This MA with endorsement is designed for K-6 and 7-12 teachers and is credentialed meeting the Colorado Department of Education requirements for the Reading Teacher endorsement.  Recommendations for endorsements are made by the program, but endorsement is granted by the State of Colorado. Individual state requirements vary and may include teaching experience in addition to a valid teaching credential. Students should consult with the Colorado Department of Education (http://www.cde.state.co) or another state in which they wish to be endorsed for the most updated endorsement requirements. Please note that the Colorado Department of Education also requires 2 years of post-licensing teaching experience and a passing score on the Reading Teacher PRAXIS exam for the application for the reading teacher endorsement after graduation. 

This degree is available on-campus or completely online.

Literacy Core Courses (9 credits)

• LCRT 5810 - Oral & Written Language & Literacy  
• LCRT 5020 - Reading Development, Instruction and Assessment  
• LCRT 5055 - Literacy Assessment & Informed Instruction  

Content Courses (15 Credits)

• LCRT 5710 - Primary Literacy for Diverse Learners, Pre K-Grade 3   or LCRT 5730 - Language and Literacy Across the Curriculum  
• LCRT 5720 - Writing Development, Instruction and Assessment  
• LCRT 5795 - Current Children’s Literature   or LCRT 5201 - Adolescent Literature  
  • (Or LCRT 5780  , or LCRT 5790  are offered occasionally)
• LCRT 6910 - Seminar & Practicum in Literacy and Language  
• Choice from SEHD Thematic Course Categories list with Faculty Advisor Approval

Research Course (3 credits)

• RSEM 5050 - Classroom Assessment   or RSEM 5080 - Research In Schools  
• Or other RSEM course with Advisor Approval

Capstone (3 credits)

• LCRT 6915 - Seminar and Practicum in Literacy Professional Development  

Portfolio (Comprehensive Exam)

Total Credit Hours 30

Cumulative Portfolio

The MA portfolio counts as the comprehensive exam for the master’s degree. The portfolio is an accumulation of the performance based assessments completed during program courses and reflects on the student’s development over the course of the degree program.

Program Requirements and Courses

To complete the Literacy Education program and earn a master’s degree and/or endorsement, students must complete the appropriate course work as outlined.  All courses require a grade of B- or better to count to the MA or endorsement and a 3.0 minimum GPA is required for graduation.

Course Scheduling

During the fall and spring semesters, most courses are offered in the late afternoon and evening and meet for three hours once a week over a 16-week semester. Courses are offered in various formats, including completely face-to-face classes, hybrid, or online classes. In the summer semester, three-to eight-week sessions are offered, and courses may be in the morning, afternoon or evening.

Planning

For practicing full-time teachers, we recommend taking one course each fall and spring semester, and up to two courses each summer. Plan carefully because some courses are only offered once a year.

Active Status

Students must complete their programs within seven years, maintaining a GPA of 3.0. Students typically take four courses each calendar year. Failure to enroll over three contiguous semesters will result in a requirement to submit readmission materials.