The Literacy programs at Sacred Heart University prepare classroom teachers, literacy specialists/interventionists, and literacy coaches (reading consultants) with in-depth knowledge of the science of reading and the art of teaching. Courses focus on evidence-based practices in curriculum development, instruction, assessment, and leadership within comprehensive literacy programs. Each of the courses and practicums are designed for candidates to become reflective and skilled practitioners who engage and empower the children and teachers they support among a community of fellow professional educators. Aligned with Sacred Heart's mission, the Literacy programs emphasize literacy as a social justice imperative. Course experiences are aligned with state and national policy initiatives that support every child's right to literacy.
Across the programs, candidates learn a variety of instructional practices, approaches, and methods for selecting and using curriculum and texts, planning evidence-based lessons, assessing and providing feedback to learners, and evaluating the effectiveness of literacy programs. Candidates in the Literacy Specialist degree programs are also prepared to coach classroom teachers and other professionals to create literacy environments that support all learners as readers, writers, and communicators.
All programs feature a partnership with The Southport School and Southport CoLab with a focus on structured literacy methods and clinical preparation. Candidates in the Literacy Specialist Master's degree program will be eligible to pursue Orton Gilligham classroom practitioner certification if they so choose.
Each of the literacy programs are fully online, with a mix of both synchronous and asynchronous courses. Practicums/Clinical coursework is completed within the candidates' school setting and includes both targeted and intensive intervention.
Remedial Reading and Remedial Language Arts 102 Certification
102 Certification
21 credits
| EDR 505 | Early Reading & Language Arts Success (PK-3) | 3 |
| EDR 507 | Developmental Reading & Language Arts (4-6) | 3 |
| EDR 510 | Content Area Reading Instruction (Grades 7-12) | 3 |
| EDR 540 | Advanced Diagnosis & Remediation I | 3 |
| EDR 545 | Assessment & Evaluation | 3 |
| EDR 550 | Clinical Experience I | 3 |
| EDR 555 | Clinical Experience II | 3 |
Upon successful completion of the first seven courses, candidates apply for Remedial Reading and Remedial Language Arts (102) Certification. 30 months of successful teaching experience required.
The Graduate Transfer Credit Policy governs the approval of transfer credits.
Transfer Credit Limit: 6
Minimum Grade Required: B
Reading and Language Arts Consultant - 097 Certification
097 Certification
Courses required for 097 certificate are available to candidates who have earned 102 certification for Remedial Reading/Remedial Language Arts.
12 credits
| EDR 527 | Organization, Administration and Supervision: Reading & Language Arts | 3 |
| EDR 541 | Advanced Diagnosis & Remediation II | 3 |
| EDR 691 | Practicum In Consulting | 3 |
| EDR 692 | Applied Reading & Language Arts Research | 3 |
097 Certification Prerequisite: Remedial Reading and Remedial Language Arts (102) Certificate. One year of teaching as a Remedial Language Arts Specialist is required for certification.
The Graduate Transfer Credit Policy governs the approval of transfer credits. This program does not accept transfer credit.
Dyslexia Graduate Certificate
It is estimated that dyslexia affects up to 20 percent of the population, meaning that 1 in 5 children could have dyslexia in any classroom. The Dyslexia Educator Certificate is a fully online program designed to empower classroom teachers and specialists with a deeper understanding of the research and evidence behind reading science to help inform assessment and instruction in both general education and intervention settings. In particular, the courses in this program will equip educators with the background and skill set needed to notice early signs of dyslexia and to implement instructional practices that are explicit, structured, and cumulative to help each child reach their full potential. Additionally, this program supports educators with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to create an inclusive classroom with a greater awareness of the social and emotional impact dyslexia can have on children's overall development as learners.
Dyslexia Graduate Certificate
18 creditsNote: 9 credits of this program may be applied to the Master of Education in Literacy, Master of Special Education, or Sixth-Year in Literacy. Candidates for the Dyslexia Graduate Certificate must pass the Knowledge and Practice Examination for Effective Reading Instruction (KPEERI) exam.
The Graduate Transfer Credit Policy governs the approval of transfer credits. This program does not accept transfer credit.
Master of Education in Literacy
The Master of Education in Literacy prepares classroom teachers and future literacy specialists/interventionists with knowledge and skills to implement evidence-based reading instruction and/or intervention.
Graduate Teacher Internship Option
The Graduate Teacher Internship is available to candidates pursuing the M.Ed. Participation in the school-based experience entitles the candidate to 30 credits of tuition. Please visit our internship page to learn more about the program.
Required Courses
30 credits
| EDR 505 | Early Reading & Language Arts Success (PK-3) | 3 |
| EDR 507 | Developmental Reading & Language Arts (4-6) | 3 |
| EDR 510 | Content Area Reading Instruction (Grades 7-12) | 3 |
| EDR 525 | Methods and Materials for English Language Learners | 3 |
| EDR 538 | Evidenced Based Process Writing: K-12 | 3 |
| EDR 540 | Advanced Diagnosis & Remediation I | 3 |
| EDR 545 | Assessment & Evaluation | 3 |
| EDR 550 | Clinical Experience I | 3 |
| EDR 555 | Clinical Experience II | 3 |
| EDR 590 | Literacy Capstone | 3 |
More Information
Sacred Heart's Master of Education (M.Ed.) courses are offered fully online. The M.Ed. in Literacy offers summer and fall start dates.
This 30-credit course of study must be completed within six years of the date of completion of the first course.
*Candidates are eligible to apply for state certification (102) after the successful completion of Master of Education in Literacy coursework and 30 months of successful classroom experience working under a teaching certificate.
The Graduate Transfer Credit Policy governs the approval of transfer credits.
Transfer Credit Limit: 6
Minimum Grade Required: B
Sixth-Year Degree in Literacy
This fully online program prepares literacy leaders as literacy specialists/interventionists and literacy coaches (reading consultants) with in-depth knowledge and skills in evidence-based practices in curriculum, instruction, assessment, and leadership. Each of the courses and practicums are designed in ways for candidates to bring a socially just science of reading foundation into artful practices that engage and empower both children and the teachers who serve them.
Candidates are provided with scaffolded practicum experiences in the assessment and evaluation of students experiencing literacy difficulties and the design and teaching of intervention that is research-based and responsive to the needs of individual and small groups of children.
The purpose of the Sixth-Year Degree in Literacy is to prepare prospective literacy professionals with strong teaching and leadership skills to address the diverse needs of an evolving population. The 102 certificate for Remedial Reading/Remedial Language Arts and/or the 097 for Reading Consultant qualify the holder to obtain a position as a/an interventionist, literacy coach, reading specialist, staff and curriculum developer or teacher leader. Although specific requirements for specific literacy positions vary from district to district, the State of Connecticut recognized the distinction between the two levels of certification as an upper (097) and a lower tier (102) certification, with the 102 as a prerequisite for the 097.
Candidates are eligible to apply for state reading certification after the successful completion of program requirements and 30 months of successful teaching under a valid teaching certificate. Candidates are also required to pass the Reading Specialist Test, the test of licensure for obtaining literacy certification.
The Graduate Transfer Credit Policy governs the approval of transfer credits.
Transfer Credit Limit: 6
Minimum Grade Required: B