Language, Literacies, and Lear - University of I

The Master of Education in Language, Literacies, and Learning (MEd in LLL) program at the University of Illinois Chicago prepares educators to become literacy specialists, reading teachers, ESL/bilingual teachers, or pursue further study in literacy. The program offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to the study of language and literacy, with a focus on urban education. Graduates are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and experience to meet the diverse literacy needs of learners in urban schools.

Program Outline

Master of Education in Language, Literacies, and Learning

Degree Overview:

The Master of Education in Language, Literacies, and Learning (MEd in LLL) program at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) is designed for educators who are interested in becoming literacy specialists, reading teachers, ESL and/or bilingual education teachers, or who are interested in pursuing further study and research in literacy. The program offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to the study of language and literacy, with a focus on urban education.

Objectives:

To prepare graduates to become effective literacy educators who can meet the diverse needs of learners in urban schools.
To foster critical inquiry and analysis of literacy issues and develop informed practice in diverse classroom contexts.
To provide opportunities for collaborative learning, research, and reflection, empowering educators with tools to lead positive change in urban schools.

Description:

The MEd in LLL is a 36 credit hour program that can be completed in one to two years of full-time study, or in 2-4 years on a part-time basis. The program offers students a strong foundation in the theory and research on literacy development and instruction, as well as practical experience through field-based learning and student teaching opportunities. The curriculum includes coursework on:

Literacy acquisition and development across languages
Language, culture, and learning in urban classrooms
Assessment and instruction for struggling readers
Second language acquisition and bilingualism
Curriculum development and instruction in the middle school
Urban higher education
Literacy leadership

Admission Requirements:

Bachelor's degree in any field
Minimum GPA of 3.0
Two letters of recommendation
Statement of purpose
Interview
Official transcript

Application Deadlines:

Fall semester: July 15th
Spring semester: December 1st
Summer semester: May 1st

Outline:

Semester 1:

CI 411 - Students and Young Adult Literature and Media (4 credits)
CI 503 - English Language Arts and Instruction in the Elementary School (4 credits)
CI 511 - Student Teaching in the Elementary Grades I (6 credits)

Semester 2:

CI 450 - Societal Bases of Languages, Literacies and Learning (4 credits)
CI 504 - Secondary Literacy (4 credits)
CI 512 - Student Teaching in the Elementary Grades II (6 credits)

Semester 3:

CI 529 - Secondary Science Education in Urban Settings (4 credits)
CI 531 - Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment for Equity in Secondary Science Education (5 credits)

Summer Session:

CI 451 - Foundations and Current Issues in Educating English Language Learners (4 credits)
CI 528 - Assessing Language and Literacy for Instruction (4 credits)

Course Descriptions:

CI 411 - Literature, Social Studies, and the Arts in the Elementary School:

This course explores trade books and media for children from preschool through adolescence.

CI 503 - English Language Arts and Instruction in the Elementary School:

This course focuses on literacy instruction. Examines cultural, cognitive, linguistic, social, developmental perspectives; relationships between language and literacy; disciplinary literacies, digital literacies; aligning instruction, assessment, standards.

CI 511 - Student Teaching in the Elementary Grades I:

This course is the culminating course in graduate elementary teacher education. Meets Illinois State Board of Education requirements for certification. Involves concurrent registration in CI 512.

CI 504 - Secondary Literacy:

This course focuses on the foundations of literacy and on the literacy processes of middle and secondary students and how these processes apply to reading and writing in the disciplines.

CI 512 - Student Teaching in the Elementary Grades II:

The culminating course in the graduate elementary teacher education sequence. Meets Illinois State Board of Education requirements for certification. Involves concurrent registration in CI 511.

Additional Courses:

In addition to the required coursework, students in the MEd in LLL program can choose from a variety of elective courses, such as:

CI 464 - Bilingualism and Literacy in a Second Language
CI 470 - Language, Culture, and Learning in Urban Classrooms
CI 472 - Language Proficiency Assessment and ESL Instruction
CI 526 - Assessment and Instruction for Struggling Readers, K-12, Part 2
CI 533 - Language and Literacy Policy
CI 548 - Leading Improvement of Literacy Learning

Assessment:

Assessment in the MEd in LLL program includes a variety of methods, such as:

Exams and quizzes
Essays and research papers
Class presentations
Fieldwork assignments
Student teaching evaluations

Teaching:

The MEd in LLL program is taught by a faculty of experienced and dedicated educators, many of whom have extensive experience teaching in urban schools. The program uses a variety of teaching methods, including:

Lectures
Discussions
Collaborative activities
Fieldwork experiences

Careers:

Graduates of the MEd in LLL program are prepared for a variety of careers in education, including:

Literacy specialist
Reading teacher
ESL/bilingual teacher
Literacy coach

Other:

Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of the MEd in LLL program, students will be able to:

Demonstrate a deep understanding of the theory and research on language and literacy development.
Apply research-based strategies for effective literacy instruction.
Understand and address the diverse literacy needs of learners in urban schools.
Use technology effectively to enhance literacy learning.
Advocate for policies and practices that support literacy education in urban schools.

Accreditation:

The MEd in LLL program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).

Admission Requirements

Entry Requirements:

MEd in Language, Literacies, and Learning:

Admission Criteria:

The program seeks students with a strong background in education, literacy studies, or a related field, including:

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0
Official academic transcripts from all institutions attended
Two professional references
Writing sample
Personal Statement (1-2 pages, typed)
Résumé

Additional Considerations:

Applicants with strong teaching and leadership experiences are preferred.
Experience working with diverse populations is also valued.

International Applicants:

In addition to the general admission requirements, international applicants must also submit the following:

Official TOEFL score of at least 85 on the internet-based test (iBT)
Official IELTS score of at least 7.5
Official PTE Academic score of at least 72

Language Proficiency Requirements:

Applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency by meeting one of the following requirements:
Official TOEFL score of at least 85 on the internet-based test (iBT)
Official IELTS score of at least 7.5
Official PTE Academic score of at least 72
Successful completion of the University of Illinois Chicago's English as a Second Language (ESL) program with a grade of C or higher

Please note:

Specific admission deadlines may vary depending on the program.
Admission requirements are subject to change at the discretion of the program.

Additional Notes:

Applicants with significant teaching experience may be eligible to take the Reading Specialist Certification Exam without completing the M.Ed.

Location

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