Master of Science in Education Reading and Literacy courses
Reading and Literacy coursework overview
Coursework tailored to your learning preferences
- Capella sets the deadlines
- Weekly online interactions
- Learn on your time
- Online
Planning for your degree
- total quarter credits: 45
- Quarter length: 10 weeks
- Course length: 10 weeks
- Break: 3 weeks between quarters
Course requirements
- Core 6 courses
- Specialization 5 courses
- Practicum 1 course
Example program course sequence
This example course sequence takes course prerequisites into account, so it can be helpful as a general guide when you register for courses. In GuidedPath, the number of courses you take in a quarter and time it takes to complete your program can vary. Your academic coach can help answer any course registration questions.
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ED5010
Core Foundations of Master's Studies in Education
4 quarter credits
Students acquire and use graduate-level skills, including critically examining and applying relevant educational theory to teaching practice. Students examine their professional purpose and its alignment with their specialization and career aspirations. Should be taken alone. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning.
4 quarter credits
ED5146
Core Assessment and Evaluation in Education
4 quarter credits
Students examine the background, context, and practice of assessment of student learning and evaluation of educational programs. They apply their knowledge to design appropriate assessment plans that can be implemented in the classroom; and school or organizational level to promote improvement and accountability.
4 quarter credits
ED5500
Core Standards-Based Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment
4 quarter credits
In this course, students examine national and state learning standards related to their content area or grade level. Students utilize research-based curriculum to craft assessments that are aligned to standards, and implement instruction that is meaningful to students and supports their academic achievement. This course requires access to a P-12 classroom and/or educational stakeholders in a P-12 school or district.
4 quarter credits
RSCH7860
Core Survey of Research Methods
4 quarter credits
Students read critically and evaluate research in order to gain an understanding of the scientific methods of inquiry and the ethical considerations of research. Students become educated consumers and creators of research. Additionally, students use their research design skills to analyze and apply research methodologies, validity, reliability and other components of scientific research related to their field of interest.
4 quarter credits
ED5503
Core Classroom Management Strategies
4 quarter credits
Students in this course apply strategies for managing student behaviors and develop the skills needed to create classroom environments that maximize the opportunity for each student to learn. This course emphasizes the roles, rights, and responsibilities of all stakeholders under The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and Section 504 legislation. This course requires access to a P-12 classroom and/or educational stakeholders in a P-12 school or district.
4 quarter credits
ED5504
Core Strategies for Differentiated Instruction
4 quarter credits
Students in this course examine the origins and complexities of student achievement gaps. Students also explore current student achievement research and best practices and identify instructional strategies most likely to eliminate achievement gaps. This course requires access to a P-12 classroom and/or educational stakeholders in a P-12 school or district.
4 quarter credits
ED5551
Specialization Course Developing Fluent Readers
3 quarter credits
Students in this course for P-6 classroom teachers analyze educational principles relevant to the physical, social, emotional, moral, and cognitive development of P-6 students. Students examine ways to foster development of fluency and prosody skills, including word recognition, vocabulary, and comprehension. For MS Early Childhood Education and MS Reading and Literacy learners only. This course requires access to an Elementary classroom and/or educational stakeholders in a P-12 school or district. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning except by coursework from Minnesota schools with approved licensure programs. Prerequisite(s): ED5440; MS Reading and Literacy students are exempt from this prerequisite.
3 quarter credits
ED5552
Specialization Course Teaching Comprehension Strategies
3 quarter credits
In this course designed for education professionals, students investigate the content literacy needs of all middle school students. Students develop knowledge in reading theory, instructional practices, and comprehension strategies needed to develop independent readers and writers. Students apply practices in differentiated instruction and digital technology that will translate into effective literacy instruction. This course requires access to a Middle School classroom and/or educational stakeholders in a P-12. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning except by coursework from Minnesota schools with approved licensure programs. Prerequisite(s): ED5551.
3 quarter credits
ED5553
Specialization Course Assessment-Based Reading Instruction
3 quarter credits
This course for P-12 classroom teachers focuses on the application of individual and group reading assessment strategies. Students evaluate and determine the ways in which data-driven assessments inform the reading and literacy curriculum. Using quantitative and qualitative assessment data, students select best practice strategies and instruction methods and materials for students with different reading backgrounds and skills. This course requires access to a P-12 classroom and/or educational stakeholders in a P-12 school or district. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning except by coursework from Minnesota schools with approved licensure programs. Prerequisite(s): ED5551.
3 quarter credits
ED5554
Specialization Course Factors Influencing Reading Instruction
3 quarter credits
Education professionals create a community in which student literacy extends beyond the classroom and includes family and society. Students develop reading curriculum, strategies, and materials to use in a variety of contexts that will enhance secondary students' comprehension of and appreciation for digital literacy as well as narrative and informational texts. This course has a required clinical practice experience and students will need access to secondary classroom grades 9-12. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer except by coursework from Minnesota schools with approved licensure programs. Prerequisite(s): ED5551.
