Post Secondary Adult Reading Qualifications graduate program

Program Overview

The Post-secondary/Adult Reading Qualifications Graduate Program is a five or six course program for college reading instructors. The program incorporates the MNSCU educational qualifications for a teacher of reading meeting the 16 semester credit hour requirement in reading instruction (including elementary reading) and the 4 semester credit hour requirement in adult education (600047: Reading (Assigned Field).  

The program offers two options.

Option 1 (16 credits)

Option 1 includes 12 semester credits in reading instruction including a course in elementary reading and 4 semester credits in adult education.

Reading Courses (12 credits)

ED 616 Reading Development and Language Acquisition—3 credits

This course includes research-based study of K-12 reading and language development including appropriate practices for elementary, middle school, and high school.  It is designed to explore and critique strategies that develop reading skills and promote appreciation of reading in all students including those who find reading difficult for a variety of reasons.

ED 617 Informational Reading and Writing—3 credits

This course examines and critiques methods for teaching strategies to assist students K-12 in exploring and learning about their world through informational reading and writing.  This includes informational trade books, textbooks, and other forms of print and non-print material.

ED 618 Reading Assessment K-12—3 credits

This course explores the role of assessment in reading instruction and a variety of methods and tools to facilitate assessment.  Various types of formal and informal reading assessment strategies are examined, applied, and critiqued. (Includes 20 hour practicum)

ED 619 Struggling Readers: Analysis and Assistance—3 credits

This course fosters teachers’ abilities to look closely and critically at students’ reading abilities and plan and implement a well considered and appropriate instructional program. (Includes 10 hour practicum)

Methods for Post-secondary/Adult Reading (3 credits)

ED 601 Special Topics

Explores theories and strategies appropriate for teaching reading to adults in the post-secondary setting.  Examines assessment, learning styles, teaching and learning technologies, and teaching styles.  Considers racial, age, and gender diversity in the college classroom.

Practicum in Methods for Post-secondary/Adult Reading (1 credit)

ED 601 Special Topics

Mentored practicum in the post-secondary setting.  Analysis and assessments of practicum.  Explores practice versus theory and related application.

Option 2 (19 credits)

Option 2 includes 15 semester credits in reading instruction including a course in elementary reading and 4 semester credits in adult education.  Educators choosing this option would receive a Teacher of Reading K-12 Certificate from St. Cloud State University. This option also qualifies educators with a teaching license to apply for a Teacher of Reading K-12 license through the Minnesota Department of Education.

Reading Certificate Classes (15 credits)

ED 616 Reading Development and Language Acquisition—3 credits

This course includes research-based study of K-12 reading and language development including appropriate practices for elementary, middle school, and high school.  It is designed to explore and critique strategies that develop reading skills and promote appreciation of reading in all students including those who find reading difficult for a variety of reasons.

ED 617 Informational Reading and Writing—3 credits

This course examines and critiques methods for teaching strategies to assist students K-12 in exploring and learning about their world through informational reading and writing.  This includes informational trade books, textbooks, and other forms of print and non-print material.

ED 618 Reading Assessment K-12—3 credits

This course explores the role of assessment in reading instruction and a variety of methods and tools to facilitate assessment.  Various types of formal and informal reading assessment strategies are examined, applied, and critiqued.  (Includes 20 hour practicum)

ED 619 Struggling Readers: Analysis and Assistance—3 credits

This course fosters teachers’ abilities to look closely and critically at students’ reading abilities and plan and implement a well considered and appropriate instructional program. (Includes 10 hour practicum)

ED 620 Administration and Supervision of the Reading Program—3 credits

This course examines the leadership role of the reading specialist including needs assessment, planning and providing for professional development, selecting and evaluating materials, understanding state and federal legislation, and developing budgets.  (Includes internship)

Methods for Post-secondary/Adult Reading (3 credits)

ED 601 Special Topics

Explores theories and strategies appropriate for teaching reading to adults in the post-secondary setting.  Examines assessment, learning styles, teaching and learning technologies, and teaching styles.  Considers racial, age, and gender diversity in the college classroom.

Practicum in Methods for Post-secondary/Adult Reading (1 credit)

ED 601 Special Topics

Mentored practicum in the post-secondary setting.  Analysis and assessments of practicum.  Explores practice versus theory and related application.

Admission Requirements

Option 1

To be admitted to the Post-secondary/Adult Reading Qualifications Graduate Program, applicants must;

• Apply for admission to the School of Graduate Studies
• Have completed a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university.
• Provide a 1-2 paragraph statement of interest and objectives in pursuing the Post-secondary Reading Program

Option 2

Meet admission requirements for Option 1 and the following:       

To be admitted to the Teacher of Reading K-12 Certificate program, applicants must;

• Apply for admission to a Graduate Certificate Program through the School of Graduate Studies
• Have completed a baccalaureate degree in elementary education, secondary education, special education, or English language learning (ELL) from an accredited college or university.
• Provide a 1-2 paragraph statement of interest and objectives in pursuing a graduate certificate as a reading specialist
• A minimum of one year of teaching experience is strongly recommended.

Program Approval

Once admitted, the student will meet with an adviser to complete the Graduate Program Form.  After adviser approval, this form is submitted to the School of Graduate Studies.