The Master of Education in Literacy Education at Penn State Harrisburg is designed to provide full-time and part-time graduate candidates with a focused program of study in the field of literacy education. This advanced degree provides candidates with a comprehensive approach to literacy research, instructional practice, assessment, and leadership to meet the varied and diverse needs of PK-12 learners. Grounded in sociocultural and critical literacy approaches, the program affords literacy professionals: (1) specialized, in-depth knowledge about the teaching of literacy; (2) diagnostic and clinical skills necessary to support and plan instruction for a diverse range of students; (3) the ability to interpret, evaluate, and use literacy research to inform practices; (4) opportunities to use both digital and traditional texts to teach literacy across the curriculum; (5) knowledge about the role of social context in supporting PK-12 learners’ acquisition of language and literacy; and (6) the literacy leadership skills necessary to support and inform professional practice in PK-12 settings. Candidates also participate in a final capstone course that provides the opportunity to work closely with PK-12 learners in a faculty-supervised, clinical setting.
Throughout the program, candidates work closely with faculty and cultivate strong peer support networks. The program is aligned with the most recent professional standards outlined by the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the International Literacy Association. Following successful completion of the program and a passing score on the Praxis 5301 exam, students are eligible to earn their Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) PK-12 Reading Specialist Certificate. The Reading Specialist Praxis Exam consists of questions about assessment, literacy development, leadership skills, and case study analysis. Our program completers continue to have a high success rate with 100% of candidates passing the exam.
This program is recognized by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) and the International Literacy Association (ILA).
Degree Conferred: M.Ed.
Out-of-State Licensure and Certification:
Following successful completion of the program and a passing score on the Praxis 5301 exam, program completers are eligible to receive their PK-12 Reading Specialist Certification in Pennsylvania. Out-of-state students are advised to check with their appropriate state licensing agency to obtain guidelines and to verify specific requirements.
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