Advanced Reading Literacy Instruction

Program Overview

The University of Toledo's online graduate certificate in advanced reading and literacy instruction equips licensed teachers with research-based approaches to effectively teach struggling readers and writers. Through four courses, educators gain a deep understanding of literacy theories, assessment techniques, and instructional strategies. The program's unique focus on practical application and collaborative learning prepares graduates for careers as reading specialists, literacy coaches, and other roles in literacy education.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Overview:

The online graduate certificate in advanced reading and literacy instruction at The University of Toledo is designed for licensed teachers who want to be highly qualified to work with struggling readers and writers.

Objectives:

• To provide educators with the latest theoretical, research-based, evidence-based approaches to literacy instruction to meet the needs of struggling readers, writers, English learners, and students with disabilities.
• To provide a coherent theoretical framework to guide teaching and learning, develop students' academic language proficiency, and cultivate culturally responsive practices
• To help educators develop a deep understanding of literacy and language theories and skills

Description:

The program consists of four courses (12 credits) designed to provide educators with the knowledge and skills to effectively teach reading and writing to struggling students. The coursework covers a variety of topics, including:

• The development of literacy skills
• The assessment of literacy skills
• The teaching of reading and writing
• Intervention strategies for struggling readers and writers

Outline:

Course Descriptions:

• READ 555 - Theoretical Foundations of Literacy Instruction This course provides an overview of the theoretical foundations of literacy instruction.
Topics covered include the development of literacy skills, the assessment of literacy skills, and the teaching of reading and writing. Students will learn about a variety of theoretical frameworks that are used to guide literacy instruction and will explore how these frameworks can be used to inform their own teaching practices.
• READ 556 - Assessment of Literacy This course is designed to provide educators with a thorough understanding of various assessment tools and practices that can be used to gather information on student's literacy development and plan effective instruction.
Through practical applications, students will analyze and interpret literacy assessments to develop an understanding of assessment purposes, administration, and interpretation of literacy data, with an emphasis on the use of data to inform instructional decisions.
• READ 572 - Developing Word Study Skills: Phonics, Vocabulary, Spelling This course provides educators with the knowledge and skills necessary to teach word study skills effectively, including phonics (sound-letter relationships), vocabulary (word knowledge), and spelling.
Students will explore the theoretical foundations of each skill area and will develop instructional strategies, activities, and materials that promote students' word study development.
• READ 574 - Instructional Strategies for Reading Comprehension This course is designed to provide educators with knowledge and understanding of instructional strategies and practices that promote students' reading comprehension development and foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and independent learning.
Candidates will examine how to identify the comprehension needs of students; select and use effective instructional strategies, resources, and technology to promote active engagement with text; and create learning environments that facilitate discussion, inquiry, and collaboration.

Course Schedule:

The program is offered fully online and asynchronously.

Assessment:

Assessment Methods:

Students will be assessed through a variety of methods, including:

• Quizzes
• Discussion boards
• Assignments
• Projects
• Exams

Assessment Criteria:

Assignments and projects will be assessed based on their clarity, completeness, and accuracy. Exams will be used to assess students' knowledge of the course material.

Teaching:

Teaching Methods:

The program is taught using a variety of methods, including:

• Lectures
• Discussions
• Simulations
• Hands-on activities

Faculty:

The program is taught by a team of experienced faculty who are dedicated to providing students with a high-quality learning experience.

Unique Approaches:

The program uses a number of unique approaches to teaching and learning, including:

• A focus on practical application
• Real-world examples
• Hands-on activities
• A collaborative learning environment

Careers:

Potential Career Paths:

Graduates of the program will be prepared for a variety of careers in education, including:

• Reading specialist
• Literacy coach
• Curriculum developer
• Teacher educator

Opportunities:

Graduates of the program will have the opportunity to work with a variety of populations, including:

• Struggling readers and writers
• English learners
• Students with disabilities

Outcomes:

Graduates of the program will be able to:

• Effectively teach reading and writing to struggling students
• Develop and implement effective literacy interventions
• Assess students' literacy skills
• Conduct research on literacy education