General
Provisions:
The
Graduate Reading Program was recently revised to include seven required courses
which emphasize cutting-edge theory and practice, curriculum and content
related to increasing diversity of language and cultural populations, authentic
evaluation and administration and supervision of reading programs. All students
are familiar with the TEKS as well as the recently revised and approved SBEC
Reading Standards for Certification of Teachers, and are made aware of the SBEC
Standards for Certification as a Reading
Specialist in Texas.
With regard to meeting the
needs of diverse and at-risk populations, all graduate students are required to
complete a core course, EDPD 6304 "Multicultural Education." In
addition, three courses in Reading
are required: EDRD 6341 "Diagnosis and Remediation," EDRD 6344
"Multicultural Child and Adolescent Literature," and EDRD 6345
"Emergent Literacy in Family and Community Context."
Students currently enrolled
in WTAMU's Graduate Reading
Program are involved in a variety of professional pursuits and settings: public
and private school teaching, tutoring and resource support staff, and/or
graduate school. Recruitment of quality candidates has been through the
collaborative efforts of Department Head, Master's Chair, and Reading Faculty at WTAMU as well as local
collaboration with public school instructional leadership.
Admission
Criteria:
All
students entering the program will have a Bachelor's Degree and 18 hours of
Education. Initial screening procedures include application to WTAMU Graduate
School and meeting minimum requirements (combination of GRE scores and GPA in
last 60 hours of undergraduate work); completion of application form listing
references to Graduate Reading Program; criminal check for those not currently
employed by public schools in Texas; and a personal interview with student's
Master's Committee Chair.
Field-Based
Experiences:
There are
currently three courses which require field experience: EDRD 6341
"Diagnosis and Remediation," EDRD 6346 "Language and Literacy in
the Classroom" and EDRD 6348 "Organization and Administration of
Reading Programs." The number of field-based hours as well as details of
local district collaboration, logistics and evaluation will be finalized by
each instructor for the various courses.
Assessment
and Evaluation:
Student
performance is evaluated throughout the program as a regular function of
evaluating performance in each course taken. Graduate student performance and
progress in the program will be addressed in individual conferences at the
completion of six hours of Reading Courses. Following the completion of all
coursework in Reading, students will take the
Comprehensive Exam for a Master's in Reading,
and also participate in a Pre-test orientation and practice exam. For
professional certification as a Reading
Specialist, individuals must also complete two years of actual teaching
experience and pass the Texas Exam for Reading Specialist.
Visit the following web site for guidance:
http://www.texes.nesinc.com
Professional
Conduct:
All
students in the Graduate Reading Program are
made aware of the SBEC Standards for Certification as a Reading
Specialist in Texas as well as the recently
revised and approved Reading
Standards for Certification of Teachers. In addition, the "Code of
Ethics" documents developed by the International Reading Association (IRA)
and National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) are used as appropriate in
the various graduate courses and most specifically in the capstone course, EDRD
5548 "Organization and Administration of Reading Programs."
Proposed
Benchmarks:
1. Admission to Graduate School, and schedule appointment with Dr.
Monroe, OM 434.
2. GRE Exam to be scheduled and completed during the first semester of
enrollment
3. Completion of degree plan check list
4. Submission of Plan of Study through Dr. Monroe to Graduate School
(within first 12 credit hours)
5. Completion of all proposed coursework on Plan of Study
6. Comprehensive Exam--Master's Degree
7. Orientation and Pre-test for ExCET
(see above web site)
8. ExCET for Reading Specialist.