"Best Online Master's Reading & Literacy Degree"
According to BestAccredited Colleges 2023, we are in the top 50 programs nationwide with a ranking at #32. The rankings are based on a number of measures, such as student-faculty ratio, acceptance rate, graduation rate, financial aid awards, quality of education, and more.
Our Mission
Our Reading Education program is designed to prepare reading specialists, reading teachers and other reading practictioners by providing specialized training in the field of reading. The program was developed in correspondence with the Conceptual Framework of Old Dominion University College of Education & Professional Studies, and strives to develop Professional Educators - those who have mastered content and pedagogy, and have a commitment to a high degree of professional involvement in the school and community. As such, the program aims to develop professional reading educators who are knowledgeable and competent about reading and the reading process; who are able to develop reading programs at the elementary and secondary level; who can serve as expert models and literacy coaches in a community of educators; who utilize their knowledge in the teaching of reading to students of diverse backgrounds; who demonstrate the ability to adequately assess students and provide appropriate instruction; who are able to conduct and disseminate research; and, who display dispositions that reflect a dedication to teaching and learning, and respect for professional growth.
*Reading Endorsement only is no longer offered at ODU
Learning Outcomes
- developing a sound understanding of the theories and research that serve as the foundation for literacy processes and instructional practices for reading, writing, listening and speaking.
- applying to classroom settings a basic understanding of the reading process and its relationship to the total language development of the child;
- applying recent research findings to the teaching of reading;
- integrating reading skills and strategies into content-area instruction;
- organizing a school reading program as part of the larger elementary/secondary school curriculum;
- organizing and conducting literacy staff development;
- developing leadership and coaching skills for working with paraprofessionals and teachers;
- using various types of media and educational technology;
- creating a literate environment that encourages and supports literacy instruction and learning;
- creating instructional materials for use in classroom and clinical settings;assessing needs, diagnosing problems and providing remediation for students experiencing reading difficulties;
- relating to the needs of children of differing ethnic and cultural backgrounds; and,
- recognizing the characteristics of developmental stages, learning styles and special needs of students.