Program Description

The Master of Education in Reading is designed for candidates who have an initial teaching license and want to expand their knowledge, skills, and dispositions in teaching literacy and coaching paraprofessionals and colleagues.

To obtain certification as a K-12 reading specialist in the state of Oklahoma, candidates must meet the requirements of a master’s degree program in reading and must pass the Reading Specialist Oklahoma Subject Area Test.  This state licensure exam requires that candidates demonstrate mastery of International Reading Association (IRA) Standards for Reading Professionals.

Students who wish to pursue the M.Ed. should follow these procedures:

• Apply and be admitted to graduate studies at Cameron University;
• Provide evidence of holding a teaching license or certificate to the graduate advisor. Those who are not currently certified teachers should refer to the previous section about Alternative Certification;
• Develop a formal Plan of Graduate Study with the assistance of the graduate advisor;
• Have two (2) acceptable recommendation forms submitted on their behalf;
• Have a GPA of 3.0 or above.

The program objectives for the Master of Education in Reading program focus on the knowledge, skills, and dispositions for reading specialists as outlined in the standards of the International Reading Association (IRA). Specifically, candidates in the proposed program will

• Have a knowledge of the foundation of reading and writing processes and instruction;
• Use a wide range of instructional practices, approaches, methods, and curriculum materials to support reading and writing instruction;
• Use a variety of assessment tools and practices to plan and evaluate effective reading instruction;
• Create a literature environment that fosters reading and writing by integrating foundational knowledge; use of instructional practices, approaches, and methods; curriculum materials; and the appropriate use of assessments; and
• View professional development as a career-long effort and responsibility.

A minimum of thirty-three (33) semester hours in approved graduate courses is required in the M.Ed. in Reading program.

I. REQUIRED COURSES*....................................................... 30 hours

EDUC 5103 Introduction to Graduate Research

EDUC 5603 Methods for Teaching Struggling Readers

EDUC 5613 Reading Curriculum Development K-12

EDUC 5623 Theoretical Foundations of Reading

EDUC 5633 Organization and Individualization of School Reading Programs

EDUC 5643 Advanced Diagnosis of Reading Difficulties

EDUC 5653 Practicum in Reading I

EDUC 5663 Teaching Reading in Content Area

EDUC 5683 Practicum in Reading II

EDUC 5723 Language and Literacy Development

*Possible Prerequisite:  EDUC 5873 Foundations in Literacy

II. GUIDED ELECTIVES............................................................. 3 hours

Select one of the following literature courses:

EDUC 5593 Adv. Studies in Adolescent Literature OR

EDUC 5693 Adv. Studies in Children’s Literature

Each student must complete an electronic portfolio. The portfolio will be evaluated at the department level at the mid-point (21 hours) of the program and again at program completion.

The Master of Education degree will be awarded when the student has met all of the following requirements within six years:

• Completion of a minimum of 33 graduate hours listed on the Plan of Graduate Study with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above;
• Satisfactory score on all recommendations and dispositional assessments;
• Passing scores on mid- and final-program portfolio checks;
• Successful completion of the Analysis of Growth paper;
• No more than two (2) C’s on the Plan of Graduate Study;
• Completion of the “Application for Graduate Degree” form;
• Payment of the graduation fee; and
• Completion of the online exit interview.

Please check with the graduate advisor or registrar about requirements to participate in commencement.