3 Credits
This course addresses reading consultation responsibilities.
These include coordinating developmental and remedial
programs, facilitating teacher and staff development,
writing program, funding and research proposals, conducting
workshops, and simulating interactions.
RDG 8669 Clinical Practicum in Reading 4 Credits
This course explores advanced diagnosis and remediation
in a clinical setting, including on-going assessment and
modification of teaching strategies. Course material covers
learning conditions in relation to pupil performance, and
methodologies for reporting findings and recommendations.
NOTE: Reading specialist endorsement requires that the
student must work with elementary and secondary age pupils.
RDG 8691 Independent Study: Reading 1-3 Credits
and Technology
Independent Study involves instruction with a designated
faculty member outside of regular class settings. A proposal
describing the scope, context and outcomes of the independent
study course must be made and accepted by the Dean’s office
for independent study to occur. An explanation of Independent
Study parameters and processes can be found in the “Academic
Policies” section of this catalog.