MEd – Reading Instruction
The following courses, along with one elective chosen in consultation with advisor.
RDNG 625 Survey of Effective Reading Methods (3)
The foundations of reading and reading development are the focus of this survey course. Topics covered include: children’s basic language development as a precursor to reading and as a medium for instruction, methods for assessing and instructing the emergent reader, the beginning reader, and the instructional reader, and reading disability.
RDNG 640 Strategies for Teaching Phonics, Spelling, and Vocabulary (3)
Examination of theoretical and practical issues surrounding access to print. Advances basic knowledge of reading process, models multi-sensory approach to teaching reading, and develops understanding of phonics, spelling, and vocabulary acquisition.
RDNG 672 Reading and Study Skills in the Content Area (3)
Methods, materials, and organizational patterns for reading and writing as a means to access text in content area texts and coursework. Reading strategies and study skills are improved to maximize learning for all students through effective use of course materials.
RDNG 644 Adolescent Literature (3)
An advanced course that includes intensive study of selected traditional and contemporary books that appeal to the adolescent reader and/or are about the adolescent. To encourage interdisciplinary uses, a wide variety of texts will be employed. Different approaches to literature genres, modes, and characteristics contained within the literature will be explored.
RDNG 675 Contemporary Issues in Language Arts Instruction (3)
Examination of issues and theoretical perspectives in the teaching of language arts in the elementary classroom. Emphasizes instructional strategies, activities, materials, and techniques to stimulate the acquisitions of oral, aural, and written language skills.
RDNG 643 Teaching Writing (3)
This course focuses on methods and pedagogy of teaching poetry, story-writing, and expository writing to children, adolescents, and young adults. Students experience these types of writing and plan units that include character development, point of view, and other strands of writing.
RDNG 690 Assessment, Diagnosis, and Remediation of Reading Problems (3)
Prerequisites: RDNG 625, RDNG 640. Introduction to basic and advanced assessment procedures used to diagnose reading difficulties of elementary and secondary students and adults. This course acquaints students with a variety of techniques to support and instruct remedial readers. These techniques address decoding, comprehension, writing, and word study across the developmental stage. It includes introduction of intervention techniques for accelerating the reading ability of struggling readers.
RDNG 691 Assessment and Diagnosis Practicum (3)
Prerequisite: RDNG 690. Corequisite: RDNG 692. Application of differentiated instruction in a clinical setting to assess the problems of disabled readers.
RDNG 692 Corrective and Remediation Practicum(3)
Prerequisite: RDNG 690. Corequisite: RDNG 691. Application of differentiated instruction in a clinical setting to remediate and correct reading problems in disabled readers. Emphasizes learning and developing appropriate and practical techniques that will meet the needs of specific individuals with specific reading problems.
RDNG 609 Research Methods and Applications (3)
Examines research methodology, tools, and resources available to the educational practitioner with specific emphasis on the use of quantitative and qualitative research in problem identification and resolution. Enables students to identify and apply relevant research to persistent or emerging problems and to develop appropriate assessment tools and techniques for ongoing educational activities.
SPED 600 or SPED 620:
SPED 600 Survey of Special Education (3)
Provides an overview of the special education field. Particular attention is given to federal and state rules and regulations that govern implementation of special services, basic knowledge relating to disability characteristics and causes, and current trends in special education (e.g., the issue of inclusion and accommodation of special learners in general education settings). Note: This course (or its equivalent) is prerequisite to all other courses in special education.
SPED 620 Language Development/Instruction and Assistive Technology (3)
Examines communication problems relevant to individuals with disabilities. Particular attention
is given to language development and acquisition, assessment procedures, and language arts instruction including
reading and written expression. The course also includes a review of compensatory approaches to academics
and basic communication with an emphasis on the use of assistive devices, both basic and electronic.
is given to language development and acquisition, assessment procedures, and language arts instruction including
reading and written expression. The course also includes a review of compensatory approaches to academics
and basic communication with an emphasis on the use of assistive devices, both basic and electronic.
Total hours: 36
MEd – Reading Specialist*
The following courses, along with one elective chosen in consultation with advisor.
