MS - Science of Reading and Literacy Instruction Major
The Master of Science (M.S.) program with a major in Science of Reading and Literacy Instruction is designed to provide an advanced degree to practicing teachers. Candidates will complete a 30-credit hour program by completing the 12-hour Graduate Certificate in Science of Reading and Literacy Instruction and adding 18 hours of advanced preparation courses, including the 15 hour master’s core.
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 diverse students, including those 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.
The 18 credit hours are designed to provide participants with methods and materials to deepen their teaching ability and help their own students learn, including those from diverse backgrounds, deepening their understanding and practice of culturally responsive teaching, ethics and faith, and action research and technology tools. They align to the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation's advanced-level program standards. Course instruction is designed to model best practices and procedures in the classroom. Upon completion of a culminating classroom action research project, candidates will better understand how to lead other teachers in doing school action research. Limited field experiences within one's own classroom are required in some courses. Graduates can expect to be prepared to function as a K-12 literacy coach or reading specialist.
Candidates who have completed this program 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.
- Candidates will demonstrate the ability to use research with an understanding of qualitative, quantitative and/or mixed methods research methodologies. (CAEP A.1.1)
- Candidates will demonstrate ethical, Christ-like attitudes, values, and Biblical worldview that encompass professional dispositions, laws and policies, codes of ethics and professional standards appropriate to classroom teaching in their professional behaviors. (connection to CAEP A.1.1)
- Candidates will apply advanced knowledge of student learning suitable for any student.
- Candidates will apply data literacy to develop or sustain supportive school environments. (CAEP A.1.1)
- Candidates will apply self-reflection and data analysis to improve their own teaching.
- Candidates will demonstrate the ability to lead and participate in collaborative activities with others, such as peers, colleagues, teachers, administrators, community organizations, and parents. (CAEP A.1.1)
- Candidates will apply technology appropriate for their field of specialization. (CAEP A.1.1)
- Candidates will demonstrate cultural knowledge and culturally responsive teaching that promotes student and school success.
- Candidates will apply content knowledge and skills that the courses and other experiences of this advanced preparation emphasize. (CAEP A.2.2)
- Candidates will integrate global philosophies into their own educational practices.
Admission Requirements
The admission requirements for the M.S. program with a major in Science of Reading and Literacy Instruction are as follows:
- A baccalaureate or graduate degree from a college or university that is accredited by an 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 a minimum of 30 hours was completed.
- Be currently employed in or have access to a P-12 classroom in a public, non-public, 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.
Graduation Requirements
To complete the Master of Science with a major in Science of Reading and Literacy Instruction degree, candidates must:
- Successfully complete the program curriculum.
- Maintain 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 diploma.
MS - Science of Reading and Literacy Instruction Major - Program of Study
Major 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 |
| EDSE-505 | Foundations of Special Education | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 15 |
Core Courses
