Master of Education in Reading Education (MEd)

The Master of Education in Reading Education program prepares teachers for certification as specialized literacy professionals (e.g., literacy or instructional coach, reading expert, reading resource teacher, reading/language arts supervisor) in grades K-12 in public and private schools and other setting that provide literacy services.

The Master of Education in Reading Education is a state-approved initial teacher preparation program that is subject to any change in the Florida Administrative Code (State Board of Education Rule 6A-5.066). Students enrolled in this program should remain in close contact with their adviser to keep informed of any program changes implemented to comply with new state requirements.

The Master of Education in Reading Education program requires a minimum of 30 credit hours beyond the bachelor's degree, including 9 credit hours of core courses, 15 credit hours of specialization courses, and 6 credit hours of a practicum. Students who do not currently hold a Florida ESOL Endorsement must select the specified Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages course, TSL 5085, as a corequisite. All students must pass a final comprehensive exam, complete a portfolio according to program guidelines, and pass the Reading K-12 Subject Area Exam of the Florida Teacher Certification Examination.

Total Credit Hours Required: 30 Credit Hours Minimum beyond the Bachelor's Degree

The College of Community Innovation and Education offers a Master of Education degree in Reading Education. The program prepares teachers for certification as specialized literacy professionals (e.g., literacy or instructional coach, reading expert, reading resource teacher, reading/language arts supervisor) in grades K-12 in public and private schools and other settings that provide literacy services. Based on evidence-based research, the curriculum includes assessment, intervention, and instruction in literacy. This includes the focus on content area and disciplinary literacy and leadership and coaching. There is considerable emphasis on practica with diverse learners from early childhood to adult levels. Professionals currently certified as Florida teachers are eligible to pursue a degree in the program. This program has potential ties to professional licensure or certification in the field. For more information on how this program may prepare you in that regard, please view the licensure disclosure for the Reading Education MEd program.

Please note: Reading Education MEd may be completed fully online, although not all elective options or program prerequisites may be offered online. Newly admitted students choosing to complete this program exclusively via UCF online classes may enroll with a reduction in campus-based fees.

International students (F or J visa) are required to enroll in a full-time course load of 9 credit hours during the fall and spring semesters. Only 3 of the 9 credit hours may be taken in a completely online format. For a detailed listing of enrollment requirements for international students, please visit http://global.ucf.edu/. If you have questions, please consult UCF Global at 407-823-2337.

UCF is not authorized to provide online courses or instruction to students in some states. Refer to State Restrictions for current information.

Program Prerequisites

Possess or be fully eligible for a professional teaching certificate in one or more other teacher certification specializations in Florida.

The following courses meet state certification requirements or as support for the degree program. Choose one of the following from the clusters below, unless previously met in an undergraduate or similar course (substitutions will be approved by an advisor):

Children's Literature:

• LAE 5415 - Children's Literature in Elementary Education 3 Credit Hours
• LAE 5465 - Literature for Adolescents 3 Credit Hours

Language Arts Methods

• LAE 5319 - Methods of Elementary School Language Arts 3 Credit Hours
• LAE 5346 - Methods of Teaching English Language Arts 3 Credit Hours

Corequisite

Students who are not ESOL Endorsed must complete the following course:

• TSL 5085 - Teaching Language Minority Students in K-12 Classrooms 3 Credit Hours

Degree Requirements

Core

• Complete the following:
  • EDF6432 - Measurement and Evaluation in Education (3)
  • RED5147 - Developmental Reading (3)
  • RED5517 - Classroom Diagnosis and Development of Reading Proficiencies (3)

Specialization

• Complete the following:
  • RED6116 - Advanced Study in Foundations of Reading (3)
  • RED6336 - Teaching Content Area and Disciplinary Literacy (3)
  • RED6337 - Reading in the Secondary School (3)
  • RED6746 - Literacy Leadership and Coaching (3)
  • RED6845 - Advanced Evaluation and Instruction in Reading (3)

Practicum

• The MEd program requires a practicum experience. Practica are independent learning activities that take place in authentic settings in which students must apply, reflect on, and refine knowledge and skills acquired in the program.

Course

• Complete the following:
  • RED6846 - Reading Practicum (6)

Grand Total Credits: 30

Application Requirements

Application Deadlines

Financial Information

Graduate students may receive financial assistance through fellowships, assistantships, tuition support, or loans. For more information, see the College of Graduate Studies Funding website, which describes the types of financial assistance available at UCF and provides general guidance in planning your graduate finances. The Financial Information section of the Graduate Catalog is another key resource.

Fellowship Information

Fellowships are awarded based on academic merit to highly qualified students. They are paid to students through the Office of Student Financial Assistance, based on instructions provided by the College of Graduate Studies. Fellowships are given to support a student's graduate study and do not have a work obligation. For more information, see UCF Graduate Fellowships, which includes descriptions of university fellowships and what you should do to be considered for a fellowship.

Additional Graduation Requirements

• All students must complete a comprehensive examination.
• Complete an electronic portfolio according to program guidelines. This portfolio requires demonstration of professional growth, reflection, and proficiency in the Florida Educator Accomplished Practices and Standards for Literacy Professionals.
• Pass Reading K-12 Subject Area Exam of the Florida Teacher Certification Examination.

Independent Learning

The MEd program also requires a practicum experience. Practica are independent learning activities that take place in authentic settings in which students must apply, reflect on, and refine knowledge and skills acquired in the program.