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Master of Education (M.Ed) in Reading

The K-12 Reading Specialist program is now delivered within a Master of Education in Reading. The 35-credit program emphasizes professional practice in the field of reading and addresses all International Reading Association standards for reading specialists and literacy coaches. This completely online master’s program in reading meets South Dakota's standards to prepare reading specialists.

To meet national standards and give our students a competitive edge, the M.Ed in reading program focuses on comprehensive clinical components. These components encourage closer collaboration with partner school districts and facilitate additional application of student learning. As part of this program, you will be prepared to address the literacy needs of elementary, middle, and high school populations, as well as for leadership roles.

School districts are in need of exemplary reading teachers, school and district reading specialists, or literacy coaches. The US Department of Education and TEACH Grant have designated reading specialists as a high-need field.

What is the role of a Reading Specialist?

A reading specialist collaboratively supports exemplary classroom teaching in literacy, assesses reading strengths and needs of students as needed and communicates the information to fellow teachers, and serves as a resource to stakeholders.

Teachers who add the reading specialist designation to their teaching certificates often remain in regular classrooms, but their students benefit from their added expertise in reading. Dr. Tim Creal, Superintendent of Custer School District, states, "The role of reading specialists is very important. But most school districts in South Dakota can't afford to fund reading specialist positions. This makes it even more important for as many regular classroom teachers as possible to get the advanced preparation in reading so they can meet the literacy needs of their students." The M.Ed in Reading program from BHSU meets this need.

Apply today to start earning your Master of Education in Reading, a professional master's degree emphasizing enhanced professional practice and leadership.

Apply online for admission to graduate studies at Black Hills State University. Submit completed application form with a $35.00 nonrefundable application fee.
Request that an official transcript be sent to BHSU Admissions from the institution from which you earned your undergraduate degree. You may also submit graduate transcripts if you wish to transfer graduate credit.
In order to ensure quality of our candidates, we also ask for 1. A Professional Disposition Assessment (self-evaluation), 2. Written writing sample in response to a case study, 3. A letter of recommendation from a supervisor or colleague qualified to provide a fair and impartial evaluation, and 4. A resume. You will upload these documents as part of the application process.
To be accepted, candidates must have:
1. An undergraduate degree in education (BS or BA)
2. A cumulative undergraduate grade point average of 3.00 or higher
3. Teaching experience (3 years preferred or demonstrated readiness for graduate-level work)
  You will receive an email from the BHSU Office of Academic Affairs regarding your acceptance. Once you have been accepted to the Master of Education in Reading at Black Hills State University, contact the program coordinator, Denice.Turner@bhsu.edu to create a plan of study.

Master of Education (M.Ed) in Reading Course Requirements*

Required Classes

ED 630 - Educational Collaboration & Research Methods
ED 650 - Assessment & Correction of Reading Difficulties Grades 6-12
ED 695 - Practicum
ED 742 - Literacy & Language: Reading & Writing Instruction
ED 747 - Reading Research & Theory
ED 748 - Cultural and Linguistic Diversity in Schools
ED 750 - Action Research in Schools
ED 754 - Leadership in Schools
ED 757 - Models, Methods, and Materials for Literacy Instruction
ED790 - Seminar
ELED 659 - Diagnosis and Remediation of Reading Difficulties
SEED 550 - Reading and Content Literacy

Electives

Take ONE course from the following:

ED 642 - Methods of Instructional Technology
ED 728 - New & Emerging Technology for Schools
ENGL 509 - Teaching English as a Second Language

*Course requirements may vary by academic year. To view the requirements for your academic year, please visit Registration & Records for status sheets.

Status Sheets

Dr. Denice Turner
Associate Professor, Language Arts Education

Coordinator for the M.Ed. in Reading Program

Denice Turner Headshot

Have additional questions or concerns? Want to find out more about the M.Ed. program?

CONTACT INFO
denice.turner@bhsu.edu
605-642-6778

Contact Info

Dr. Johanna Sailor
Assistant Professor, Social Science Education
School of Education
johanna.sailor@bhsu.edu
Jonas 221, Jonas Academic Map
Phone: 605-642-6196
Contact for MSCI Program

Dr. Mary Anne Fleury
Assistant Professor, Special Education
School of Education
mary.fleury@bhsu.edu
Jonas 230, Jonas Academic Map
Phone: 605-642-6329
Contact for M.A.T. in Special Education Program

Dr. Ryan Amys
Assistant Professor, Master of Science in Education Program
School of Education
ryan.amys@bhsu.edu
Jonas SW 201 Map
Phone: 605-642-6196
Contact for M.S. in Education (Project SECOND)

Dr. Denice Turner
Associate Professor, Language Arts Education
denice.turner@bhsu.edu
Jonas 220, Jonas Academic Map
Phone: 605-642-6778
Contact for M.Ed. in Reading Program

School of Education
Black Hills State University
1200 University St.
Spearfish, SD, USA 57799

Master of Education (M.Ed) in Reading

What is the role of a Reading Specialist?

Master of Education (M.Ed) in Reading Course Requirements*

Contact Info

Spearfish

Rapid City

Students

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