About Literacy Studies

FAST FACTS

• The literacy faculty members provide the major literacy methods and content courses for all undergraduate education majors, as well as core courses in the education master’s curriculum.
• The Literacy Studies unit provides significant instruction for elementary, secondary, speech pathology, music and physical education majors.
• The Literacy Studies unit offers programs in the following areas:
  
  • Masters in Literacy Studies
  • Masters in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
  • ESL graduate certificate program
  • PhD program with focus areas in Literacy or TESOL
• Graduates of our program go on to become exceptional classroom teachers, district reading specialists, curriculum directors, and literacy coaches.

HISTORY

• The Department of Special Education and Literacy Studies emerged during a reorganization during 2005-06.
• The Literacy Studies unit began in 2007-2008 with a Master of Arts in Literacy Studies (LSTM) degree.
• The Literacy Studies unit developed an ESL certificate program in 2015 and an MA TESOL program in 2016.

MISSION

The Department of Special Education and Literacy Studies offers undergraduate and graduate programs focused on preparing educational professionals with expertise in meeting the needs of K–12 students with diverse abilities. The MA TESOL program caters to students learning ESL in the college level and adults in general. Within each program area, faculty are engaged in research initiatives that enhance both student engagement and learning.

Accreditations/External Program Review

• National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education