3 quarter credits
ED5555
Specialization Course Foundational Theories in Reading Instruction
3 quarter credits
In this course for P¿12 classroom teachers, students strengthen their understanding of literacy instruction through the lens of foundational reading theories and research-based practices. Students critically evaluate their school or district¿s literacy program to determine its effectiveness in meeting the needs of diverse student populations. Through analysis and application of reading theory, professional standards, and instructional strategies, students develop actionable recommendations for literacy improvement. Additionally, students investigate the integration of literacy instruction in all content areas, the use of data-driven decision making, and the importance of professional development. This course cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning, except through approved Minnesota licensure programs. Prerequisite(s): ED5551.
3 quarter credits
External Exam MTLE Exam Content-Area Tests: Reading Teacher (Grades K-12)
quarter credits
quarter credits
ED5559
Practicum Reading and Literacy Practicum
6 quarter credits
This course is the required capstone course for students in the master's Reading and Literacy specialization and is taken after completing all required coursework. Students complete an 80-hour practicum and review the master's Educator Preparation Program (EPP) outcomes and state-approved reading standards in preparation for developing a final portfolio that demonstrates proficiency in reading and literacy. For MS Reading and Literacy students only. Special Permission is required for registration. Grading for this course is S/NS. This course requires access to a P-12 classroom and/or educational stakeholders in a P-12 school or district. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning. Prerequisite(s): A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better and the completion, submission, and approval of a practicum application. Please refer to practicum and internship Campus resource pages for information regarding application due dates and site and supervisor guidelines. Prerequisite: ED5010; ED5146 or ED5501; ED5500; ED5503; ED5504; RSCH7860 or ED5006; ED5551; ED5552; ED5553; ED5554; ED5555.
6 quarter credits
Total
At least 45 quarter credits
One or more courses in this program may require a prerequisite(s). Refer to the course descriptions for details.
Students who do not complete all program requirements within quarter credit/program point minimums will be required to accrue such additional quarter credits/program points as are associated with any additional or repeat coursework necessary for successful completion of program requirements.
Core course requirements
Complete at least 24 quarter credits.
Show all descriptions
ED5504
Core Strategies for Differentiated Instruction
4 quarter credits
Students in this course examine the origins and complexities of student achievement gaps. Students also explore current student achievement research and best practices and identify instructional strategies most likely to eliminate achievement gaps. This course requires access to a P-12 classroom and/or educational stakeholders in a P-12 school or district.
4 quarter credits
ED5146
Core Assessment and Evaluation in Education
4 quarter credits
Students examine the background, context, and practice of assessment of student learning and evaluation of educational programs. They apply their knowledge to design appropriate assessment plans that can be implemented in the classroom; and school or organizational level to promote improvement and accountability.
4 quarter credits
RSCH7860
Core Survey of Research Methods
4 quarter credits
Students read critically and evaluate research in order to gain an understanding of the scientific methods of inquiry and the ethical considerations of research. Students become educated consumers and creators of research. Additionally, students use their research design skills to analyze and apply research methodologies, validity, reliability and other components of scientific research related to their field of interest.
4 quarter credits
ED5010
Core Foundations of Master's Studies in Education
4 quarter credits
Students acquire and use graduate-level skills, including critically examining and applying relevant educational theory to teaching practice. Students examine their professional purpose and its alignment with their specialization and career aspirations. Should be taken alone. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning.
4 quarter credits
ED5500
Core Standards-Based Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment
4 quarter credits
In this course, students examine national and state learning standards related to their content area or grade level. Students utilize research-based curriculum to craft assessments that are aligned to standards, and implement instruction that is meaningful to students and supports their academic achievement. This course requires access to a P-12 classroom and/or educational stakeholders in a P-12 school or district.
4 quarter credits
ED5503
Core Classroom Management Strategies
4 quarter credits
Students in this course apply strategies for managing student behaviors and develop the skills needed to create classroom environments that maximize the opportunity for each student to learn. This course emphasizes the roles, rights, and responsibilities of all stakeholders under The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and Section 504 legislation. This course requires access to a P-12 classroom and/or educational stakeholders in a P-12 school or district.
4 quarter credits
Total
At least 45 quarter credits
One or more courses in this program may require a prerequisite(s). Refer to the course descriptions for details.
Students who do not complete all program requirements within quarter credit/program point minimums will be required to accrue such additional quarter credits/program points as are associated with any additional or repeat coursework necessary for successful completion of program requirements.
Specialization course requirements
Complete at least 15 quarter credits. Choose from the courses shown below.
