Reading
Master of Education
Program Requirements
A current valid United States teaching certificate is required for admission to this program as noted previously.
Completion of the degree includes successful completion of core courses, clinical courses, and a research course. Fifteen (15) semester credits of core courses in language, literacy, content area reading, literature and non-fiction materials for children and adolescents, and measurement, accountability and student learning are required. The required clinical sequence includes twenty (20) semester credits with a minimum of 250 clock hours of practice. All of the core courses require some collaboration and practice in schools. The research seminar is three (3) semester hours and includes analyses of research and conducting research. All MRD courses require interaction with children and/or teachers and paraprofessionals at multiple grade levels.
The clinical component requires candidates to arrange for time to be spent in elementary and secondary schools, so that they can become familiar with classrooms and the learning environment K-12. In addition, time must be arranged to work with other teachers at the elementary and secondary levels, specialists, parents, and community organizations. Experience serving as a resource person to other professionals in middle and secondary schools is required. Case studies of individuals and groups, analyses of classrooms of students, instructional planning and delivery for individuals, groups, and classrooms are all requirements. Participation in the reading clinic is required as part of the diagnosis and assessment course (MRD 7903 
). A course grade no lower than “B” must be achieved in this course. A final component requires candidates to attend school board meetings and be affiliated with either a local, state or national professional reading organization.
A research project is required. This research project may be qualitative or quantitative and designed for a classroom, school, or a district level. The final two courses, MRD 7902 and MRD 7950 , may not be taken concurrently without prior approval from Program Chair. An electronic portfolio is required for all students beginning the program in Fall 2009. Verification forms are collected throughout the program for various learning experiences.
Qualifications for a Degree
To qualify for a Master of Education in Reading, a candidate must complete all courses: core and clinical, for a total of 35 semester credits. The Knowledge of Reading Test (KRT), which assesses knowledge of basic reading skills, strategies and materials, must be taken online and during MRD 7920 , Practicum in Reading, or MRD 7950 , Seminar in Reading Research. The PRAXIS II Reading Specialist test (5301) must also be taken and passed using State of Delaware passing criteria (164) prior to receiving a grade in MRD 7950 . Praxis scores should be submitted to Wilmington University via ETS. They will also need to be posted in Taskstream. A cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 must be maintained throughout the program. The program must be completed within five years.
Content and Performance Assessment Requirements
This is a state-approved degree program which contributes to eligibility for licensure and/or certification as an educator in Delaware public schools. As such, all candidates must meet the content and performance assessment requirements described in DE Administrative Code, Title 14, Regulation 290. The regulation states, in part:
Content Assessment (This subparagraph shall take effect January 1, 2015).
“Where a content readiness exam is applicable and available in area, subject, or category of specialization sought, the Candidate shall achieve a passing score on an examination as established by the Professional Standards Board, in consultation with the Department and with concurrence of the State Board.”
Performance Assessment (This subparagraph shall take effect July 1, 2016).
“Where a performance assessment is applicable and available in an area appropriate to the Program in which a Candidate is enrolled, the Candidate shall achieve a passing score as a requirement to Exit the Program. The performance assessment may not be scored by any employees of the Educator Preparation Program or Unit, and shall be scored by Certified Reviewers.”
The instrument selected by Wilmington University as a required exit assessment for the M.Ed. in Reading is ETS Praxis II, #5301 Reading Specialist. The minimum acceptable score is 164. The assessment is administered and scored by ETS.
Candidates must satisfy all exit requirements in order to be eligible for program completion and degree conferral.
Candidates must consult with program advisors and/or the program chair to obtain the most current information about exit and graduation requirements.
Course Requirements
Master of Education in Reading leading to State Certification as a Reading Specialist K-12 (35 credits)
Core Courses
MED 6102 E-Folio (0 credits)
MRD 7801 Language Development
MRD 7802 Process and Acquisition of Literacy
MRD 7803 Strategies and Materials for Teaching
Reading and Writing
MRD 7804 Literature and Non-Fiction Books/Materials
for Children and Adolescents (semester)
MED 7705 Measurement, Accountability,
and Student Learning
Clinical Courses: All clinical courses are semester courses
MRD 7815 Application of Strategies for Teaching Content Area Reading
MRD 7903 Diagnosis and Correction of Reading Difficulties (This course requires onsite tutoring and a final grade of "B" or higher)
MRD 7920 Practicum in Reading
MRD 7950 Seminar in Reading Research
A dual degree in MRD/ESOL may be obtained with the following changes:
- Completion of all MRD and five MLL courses,
- Successful completion of outside requirements of both degrees [(PRAXIS II 5301 (164), Praxis ESL Subject Area Test 5361 (score 149).]
(See subsequent degree program description)
Certification Only
For teachers wishing to pursue ONLY certification rather than a degree, Regulation 1581 of the Delaware Administrative Code specifies the following coursework:
The successful completion of twenty-four (24) graduate level credit hours in the following content areas:
Assessment and Instruction in Writing (3 credits);(MRD 7806 )
Assessment and Instruction in Reading (6 credits);(MRD 7903 )
Practicum in Reading to include application of strategies in
assessment, instruction and parent involvement (6 credits); (MRD 7920 )
Literacy in the Content Areas (3 credits); (MRD 7805 )
Teaching English as a Second Language (3 credits) (MLL 7405 ); and either
Literacy Acquisition (3 credits); (MRD 7801 )
or
Coaching Adult Learners (3 credits) (MRD 7930 )
This information applies to students who enter this degree program during the 2018-2019 Academic Year. If you entered this degree program before the Fall 2018 semester, please refer to the academic catalog for the year you began your degree program.