Department Contact:
Director: Mrs. Melissa Peppetti, mpeppetti@francis.edu, 814-472-3068
Program Description:
The Master of Education with Reading Specialist Specialization is designed for teachers interested in pursuing advanced skills in literacy education. The program provides advanced study for elementary and secondary educators interested in increasing their professional knowledge base and skills in literacy through the curriculum. through leadership. The program seeks to facilitate students’ ability to be analytical, reflective decision-makers. Courses are designed to link educational theory and classroom practice for application in students’ current or future professional settings. Students will be prepared to complete the praxis exam for certification as a Reading Specialist.
Teachers need to know how to teach and to utilize a variety of methods designed to meet students’ needs and to maximize the probability of learning. This course of study is designed to address all of the major components of reading, the best practices for instruction, the inclusion of fostering motivation to read, and the integration of reading with other related skills in the language arts. In addition, candidates will be prepared to conduct appropriate and meaningful assessment of individual reading skills and interpret them for meaningful instruction, including individually administered diagnostic assessments and standardized group reading assessments. Candidates will be required to engage in extensive field experiences to ensure that their developing skills and knowledge are applied beyond the theoretical text instruction.
Admission Criteria:
Students must apply for admission into the program. The Graduate Education program will review all applicants throughout the year and candidates will receive an acceptance letter from the Director. In order to be considered for application, applicants must submit the following information:
- Online Application and $30 application fee made payable to Saint Francis University;
- Two letters of professional recommendation;
- A minimum undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 is required. If candidate’s GPA is less than 3.0; he or she may be accepted on a provisional basis while taking up to nine (9) credits. The student must obtain a minimum GPA of 3.0 in the first nine credits to be admitted to the program. If these requirements are not met the student will not be admitted to the program.
- Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate course work completed;
- Copy of Instructional Certificate;
- Role of the Reading Specialist Paper.
Admission Deadline:
The program has rolling admission.
Progression and/or Retention Criteria:
- Students must complete their degrees within five (5) years of their initial enrollment.
- A minimum average of 3.0 must be maintained throughout the program. If a student falls below the 3.0 requirement he or she will be placed on academic probation for the next semester. Student’s continued eligibility in the program will depend on the GPA in the semester following the low GPA. If the student’s GPA does not go above the 3.0, after being placed on probation, the student is subject to dismissal from the program.
Licensure and/or Certification:
Upon completion of the program requirements, candidate must pass the Pennsylvania reading specialist praxis test. Upon successful completion of this test, candidate will be recommended for certification through the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) TIMS.
Graduation Requirements:
A candidate for graduation must satisfy the following requirements:
- Complete all requirements for an approved program of study;
- Complete a minimum of 30 credits of master-level education courses depending on which specialization option they choose.
- Achieve a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or better
- Submit a completed Application for Degree form at least one semester prior to graduation date; and
- Satisfy financial obligations to the University.
Estimated Completion Time:
Typically 2 years of full-time study or 2+ years part time
Total Credits Required:
30-42 credits
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