RDNG 625 Survey of Effective Reading Methods (3)
The foundations of reading and reading development are the focus of this survey course. Topics covered include: children’s basic language development as a precursor to reading and as a medium for instruction, methods for assessing and instructing the emergent reader, the beginning reader, and the instructional reader, and reading disability.
RDNG 640 Strategies for Teaching Phonics, Spelling, and Vocabulary (3)
Examination of theoretical and practical issues surrounding access to print. Advances basic knowledge of reading process, models multi-sensory approach to teaching reading, and develops understanding of phonics, spelling, and vocabulary acquisition.
RDNG 672 Reading and Study Skills in the Content Area (3)
Methods, materials, and organizational patterns for reading and writing as a means to access text in content area texts and coursework. Reading strategies and study skills are improved to maximize learning for all students through effective use of course materials.
RDNG 644 or RDNG 675:
RDNG 644 Adolescent Literature (3)
An advanced course that includes intensive study of selected traditional and contemporary books that appeal to the adolescent reader and/or are about the adolescent. To encourage interdisciplinary uses, a wide variety of texts will be employed. Different approaches to literature genres, modes, and characteristics contained within the literature will be explored.
RDNG 675 Contemporary Issues in Language Arts Instruction (3)
Examination of issues and theoretical perspectives in the teaching of language arts in the elementary classroom. Emphasizes instructional strategies, activities, materials, and techniques to stimulate the acquisitions of oral, aural, and written language skills.
RDNG 680 The Organization and Supervision of Reading Programs (3)
Exploration of the organization and supervision of effective reading programs in classrooms, schools, and school districts. Participants design a reading program.
RDNG 643 Teaching Writing (3)
This course focuses on methods and pedagogy of teaching poetry, story-writing, and expository writing to children, adolescents, and young adults. Students experience these types of writing and plan units that include character development, point of view, and other strands of writing.
RDNG 690 Assessment, Diagnosis, and Remediation of Reading Problems (3)
Prerequisites: RDNG 625, RDNG 640. Introduction to basic and advanced assessment procedures used to diagnose reading difficulties of elementary and secondary students and adults. This course acquaints students with a variety of techniques to support and instruct remedial readers. These techniques address decoding, comprehension, writing, and word study across the developmental stage. It includes introduction of intervention techniques for accelerating the reading ability of struggling readers.
RDNG 691 Assessment and Diagnosis Practicum (3)
Prerequisite: RDNG 690. Corequisite: RDNG 692. Application of differentiated instruction in a clinical setting to assess the problems of disabled readers.
RDNG 692 Corrective and Remediation Practicum(3)
Prerequisite: RDNG 690. Corequisite: RDNG 691. Application of differentiated instruction in a clinical setting to remediate and correct reading problems in disabled readers. Emphasizes learning and developing appropriate and practical techniques that will meet the needs of specific individuals with specific reading problems.
RDNG 609 Research Methods and Applications (3)
Examines research methodology, tools, and resources available to the educational practitioner with specific emphasis on the use of quantitative and qualitative research in problem identification and resolution. Enables students to identify and apply relevant research to persistent or emerging problems and to develop appropriate assessment tools and techniques for ongoing educational activities.
SPED 600 Survey of Special Education (3)
Provides an overview of the special education field. Particular attention is given to federal and state rules and regulations that govern implementation of special services, basic knowledge relating to disability characteristics and causes, and current trends in special education (e.g., the issue of inclusion and accommodation of special learners in general education settings). Note: This course (or its equivalent) is prerequisite to all other courses in special education.
SPED 620 Language Development/Instruction and Assistive Technology (3)
Examines communication problems relevant to individuals with disabilities. Particular attention
is given to language development and acquisition, assessment procedures, and language arts instruction including
reading and written expression. The course also includes a review of compensatory approaches to academics
and basic communication with an emphasis on the use of assistive devices, both basic and electronic.
is given to language development and acquisition, assessment procedures, and language arts instruction including
reading and written expression. The course also includes a review of compensatory approaches to academics
and basic communication with an emphasis on the use of assistive devices, both basic and electronic.
Total hours: 36
*Reading for Virginia Educators Assessment is required.
