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M.Ed. in Reading and Writing Specialist
M.Ed. in Reading and Writing Specialist

Program Philosophy

The philosophical foundation for the development and implementation of the Reading and Writing specialist program is adapted from the International Reading Association Commission on High-Quality Teacher Education, which identified essential components of a professional development program: understanding the English language as a communication system; interaction with parents and community; instructional planning; developing language fluency; teaching word attack skills, developing comprehension; developing literary appreciation; diagnostic evaluation of reading progress; adapting instruction to various linguistic backgrounds; treatment of literacy difficulties; and initiating improvements in school programs (Hoffman & Pearson, 2000).

The program stresses the importance of a balanced literacy curriculum with a range of literacy experiences to assist all children in learning to read and fostering deep understanding of what is read. Courses emphasize the link between theory and practice through course assignments and practicum experience and focus on how to provide instruction that builds connections to support and nurture literacy for all learners. The components of the curriculum, based on the National Reading Panel Report, include phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, text comprehension, and reading and writing.

We believe that:

  • The following principles are part of the Reading and Writing Process
  • Listening, speaking, reading, writing and viewing are complex integrated language processes.
  • Language knowledge is an essential characteristic of a successful reader and writer.
  • Reading and writing is the process of constructing meaning.
  • The following principles aid in Understanding the Diversity of Learners
  • Recognizing, understanding and valuing the cultural, linguistic, developmental and ethnic diversity of students is critical in meeting the needs of all learners.
  • All students can learn to effectively communicate through reading and writing.
  • Reading and Writing Specialists must understand and value the background knowledge and metacognitive abilities of all students.
  • Reading and Writing Specialists must develop and conduct assessments that involve multiple indicators of learner progress.
  • The following principles provide Leadership in Literacy Instruction
  • The effective Reading and Writing Specialist continues to develop knowledge of best practice and research, and is a change agent in the school and district.
  • Collaboration, communication and consultation about reading issues with administrators, students, teachers, parents and others must occur.
  • Modeling of effective literacy practices is critical.
  • Designing, implementing and evaluating staff development to improve literacy instruction is essential.
Plymouth State University, 17 High Street, Plymouth, NH 03264-1595. Main Switchboard: (603) 535-5000.
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This page was last revised: 1/3/2008