Reading

Overview

This nationally-accredited and Virginia Board of Education-approved program promotes a passion for lifelong reading education, embracing literacy practices across all levels (early childhood, elementary, intermediate, secondary and adult).

Students will gain an understanding of the developmental and diagnostic processes involved in teaching reading and the language arts, and will learn to effectively plan reading and literacy instruction. Prior to graduation, students must complete a reading portfolio documenting their work in the program and related work experiences.

The Reading program at Virginia Commonwealth University offers students a high level of flexibility for managing their time and coursework. The program features interactive dialogues, asynchronous online discussions, synchronous online conversations and coaching opportunities.

An externship course enables candidates to work collaboratively to implement an action research project and share results of their learning through a virtual presentation. Candidates will be required to complete a three-credit internship, which enables candidates to provide intensive instruction to struggling learners, collaborate with colleagues and practice coaching skills under the direct supervision of VCU faculty.

Program Concentrations

K-12 Reading Specialist

The K-12 reading specialist concentration of the M.Ed. in reading provides students with an understanding of the resource and supervisory functions involved in teaching reading and the language arts.

TESOL/K-12

This program is designed to prepare professionals to work with K-12 students for whom English is not their native language.

TESOL/Adult

This program is designed to prepare professionals to work with adults for whom English is not their native language.