Academic Year:
Certificate in Reading
Telephone: (302) 831-1165
http://www.udel.edu/education
Faculty Listing: http://www.udel.edu/education/people/index.html
The Certificate in Reading is designed to serve current teachers who wish to enroll in a program focusing on a concentrated course of study in reading. The curriculum focuses on theory, research, and practical application of reading and writing. Specifically, the courses aim to provide candidates with a strong foundation in literacy theory and research, a firm understanding of evidence-based instruction and assessment practices, and the ability to evaluate and plan literacy instruction for of all students in the reading and writing classroom, including struggling readers and writers. In addition, candidates will learn how to create an environment where students read, write, and learn using traditional literature, multimodal texts, and technology-based literacy tools. Finally, candidates will learn how to design evidence-based literacy curricula and support colleagues in the implementation of reading curricula.
The Certificate in Reading is taught in an online format only and all accepted students will be expected to have the appropriate hardware and software components listed on the program’s School of Education website.
Requirements for Admission to the Certificate in Reading
Complete applications will be reviewed upon receipt but no later than the following deadlines: fall admission, August 1st, spring admission, January 1st, summer admission, May 1st. Admission application forms are available online.
Admission decisions are made by the full-time faculty in literacy. Candidates will be admitted to the program based upon enrollment availability and their ability to meet the following minimum recommended entrance requirements:
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Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university.
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Transcripts showing an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher. Applicants with lower than expected performance are not automatically disqualified, but should provide an explanation for their prior performance and describe the experiences, skills, and dispositions they believe indicate the ability to succeed at the graduate level.
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Transcripts showing a minimum GPA of 3.0 for all graduate courses completed (if applicable). This GPA applies to graduate level courses taken through continuing education or graduate programs at the University of Delaware and other institutions.
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Three letters of recommendation from individuals who are able to assess the applicant’s academic potential. Letters should be from professors who can attest to the candidate’s suitability for graduate study and supervisors who can comment on the candidate’s professional commitment and experience. Letters from family, friends, and professional peers are strongly discouraged.
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For students whose native language is not English, an officially reported minimum TOEFL score of 600 (paper-based test) or 250 (computer-based test), and IELTS of 7.0.
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A written statement of goals and objectives that should (a) clearly describe why the applicant wishes to pursue a Certificate in Reading and (b) indicate and explain any areas of special interest.
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Writing sample responding to the following prompt: As you know, the Certificate in Reading program at the University of Delaware is offered online. In a 500 word essay describe the following: (1) your technology skills and experiences with technology and (2) how this program can meet your professional goals.
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Demonstrated knowledge of the teaching of oral language, reading, and writing through previous coursework and teaching.
Program Requirements for the Certificate in Reading
Coursework:
The Certificate in Reading requires 18 credits of graduate-level coursework. There are no electives. The required coursework includes:
EDUC 608 Literacy Assessment and Instruction I (3 cr)
EDUC 609 Literacy Assessment and Instruction II (3 cr)
EDUC 622 The Role of Literacy in Content Areas (3 cr)
EDUC 604 Teaching Writing in the Elementary and Middle School (3 cr) or EDUC 765 Writing Strategy Instruction (3 cr)
EDUC 630 Supervised Reading Clinic: Elementary (3 cr) or EDUC 763 Supervised Reading Clinic: Middle/High School (3 cr)
EDUC 761 Literature in 21st Century Classrooms (3 cr)
Technology:
Technology plays a vital role in the Certificate in Reading program. Candidates will use technology to communicate with instructors, collaborate with peers, document school-based instruction, and submit assignments. Given the importance of technology to this program, candidates are responsible for ensuring access to specific software and hardware components as described in the program’s description on the School of Education website. These technology requirements may be revised in response to changing technologies.
Tutorial:
All candidates must complete the Introduction to Online Learning tutorial upon admission to the program. The purpose is to provide candidates with: (1) tenets of online learning, (2) an overview of the tools used in the Certificate in Reading program, (3) sample online lessons and lectures, and (4) the opportunity to introduce themselves to an online learning community of Certificate in Reading candidates. Candidates must submit certificate of completion to their advisor prior to the start of the first course.
Course Scheduling:
Candidates are required to take courses during the fall, spring, and summer semesters. They must take two courses per semester following a predetermined sequence unless given permission by their advisor. Course content delivery will vary, including synchronous and asynchronous meetings.
Although every effort has been made to assure the accuracy of the information in the Catalog,
students and others who use the Catalog should note that the policies, rules, regulations,
requirements for graduation, course offerings, and other materials reproduced in the Catalog change
from time-to-time and that these changes may alter the information contained in this Catalog.
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