Master of Education in Literacy 4+1 for Education Majors
Master of Education in Literacy 4+1 for Education Majors
The Providence College Literacy 4+1 program provides an opportunity for undergraduate education majors with teacher certification to earn a master’s degree in one year (for full-time students). Graduates of this program are eligible for an additional certification as a PK-12 reading specialist through the Rhode Island Department of Education. PC education majors are eligible to apply in their senior year and, with approval from their academic advisor, may begin the graduate program in the fall or spring semester of that year. A maximum 12-credit undergraduate course load is required for a student who wishes to begin graduate studies while an undergraduate. After completing a maximum of two courses, continuation in Literacy requires formal acceptance to the program, completion of undergraduate studies, and state certification. The 4+1 timeframe includes two (2) summers and one (1) academic year (fall and spring).
For undergraduate education majors with teacher certification coming from colleges outside of PC, the M.Ed. in Literacy may be completed in one calendar year as a full-time program by following the 4+1 timeline.
RIGHT TO READ: According to the Right to Read amended legislation, graduates of a Master’s in Literacy program fulfill proficiency requirements in the Science of Reading and structured literacy practices.
Through a carefully designed sequence of courses and experiences, graduates will be prepared to meet the literacy needs of students in elementary, middle, and secondary classrooms. The program follows the International Literacy Association (ILA) Standards.
Official undergraduate transcript – if you are a PC student, you may authorize graduate admission to download your transcript in your online application.
Two Recommendation letters (one from a school supervisor, i.e., cooperating teacher or college supervisor).
Professional Statement – approximately 1,000 words
Guidelines: What experiences have motivated you to pursue a career as a reading specialist? Identify 3 to 5 competencies that you bring to the position and provide specific examples of how these skills will benefit you in your anticipated role or position. In your response, consider the following:
1. the core values and beliefs that you bring to the position
2. the experiences that have shaped your thinking
3. your observations of other professionals in this position
4. the impact you hope to have on a school community
State teaching certification and a 3.0 or higher undergraduate GPA is required for full admission.
Program Requirements
To earn a degree, candidates are required to maintain a 3.0 or higher GPA in all course work and develop a portfolio that demonstrates mastery of current ILA Standards for Reading Professionals.
Successful completion of the program qualifies candidates for a M.Ed. degree and fulfills the coursework requirements of a PK-12 Reading Specialist/Consultant certificate in Rhode Island.
Candidates who have successfully completed the literacy program at Providence College, who have three years of teaching experience, and who have passed the Praxis Reading Specialist assessment are eligible for Rhode Island certification as a reading specialist. Click here for more information regarding the Praxis Reading Specialist assessment.
For more information about program requirements, please refer to the PROGRAM HANDBOOK.
Required Courses
Candidates follow a developmentally appropriate sequence of courses. Therefore, students should complete all coursework in one strand before moving on to the next.
Strand I: Developing Core Knowledge
EDU763: Research in Literacy
EDU765: Models and Processes of Literacy
Strand II: Applying Core Knowledge to K-12 Learners
EDU767: Fostering Cultural Awareness and Development: Diverse Literatures K-12
EDU830: Best Practices Primary Grades
EDU832: Best Practice Middle / Secondary Schools
EDU835: Understanding Learning Differences and Responsive Pedagogy
EDU840: Best Practice Intermediate Grades
EDU851: Teaching Writing K-12
Strand III: Developing Leadership through Internship
EDU836: Literacy Clinic
EDU842: The Literacy Coach
EDU837: Organization and Supervision
Graduate Education Stories
Literacy Stories
Literacy Alumna Wins Prestigious National Award
Emily Rendine ’19, a third-grade teacher at Hennessey Elementary School in East Providence, has received the prestigious Milken Educator Award. This award identifies “early-to-mid career education professionals for their already impressive achievements and, more significantly, for the promise of what they will accomplish in the future.” Nicknamed the “Oscar of Teaching,” the Milken Educator Award honors educators across the nation with $25,000 in unrestricted funds and a trip to an awards event in LA.
