Advanced Studies in Teaching and Learning

Curriculum and Instruction, MEd
Concentration in ASTL: Literacy: Reading Specialist (ALRS)

The ASTL concentrations are for teachers and other educators with one or more years of teaching or education-related experience who want to continue to grow professionally. The program offers advanced study in a specific concentration area, including Virginia's Standards of Learning content areas, cohort classes, an innovative schedule, and the use of technology. The courses, aligned with the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, help teachers think and practice as board-certified teachers. The program develops teacher-leaders who practice reflection through action-research, problem-based learning, and self-inquiry, and teacher expertise in a concentration that will identify the teacher as a potential leader in that area.

Experienced teachers with or without a master's degree may apply for the ASTL Master's Degree program, which includes 18 or 21 credits in the Concentration area and 12 credits in the education Core.

Core Courses (12 credits)

• EDUC 606: Education and Culture (3 credit hours)
• EDUC 612: Inquiry into Practice (2 credit hours)
• EDUC 613: How Students Learn (3 credit hours)
• EDUC 614: Designing and Assessing Teaching and Learning (2 credit hours)
• EDUC 615: Educational Change (2 credit hours)

Concentration Courses (21 credits)( All courses must be taken in sequence)

This 21-credit concentration is a state-approved sequence of courses leading to Virginia reading specialist licensure. Course work includes foundational knowledge, instructional and assessment strategies for individuals and groups, and preparation as a literacy coach and staff developer. Licensure also requires a master's degree, passing of the Virginia Reading Assessment, and three years of teaching under contract.

• EDRD 630: Advanced Literacy Foundations and Instruction, Birth to Middle Childhood (3 credit hours)
• EDRD 631: Advanced Literacy Foundations and Instruction, Adolescence through Adulthood (3 credit hours)
• EDRD 632: Literacy Assessments and Interventions for Groups (3 credit hours)
• EDRD 633: Literacy Assessments and Interventions for Individuals (3 credit hours) (Must be taken concurrently with EDRD 637)
• EDRD 637: Supervised Literacy Practicum (2-3 credit hours) (Must register for 3 credits) (Must be taken concurrently with EDRD 633)
• EDRD 634: School-Based Leadership in Literacy (3 credit hours)
• EDRD 635: School-Based Inquiry in Literacy (3 credit hours)