Dr. Kevin S. Doyle, Chair
Department of Education and Special Education
434.395.2328, doyleks@longwood.edu
Dr. Anjelica D. Blanchette, Graduate Program Director
434.395.2698, blanchettead@longwood.edu
The Reading, Literacy, and Learning Program is designed for teachers who wish to: (a) upgrade their knowledge and skills in teaching literacy in the PreK-12 classroom; (b) be an instructional specialist; or (c) work in alternate support programs. The program follows both the Standards for Reading Professional published by the International Literacy Association (ILA) and is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), as well as the Virginia Department of Education Licensure Regulations for School Personnel.
Upon successful completion of this 34 hour program, a Master of Education in Reading, Literacy, and Learning will be earned. Eligibility to receive an endorsement as a Reading Specialist/Literacy Coach PreK-12 is also earned when combined with at least three years of successful classroom teaching experience in which the teaching of literacy is an important responsibility.
This degree provides teachers the opportunity to investigate research-based theories in literacy, put theory into effective practice, and examine how culture impacts literacy teaching and learning. The goal of this program is to produce competent teacher-leaders able to teach literacy across the curriculum within the parameters of research-based literacy techniques and assessment.
Students entering this program must possess a valid Virginia Collegiate Professional License or equivalent from another state at the time of admission to the program. Students interested in pursuing licensure as a Reading Specialist in the Commonwealth of Virginia are advised to obtain and adhere to the regulations of the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) (http://www.doe.virginia.gov/teaching/licensure/index.shtml) and to work with their school division’s personnel department to determine eligibility.
In addition to completion of this approved graduate level program, the VDOE requires passing scores on the RVE: Reading Specialist Assessment and at least three years of successful classroom teaching experience in which the teaching of literacy is an important responsibility. Students should not attempt the RVE: Reading Specialist Assessment prior to the completion of READ 660 - Evaluation and Applied Practicum in Emergent/Early Literacy ; READ 670 - Evaluation and Applied Practicum in Intermediate/Adolescent Literacy ;and READ 680 - Developing Literacy Leaders .
Professional Portfolio
All students in the Master of Education in Reading, Literacy and Learning complete the READ 691 - Professional Portfolio , as the culminating experience and exit requirement for the program. Students are scaffolded by their advisor throughout the program regarding professional portfolio requirements. During their final semester of enrollment, students are required to develop and present a professional portfolio which documents their mastery of program standards and highlights their growth throughout the program. Grading is Pass/Not Pass. A student who earns a Not Pass is allowed to retake READ 691 once. Should the student earn a second Not Pass, the student will be dismissed from the graduate program.
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