Literacy and Culture

The concentration in Literacy and Culture is designed for teachers who wish to: (a) upgrade their knowledge and skills for teaching literacy in the PK-12 classroom; (b) be an instructional specialist; and/or (c) work in alternative support programs. The program follows both the Standards for Reading Professionals published by the International Reading Association (IRA) and endorsed by the accreditation agency NCATE, as well as the Virginia Department of Education Licensure Regulations for School Personnel. Upon successful completion of this 36 hour program, a Master of Science in Education and eligibility to receive an endorsement as a Reading Specialist/Coach PreK-12 will be earned. This degree provides teachers the opportunity to investigate research-based theories in reading and writing, put theory into effective practice, and examine how culture impacts teaching and learning. The goal of this program is to produce competent teacher-leaders able to teach reading and writing across the curriculum within the parameters of research-based literacy techniques and assessments.

Students entering this program must possess a valid Virginia Collegiate Professional License or equivalent from another state.  Applicants must also have a minimum of two years teaching experience under a full-time teaching contract and the capacity to work directly with students in an educational setting as they proceed through the program.  Interested applicants with less than two years teaching experience may contact the program coordinator to discuss options.

Note:    All applicants must meet with the program coordinator and create a course completion plan upon being admitted to the program.

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MASTER'S DEGREE:

EDUC 518    Teaching the Writing Process K-8 (3)  

EDUC 520    Literacy Development and Cultural Awareness (3)

EDUC 524    Emergent and Early Literacy Instruction (3)

EDUC 525    Intermediate to Middle Grade Literacy Instruction (3)

EDUC 526    Classroom-based Literacy Assessment (3)

EDUC 527    Strategies for Students who Struggle with Literacy (3)

EDUC 530    Teaching Reading in the Content Area (3)

EDUC 531    Inquiry Into the Literacy Process (3)

EDUC 626    Practicum I:  Analysis and Instruction in Literacy (3)

EDUC 645    Developing Leaders in Literacy (3)

EDUC 646    Practicum II:  Leadership in Literacy (3)

EDUC 699    Comprehensive Examination (0)

Elective Course (3).  Select one from the following:

EDUC 502    Research Design (3)

EDUC 529    Teaching Comprehension Strategies (3)

EDSL 520     Library Resources for Children (3)

EDSL 530     Library Resources for Young Adults (3)

SPED 515    Survey of Exceptional Students (3)

SPED 520    Language Development and Disorders (3)

OR another three-credit course approved by the program coordinator.

TOTAL HOURS REQUIRED:  36

The Reading Specialist/Coach licensure program is designed for teachers who have a Master’s degree, a valid Virginia Postgraduate Professional teaching license or equivalent from another state, and at least three years of successful teaching experience in which reading education was a responsibility under a full-time teaching contract.  This degree provides teachers the opportunity to investigate research-based theories in reading and writing, put theory into effective practice, and examine how culture impacts teaching and learning. The goal of this program is to produce competent teacher-leaders able to teach reading and writing across the curriculum within the parameters of research-based literacy techniques and assessments.  Admission to this licensure program is on the same basis as admission to the graduate degree program in Literacy and Culture at Longwood University.

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS FOR LICENSURE ONLY:

EDUC 518              Teaching the Writing Process K-8 (3)
EDUC 524              Emergent and Early Literacy Instruction  (3)
EDUC 526              Classroom-based Literacy Assessment  (3)
EDUC 527              Strategies for Students who Struggle with Literacy (3)                
EDUC 626              Practicum I: Analysis & Instruction in Literacy (3)       
EDUC 645              Developing Leaders in Literacy ( (3)
EDUC 646              Practicum II: Leadership in Literacy (3)
Elective Course (3). Select one course from the following:
EDUC 520              Literacy Development & Cultural Awareness (3)
EDUC 525              Intermediate to Middle Grade Literacy Instruction (3)
EDUC 529              Teaching Comprehension Strategies (3)
EDUC 530              Teaching Reading in the Content Area (3)
EDUC 531              Inquiry into the Literacy Process (3)
OR another three-credit course approved by the advisor

TOTAL HOURS REQUIRED            24

For more information, contact the Program Coordinator, Dr. Jeannine R. Perry, Hull Building, Room 213, 434-395-2469, perryjr@longwood.edu, mailing address Longwood University, 201 High Street, Farmville, VA 23909.

Site Last Updated:  07-24-2006

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