Show all descriptions
ED5552
Specialization Course Teaching Comprehension Strategies
3 quarter credits
In this course designed for education professionals, students investigate the content literacy needs of all middle school students. Students develop knowledge in reading theory, instructional practices, and comprehension strategies needed to develop independent readers and writers. Students apply practices in differentiated instruction and digital technology that will translate into effective literacy instruction. This course requires access to a Middle School classroom and/or educational stakeholders in a P-12. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning except by coursework from Minnesota schools with approved licensure programs. Prerequisite(s): ED5551.
3 quarter credits
ED5554
Specialization Course Factors Influencing Reading Instruction
3 quarter credits
Education professionals create a community in which student literacy extends beyond the classroom and includes family and society. Students develop reading curriculum, strategies, and materials to use in a variety of contexts that will enhance secondary students' comprehension of and appreciation for digital literacy as well as narrative and informational texts. This course has a required clinical practice experience and students will need access to secondary classroom grades 9-12. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer except by coursework from Minnesota schools with approved licensure programs. Prerequisite(s): ED5551.
3 quarter credits
ED5551
Specialization Course Developing Fluent Readers
3 quarter credits
Students in this course for P-6 classroom teachers analyze educational principles relevant to the physical, social, emotional, moral, and cognitive development of P-6 students. Students examine ways to foster development of fluency and prosody skills, including word recognition, vocabulary, and comprehension. For MS Early Childhood Education and MS Reading and Literacy learners only. This course requires access to an Elementary classroom and/or educational stakeholders in a P-12 school or district. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning except by coursework from Minnesota schools with approved licensure programs. Prerequisite(s): ED5440; MS Reading and Literacy students are exempt from this prerequisite.
3 quarter credits
ED5553
Specialization Course Assessment-Based Reading Instruction
3 quarter credits
This course for P-12 classroom teachers focuses on the application of individual and group reading assessment strategies. Students evaluate and determine the ways in which data-driven assessments inform the reading and literacy curriculum. Using quantitative and qualitative assessment data, students select best practice strategies and instruction methods and materials for students with different reading backgrounds and skills. This course requires access to a P-12 classroom and/or educational stakeholders in a P-12 school or district. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning except by coursework from Minnesota schools with approved licensure programs. Prerequisite(s): ED5551.
3 quarter credits
ED5555
Specialization Course Foundational Theories in Reading Instruction
3 quarter credits
In this course for P¿12 classroom teachers, students strengthen their understanding of literacy instruction through the lens of foundational reading theories and research-based practices. Students critically evaluate their school or district¿s literacy program to determine its effectiveness in meeting the needs of diverse student populations. Through analysis and application of reading theory, professional standards, and instructional strategies, students develop actionable recommendations for literacy improvement. Additionally, students investigate the integration of literacy instruction in all content areas, the use of data-driven decision making, and the importance of professional development. This course cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning, except through approved Minnesota licensure programs. Prerequisite(s): ED5551.
3 quarter credits
Total
At least 45 quarter credits
One or more courses in this program may require a prerequisite(s). Refer to the course descriptions for details.
Students who do not complete all program requirements within quarter credit/program point minimums will be required to accrue such additional quarter credits/program points as are associated with any additional or repeat coursework necessary for successful completion of program requirements.
Practicum
Complete at least 6 quarter credits. Choose from the courses shown below.
Show all descriptions
ED5559
Practicum Reading and Literacy Practicum
6 quarter credits
This course is the required capstone course for students in the master's Reading and Literacy specialization and is taken after completing all required coursework. Students complete an 80-hour practicum and review the master's Educator Preparation Program (EPP) outcomes and state-approved reading standards in preparation for developing a final portfolio that demonstrates proficiency in reading and literacy. For MS Reading and Literacy students only. Special Permission is required for registration. Grading for this course is S/NS. This course requires access to a P-12 classroom and/or educational stakeholders in a P-12 school or district. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning. Prerequisite(s): A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better and the completion, submission, and approval of a practicum application. Please refer to practicum and internship Campus resource pages for information regarding application due dates and site and supervisor guidelines. Prerequisite: ED5010; ED5146 or ED5501; ED5500; ED5503; ED5504; RSCH7860 or ED5006; ED5551; ED5552; ED5553; ED5554; ED5555.
6 quarter credits
Total
At least 45 quarter credits
One or more courses in this program may require a prerequisite(s). Refer to the course descriptions for details.
Students who do not complete all program requirements within quarter credit/program point minimums will be required to accrue such additional quarter credits/program points as are associated with any additional or repeat coursework necessary for successful completion of program requirements.
What can I expect in the courseroom?
Each unit consists of readings, discussions and other activities you will be expected to complete throughout the week. Most deadlines for coursework occur on Thursdays and/or Sundays but may vary by program and course. In each course, you will receive a detailed scoring guide that describes expectations for every graded assignment.
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How will I be graded?
Grades are based on your participation in weekly reading discussions and completion of assignments, based on criteria outlined in the rubric. You will also be assessed on your ability to demonstrate an understanding of expected outcomes for your program or specialization. These outcomes are based on the needs and performance standards of your field or discipline.