Literacy Education, M.S.Ed.

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The Master of Science in Education in Literacy Education, an advanced certification for teachers, provides students with a sound theoretical and empirical knowledge base relating to literacy acquisition. The purpose of the program is to enable students to become informed decision makers who are capable of designing and implementing appropriate up-to-date instruction in reading, writing, listening, and speaking at all levels. Students will acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to become effective advocates for improving literacy instruction in their schools. The program is designed for classroom teachers, literacy teachers, and other experienced educators whose primary responsibility is helping students to become competent users of language.

The Master of Science in Education in Literacy Education is a 36-credit online program. Most courses are taught in a 7-week, asynchronous format.

Program Requirements

Literacy Education

Program Requirements (36 credits)

First Tier Courses (24 credit hours)

Second Tier Courses (12 credit hours)

To earn Literacy Specialist licensure from the state requires evidence of two years of teaching experience for the Reading Specialist. Evidence of this is an additional graduation requirement.

All students will complete an online portfolio documenting evidence of meeting professional standards in their areas of expertise.

Tk20 Subscription

Tk20 by Watermark is the comprehensive web-based, assessment management and reporting system used by all students in Educator Preparation programs at USM. All undergraduate and graduate students who matriculate into an Educator Preparation program at USM and are accepted as a candidate for their internship/student teaching year are required to subscribe to Tk20. Students use Tk20 to provide evidence they have mastered state and professional standards for their profession. The subscription fee of $103 covers some of the expenses related to the administration and assessment of the program. For loan purposes, Tk20 is eligible for consideration as part of educational costs. The subscription is a one-time payment and must be made by each student after they have passed their candidacy process and before the first semester of their internship year. Subscription instructions are posted on the Office of Educator Preparation website at http://usm.maine.edu/educator-preparation.

Please note Professional Education Council Policy: In order for USM’s Education Preparation Unit program completers to be recommended by the institution to the Maine Department of Education for certification or licensure, the candidate must provide evidence of meeting all certification requirements including proficiency on the standards relevant to her/his state-approved professional program and this evidence must be compiled and assessed within the context of the Unit’s data management system (i.e., Tk20).

Recommended Course Sequence

Students should plan to complete First Tier courses before Second Tier courses.