Curriculum and Instruction, MEd Concentration in ASTL: Literacy: Reading Specialist

Reading specialists are professionals with advanced preparation and experience in reading who have responsibility for the literacy performance of readers in general and struggling readers in particular.

This concentration is a state-approved sequence of courses leading to Virginia reading specialist licensure. Coursework includes foundational knowledge, instructional and assessment strategies for individuals and groups, and preparation as a literacy coach and staff developer. Students must earn a B- or higher in all licensure coursework. Licensure also requires a master's degree, passing of the Virginia Reading Assessment, and three years of teaching under contract.

The ASTL concentrations are for teachers and other educators with one or more years of teaching or education-related experience who want to continue to grow professionally. The program offers advanced study in a specific concentration area, including Virginia's Standards of Learning content areas, cohort classes, an innovative schedule, and the use of technology. The courses, aligned with the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, help teachers think and practice as board-certified teachers. The program develops teacher-leaders who practice reflection through action-research, problem-based learning, and self-inquiry, and teacher expertise in a concentration that will identify the teacher as a potential leader in that area.

Experienced teachers with or without a master's degree may apply for the ASTL Master's Degree program, which includes 18 or 21 credits in the Concentration area and 12 credits in the education Core.

Core Courses (12 credits)

EDUC 606: Education and Culture (3 credits)
EDUC 612: Inquiry into Practice (2 credits)
EDUC 613: How Students Learn (3 credits)
EDUC 614: Designing and Assessing Teaching and Learning (2 credits)
EDUC 615: Educational Change (2 credits)

Concentration Courses (21 credits)

Licensure also requires a master's degree, passing of the Virginia Reading Assessment, and three years of teaching under contract. All courses must be taken in sequence

EDRD 630: Literacy Foundations and Instruction for Diverse Populations: Birth through Middle Childhood (3 credits)
EDRD 631: Literacy Foundations and Instruction for Diverse Populations: Adolescence Through Adulthood (3 credits)
EDRD 632: Literacy Assessments and Interventions for Groups (3 credits)
EDRD 633: Literacy Assessments and Interventions for Individuals (3 credits) (Must be taken concurrently with EDRD 637)
EDRD 637: Supervised Literacy Practicum (3 credits) (Must register for 3 credits) (Must be taken concurrently with EDRD 633)
EDRD 634: School-Based Leadership in Literacy (3 credits)
EDRD 635: School-Based Inquiry in Literacy (3 credits)

Total: 33 credits

ASTL Literacy Reading Specialist Concentration Course Sheet

This program has been identified by George Mason University as one that may lead to a career requiring professional licensure/certification. Federal regulations require Mason to disclose information as to whether this program meets/does not meet the educational requirements for licensure/certification in your state, or whether such a determination has not been made. Please consult our Licensure Disclosure Tool for the disclosure statement specific to your desired state/program combination.

George Mason University will verify completion of the requirements of a Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) state-approved preparation program at the graduate or undergraduate level. Such verification does not guarantee the issuance of a Virginia Collegiate Professional, Postgraduate Professional, or Pupil Personnel license from the Commonwealth of Virginia. It is solely the student's responsibility to comply with all requirements for licensure by the Commonwealth. Under Virginia law, a social security number is required for licensure.