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Graduate Programs: Language and Literacy Master's

Overview of Graduate Programs in Language and Literacy

The Department of Teacher Education offers three graduate programs in the area of Language and Literacy:

1. The Reading Certificate Program - This is a two semester, twelve-unit level of specialization that prepares teachers to assess and assist students with reading difficulties. Areas of study include decoding and fluency, comprehension and study skills, and the psychology and sociology of literacy. This certificate authorizes the holder to assess student reading and provide reading instruction in response to those assessments. Reading Certificate holders are also authorized to develop, implement, and adapt the reading content curriculum and assist classroom teachers in these areas. Holders of the Reading Certificate may perform the above services at one or more school sites at the grade levels authorized by their prerequisite teaching credential. This program was revised in 2003 and new program guidelines are currently (2009) being framed by CCTC. Be sure to check with the program coordinator for up-to-date information. More specific information on courses and application requirements and procedures can be found under the Reading Credential section.

2. The Reading/Language Arts Specialist Credential - This is a four semester, 24-unit program that includes all of the courses in the Reading Certificate and adds twelve more units in areas such as reading disability, juvenile literature, literacy development in linguistically and culturally diverse populations, and program evaluation. This credential prepares teachers for literacy-related teaching positions PreK through 12, as well as for leadership roles at school and district levels.  This program was revised in 2003 and new program guidelines are currently (2009) being framed by CCTC. Be sure to check with the program coordinator for up-to-date information. More specific information on courses and application requirements and procedures can be found under the Reading Certificate section.

3. The Master of Arts in Education with a Language and Literacy Option - This is 33 unit program of study which includes all the courses in the credential along with "core" courses in education and research and the writing of a thesis or a project. The degree is designed for the administrator, the classroom teacher, and the specialist teacher of language and literacy for a diverse population of children, youth, and adults. This program was revised in 2003 and new program guidelines are currently (2009) being framed by CCTC for the Reading Certificate and the Reading/Language Arts Specialist Credential which will affect the MA program. Be sure to check with the program coordinator for up-to-date information. More specific information on courses and application requirements and procedures can be found in the sections above.

Combinations of the above Programs

MA + Reading/Language Arts Specialist Credential - A majority of teachers in Language and Literacy have pursued these two programs at the same time. This course of study involves taking a total of 33 units and satisfactory completion of a portfolio. Please note that just completing the MA sequence of courses does not guarantee that a Reading/Language Arts Specialist Credential will be awarded. Teachers need to apply separately to the specialist credential program early on in the program, so they can determine whether they will meet requirements that do not apply to the MA.

MA + Reading Certificate - This combination requires no extra courses beyond the MA. This course of study also requires the satisfactory completion of a portfolio. Teachers need to apply for the certificate program early on so they can determine whether they will meet requirements that do not apply to the MA.

Course Sequence

There is a certain sequence in which courses should be taken. In the revised programs, there is a cohesiveness across all three programs. Tier I courses [EDTE 200, 205, 201, and 203] are taken before Tier II courses [EDTE 202, 207, 206, and 209]. Note that within tiers, courses often are paired by semester.

Fall Entrance to the Program

Year	Certificate	Credential	Masters
1	Fall - 200 + 205 Spring - 201 + 203	Fall - 200 + 205 Spring - 201 + 203	Fall - 200 + 205 Spring - 201 + 203
2	__________	Fall - 202 + 207 Spring - 206 + 209	Fall - 202 + 207 Spring - 206 + 209
3	__________	__________	Fall - 290 + 250 Spring - 503