Elementary Education - Reading K-8, Master of Education

In addition to University Requirements:

• Complete individual plan requirements.

Candidates in this program are required to demonstrate content knowledge, pedagogical knowledge and skills, and professional knowledge to be eligible to graduate from this program. In addition to course grades, content, pedagogical, and professional knowledge or skills are demonstrated through candidate performance on key assessments embedded in the following course(s):

• ECI 531, ECI 541, ECI 551, ECI 661, ECI 671, ECI 687

Minimum Units for Completion	30
Additional Admission Requirements	Additional admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are recommended.
Arizona Endorsement	May prepare student for Arizona Endorsement.
Some online/blended coursework	Required
Progression Plan Link	View Program of Study
Licensing or Certification	This program may lead to licensure or certification.

Purpose Statement

The MEd Elementary Education Reading K-8 degree program provides students with the necessary framework for augmenting knowledge and skills related to teaching K through 8th grades.  This degree offers students, typically practicing teachers, the opportunity to enhance their content, pedagogical, and professional knowledge emphasizing current research. Students have the opportunity to pursue advanced courses in curriculum and instruction, educational psychology, educational foundations, and educational research. This degree program is intended to prepare students for the K-8 Reading Endorsement through the Arizona Department of Education. 

Throughout the program, students demonstrate outcomes aligned to the elementary standards of the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).  In addition, this program is aligned with the Standards for the Preparation of Literacy Professionals through the International Literacy Association.  Students who complete this program will have a deeper and broader understanding of teaching and learning opening up continued opportunities in teaching, as well as other venues where teaching skills, knowledge, and dispositions are valued such as agencies and non-profits.

Student Learning Outcomes

CAEP K-6 Elementary Teacher Preparation Standards

Standard 1 – Understanding and Addressing Each Child’s Developmental and Learning Needs 
Candidates use their understanding of child growth and development, individual differences, and diverse families, cultures and communities to plan and implement inclusive learning environments that provide each child with equitable access to high quality learning experiences that engage and create learning opportunities for them to meet high standards. They work collaboratively with families to gain a holistic perspective on children’s strengths and needs and how to motivate their learning. 

Standard 2 – Understanding and Applying Content and Curricular Knowledge for Teaching 
Candidates demonstrate and apply understandings of major concepts, skills, and practices, as they interpret disciplinary curricular standards and related expectations within and across literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies. 

Standard 3 – Assessing, Planning, and Designing Contexts for Learning 
Candidates assess students, plan instruction and design classroom contexts for learning. Candidates use formative and summative assessment to monitor students’ learning and guide instruction. Candidates plan learning activities to promote a full range of competencies for each student. They differentiate instructional materials and activities to address learners’ diversity. Candidates foster engagement in learning by establishing and maintaining social norms for classrooms. They build interpersonal relationships with students that generate motivation and promote students social and emotional development. 

Standard 4 – Supporting Each Child’s Learning Using Effective Instruction 
Candidates make informed decisions about instruction guided by knowledge of children and assessment of children’s learning that result in the use of a variety of effective instructional practices that employ print, and digital appropriate resources. Instruction is delivered using a cohesive sequence of lessons and employing effective instructional practices. Candidates use explicit instruction and effective feedback as appropriate, and use whole class discussions to support and enhance children’s learning. Candidates use flexible grouping arrangements, including small group and individual instruction to support effective instruction and improved learning for every child. 

Standard 5- Developing as a Professional 
Candidates promote learning and development of every child through participation in collaborative learning environments, reflective self-study and professional learning, and involvement in their professional community. 

Reading K-8 
International Literacy Association Standards for the Preparation of Literacy Professionals

1: Foundational Knowledge

Candidates demonstrate knowledge of the theoretical, historical, and evidence-based foundations of literacy and language and the ways in which they interrelate and the role of literacy professionals in schools.

2: Curriculum and Instruction

Candidates use foundational knowledge to critique and implement literacy curricula to meet the needs of all learners and to design, implement, and evaluate evidence-based literacy instruction for all learners.

3: Assessment and Evaluation

Candidates understand, select, and use valid, reliable, fair, and appropriate assessment tools to screen, diagnose, and measure student literacy achievement; inform instruction and evaluate interventions; participate in professional learning experiences; explain assessment results and advocate for appropriate literacy practices to relevant stakeholders.

4: Diversity and Equity

Candidates demonstrate knowledge of research, relevant theories, pedagogies, essential concepts of diversity and equity; demonstrate and provide opportunities for understanding all forms of diversity as central to students' identities; create classrooms and schools that are inclusive and affirming; advocate for equity at school, district, and community levels.

5: Learners and the Literacy Environment

Candidates meet the developmental needs of all learners and collaborate with school personnel to use a variety of print and digital materials to engage and motivate all learners; integrate digital technologies in appropriate, safe, and effective ways; foster a positive climate that supports a literacy-rich learning environment.

6: Professional Learning and Leadership

Candidates recognize the importance of, participate in, and facilitate ongoing professional learning as part of career-long leadership roles and responsibilities.

7: Practicum/Clinical Experiences (for specialized literacy professionals only).

Candidates apply theory and best practice in multiple supervised practicum/clinical experiences

Additional Admission Requirements

• Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.

• The NAU graduate online application is required for all programs. Admission to many graduate programs is on a competitive basis, and programs may have higher standards than those established by the Graduate College.
  
  Admission requirements include the following:

  • Transcripts.
  • Undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution with a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale ("A" = 4.0), or the equivalent.

  
  Visit the NAU Graduate Admissions website for additional information about graduate school application deadlines, eligibility for study, and admissions policies.
  
  Ready to apply? Begin your application now.

  International applicants have additional admission requirements. Please see the International Graduate Admissions Policy.

• • IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card

• • Teaching Certificate - if the applicant has one

Master's Requirements

• This Master’s degree requires 30 units distributed as follows:

  • Common Course Requirements: 12 units
  • Reading K-8 coursework: 18 units

  
  Common Course Requirements (12 units):

  • ECI 531, ECI 671 (6 units)
  • Select from (3 units):
    • EPS 580, EPS 605, EPS 610, EPS 611
    • EDF 500, EDF 630, EDF 672, EDF 673, EDF 677
  • Select one course from (3 units)
    • EPS 525
    • EDR 610, EDR 611

• 
  Reading K-8 Coursework (18 units):
  • ECI 530, ECI 541, ECI 551, ECI 661, ECI 687 (15 units)
  • Select one course from: 
    • ECI 602, ECI 642, or ECI 651 (3 units). The courses in the Reading section of this degree will qualify you for a K-8 Reading Endorsement through the Arizona Department of Education. 
       

• Please be aware that at least fifty percent of your courses must be at the 600-level or above.
  
  Courses are offered online Fall, Spring, and Summer.
  
  This degree is not available to students pursuing the Elementary Education M.Ed. 

Additional Information

• Be aware that Arizona state endorsement requirements may change at any time, and may impact program of study requirements.

• Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.

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