Graduate Certificate - Science of Reading and Literacy Instruction

The Graduate Certificate in Science of Reading and Literacy Instruction provides a 12-credit hour post-baccalaureate program for teachers and other candidate seeking to apply the Science of Reading (SOR), assessment knowledge, and differentiated instructional practices to literacy rich environments for students of different abilities and diverse backgrounds. Program and course outcomes are linked to standards from the International Dyslexia Association. The program includes strategies for effective literacy instruction aligned to the science of reading, which includes phonics, phonemic awareness, fluency, comprehension, and vocabulary development.

Candidates completing the 12-credit hour program deepen content and pedagogical content knowledge related to the foundations of SOR, understand and demonstrate appropriate and contextual use of assessment, analyze and apply instructional practices in teaching phonics, language structure, comprehension and writing, and apply SOR instruction to a diversity of students in early childhood, elementary, and special education classrooms. Program completers can expect to be prepared to function as a K-12 literacy coach or reading specialist.

Upon completion of this program, students should be able to:

Analyze major components of the Science of Reading, making a comparison between different reading approaches.
Develop knowledge of how the brain works with the teaching/act of reading.
Determine when to use an appropriate assessment depending on its role, purpose, and capability.
Apply instructional and assessment practices related to phonics, language structure, comprehension, and writing.
Demonstrate professional, moral, and ethical behaviors and dispositions grounded in related Biblical principles.
Analyze the environment, legislation, and development to proactively meet the needs of learners, including those of different abilities and diverse backgrounds.

Admission Requirements

The admission requirements for the Graduate Certificate in Science of Reading and Literacy Instruction are as follows:

Have completed a baccalaureate or graduate degree from a college or university that is accredited by accrediting agency recognized by both the U.S. Department of Education (ED) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). The degree must be verified on original transcripts and sent directly to Indiana Wesleyan University. Transcripts from foreign institutions may need to be sent to an outside agency for evaluation and determination of transferable credits, degrees, and GPA. If this outside review is necessary, students are responsible for the initiation of this evaluation and for any fees incurred during the process.
An undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or higher from the baccalaureate degree granting institution at which at least of minimum 30 hours was completed or a graduate GPA of 3.0 or higher from master’s degree granting institution.
Be currently employed in or have access to a P-12 public or non-public school or international school.
Submit a signed School of Integrated Learning and Development FERPA release form

Program Requirements

All candidates must complete field and clinical experiences embedded within the reading courses.

Completion Requirements

To successfully complete the Graduate Certificate Program candidates must have completed the following:

Possess a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above in all graduate work and a minimum grade of "B-" in each course.
Payment of all tuition and fees is required to receive a certificate.

Graduate Certificate - Science of Reading and Literacy Instruction Program of Study

Science of Reading and Literacy Instruction Courses

EDRE-515	Foundations of Reading Acquisition	3
EDRE-525	Assessment and Diverse Profiles	3
EDRE-535	Teaching Phonics and Language Structure	3
EDRE-545	Teaching Comprehension and Writing	3
Total Credit Hours:		12