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 K-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 K-12 learners’ acquisition of language and literacy; and (6) the literacy leadership skills necessary to support and inform professional practice in K-12 settings. Candidates also participate in a final capstone course that provides the opportunity to work closely with K-12 learners in a faculty-supervised, clinical setting.
Throughout the program, candidates work closely with faculty and cultivate strong peer support networks. The Literacy Education program is aligned with the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE), the International Literacy Association (ILA), the National Council for Teachers of English (NCTE), and the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) (formerly known as NCATE) standards. Following successful completion of the program, candidates are eligible to take the Praxis examination for certification as a K-12 Reading Specialist. 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. A Literacy Leadership postbaccalaureate certificate and fellowship opportunities in the Capital Area Writing Project/ National Writing Project are also available.
This program is recognized by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) and the International Literacy Association (ILA).
Degree Conferred: M.Ed.
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