Degree Spotlight: Master of Education in Reading
Master of Education in Reading
Dr. Kent Layton provides an overview of the Master of Education in Reading for more information call 501-569-3267
In today’s classroom setting, a teacher dealing with language barriers, developmental barriers, and mental health barriers involving students, may find themselves wondering how to address the fundamental skill of reading.
The UA Little Rock Master of Education in Reading is an accelerated 30-hour online degree program that offers beginning and veteran teachers the opportunity to obtain knowledge in the field of literacy.
Kent Layton, associate professor of reading, explained that “This degree is designed to take teachers to the next level with regard to their knowledge about reading and literacy.”
The M.Ed. in reading coursework focuses on preparing teachers as a reading specialist, effective literacy educator, or intervention specialist.
“Embedded within the graduate program, if students would like, they are able to also pick up their Dyslexia Graduate Certificate,” Layton said. “The M.Ed. in Reading can also lead to licensure as a k12 reading specialist if a student passes their practice reading specialist test.”
Students can choose from one of two-degree plans that lead to the M.Ed. in Reading; the reading specialist licensure and the reading generalist. According to Layton, students who take the reading generalist route “don’t have to take the courses necessary for the reading specialist.”
Layton further explained while licensing as a teacher is not a requirement for entry into the program, it is important to have access to schools and children.
“In our program, you do have to work with children. And at times you have to work in the schools in order to complete the assignments we have for our program,” Layton said.
The M.Ed. in Reading program meets CAEP, NCATE, and Arkansas Department of Education standards and is nationally recognized and accredited by the International Literacy Association (ILA).
For more information on the M.Ed. in Reading program go to https://ualr.edu/education/reading-med/.