Elementary Education, M.S. - Remedial Reading and Remedial Language Arts Concentration

This 33-credit Master of Science degree course of study program at either the Elementary  or Secondary  level provides extensive coursework and experiences in working with students in the field of literacy and language arts, leading to the initial educator certification in Remedial Reading and Remedial Language Arts. An individual with an appropriate regionally accredited bachelor’s degree may apply for this program. Although the program focuses on literacy for grades 1-12, the candidates elect either an elementary or  secondary degree focus through their field experiences and research. This concentration focuses on working with students in a variety of instructional settings for the purpose of teaching literacy processes, for evaluating students in reading and language arts, and for developing and evaluating literacy programs. Students learn to create appropriate literacy instruction for learners experiencing difficulty in reading and language arts. Upon completion of the coursework, field experiences, and appropriate performance assessments, students may apply for the Connecticut initial educator certificate in Remedial Reading/Remedial Language Arts, 1-12.

Program goals

The program goals in literacy are adapted from the International Literacy Association’s Standards for the Preparation of Literacy Professionals (2017). The goals in literacy for the Remedial Reading and Remedial Language Arts program are as follows:

• Reading professionals understand the theoretical and evidence-based foundations of reading and writing processes and instruction.
• Reading professionals use instructional approaches, materials, and an integrated, comprehensive, balanced curriculum to support learning in reading and writing.
• Reading professionals us a variety of assessment tools and practices to plan and evaluate effective reading and writing instruction.
• Reading professionals create and engage their students in literacy practices that develop awareness, understanding, respect, and a valuing of differences in our society.
• Reading professionals create a literate environment that fosters reading and writing by integrating foundational knowledge, instructional practices, approaches and methods, curriculum materials, and the appropriate use of assessments.
• Reading professionals recognize the importance of, demonstrate, and facilitate professional learning and leadership as a careerlong effort and responsibility.

Admission criteria

• A valid Connecticut teaching certificate (or proof of eligibility);
• An appropriate regionally accredited bachelor’s degree;
• At least two letters of recommendation from persons able to testify to your suitability as a prospective teacher and your potential for graduate-level work;
• An essay demonstrating a command of the English language and setting out the reasons for wanting to enroll in the program and emphasizing experience relevant to teaching;
• A successful team interview with faculty;
• Completion of at least 30 school months of successful classroom teaching experience.
• Connecticut’s essential skills testing requirements: passing scores in the PRAXIS I exams in Reading, Writing, and Mathematics or an official essential skills test waiver currently meeting this requirement.

Graduation requirements

Students need to complete all requirements in their planned programs of study and pass all performance assessments.