Literacy M.Ed.- This program is designed for classroom and reading teachers as they work toward an understanding of the role that literacy plays across the curriculum and over time. The program explores research and processes for teaching literacy in P–12 educational settings.

Literacy is a critical skill for academic success, and this program can provide the knowledge to support the diverse learning needs of a P-12 classroom. Based on current research and best practices, the curriculum is applicable for teachers in the field and for those who are interested in becoming reading specialists in schools. 

This program teaches all the specific skills mentioned in the literacy competencies for the State of Washington while aiming to increase the effectiveness in the classroom and to develop assessment skills. Through this program, certified Washington educators will be eligible to earn a P-12 reading endorsement to add to their teaching certificate. Candidates who complete the NES assessment are then eligible for recommendation for the endorsement. 

For more information about this program visit our website. For information about internships for this program, visit our internship website.

This is an online accelerated program with 6-week academic sessions. 

Admissions Requirements

1. Have earned a baccalaureate degree (either a BA or BS) from an accredited institution of higher education.
2. Have earned a grade point average ≥3.0 on a 4-point scale during the final 90 quarter credits (or 60 semester credits) of enrolled coursework.
3. Applicants for the Literacy concentration must also submit a copy of an educator certificate.

Required Core
EDUC 505	CURRENT ISSUES IN EDUCATION	4
EDUC 507	PHILOSOPHY AND ORGANIZATION OF THE AMERICAN SCHOOL	4
EDUC 520	METHODS OF EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH	4
EDUC 522	TRANSFORMATION OF LEARNING AND TEACHING	4
Area Specialization
EDUC 542	P-12 LITERATURE STUDY IN THE CLASSROOM	4
EDUC 544	ADVANCED READING METHODS ACROSS THE CURRICULUM	4
EDUC 560	READING INQUIRY	4
EDUC 576	ADVANCED LITERACY METHODS	4
EDUC 590	CRITICAL AND SOCIAL LITERACIES	4
EDUC 591	INSTRUCTIONAL FOUNDATIONS AND INTERVENTIONS FOR LITERACY DIFFICULTIES	4
Internship
EDUC 641	LITERACY INTERNSHIP I	2
EDUC 642	LITERACY INTERNSHIP II	2
Portfolio and Comprehensive Exam
EDUC 643	LITERACY PORTFOLIO	2
EDUC 644	LITERACY COMPREHENSIVE EXAM	3
Total Credits		49

Students who successfully earn an M.Ed. in Literacy from EWU should be able to do the following based on competencies for reading endorsement in the State of Washington:

• Assessment, Diagnosis, and Evaluation—candidates demonstrate knowledge of the assessment/instruction cycle (data analysis, universal screening, diagnostic, progress monitoring, formative, summative), and how to use a variety of assessment tools and practices to plan and evaluate evidence-based literacy instruction.
• Creating a Literate Environment—candidates foster literacy development by using instructional practices, curriculum materials and the appropriate use of assessments to create a literate environment.
• Foundational Knowledge—candidates have knowledge of the literacy processes and know how to apply the results of evidence-based literacy research (qualitative and quantitative) to instructional practices. Literacy is defined as:
  • The integration of listening, speaking, reading, writing and critical thinking across all media types.
  • The knowledge to recognize and use language appropriate to a situation.
  • The ability to think, create, question, solve problems and reflect.
• Instructional Strategies and Resources—candidates have knowledge of a wide range of instructional practices, approaches, methods, and curriculum materials to support literacy instruction.
• Instructional Methodology—candidates demonstrate a deep understanding of the pedagogical knowledge and practice specific to the teaching of literacy.
• Professional Development—candidates view professional development as a career-long effort and responsibility.

Note: MEd candidates in literacy are eligible to take the reading endorsement exam as a result of coursework.