Participants in this program will develop deep expertise in the teaching of reading, language, and literacy in urban elementary schools. They will learn to take leadership in the design of literacy instruction and assessment based on current research and critical, inclusive practices.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, participants will:

• Design and implement reading/literacy curriculum with theoretical integrity that builds from socio-cultural understandings, critical pedagogical skills, inclusive values, and professional ethics.
• Demonstrate reflective practice that incorporates active inquiry toward innovative practices, critical literacies, and the well-being of all developing learners.
• Include, value, and support readers with diverse perspectives, experiences, languages, cultures, and abilities.
• Develop strategies for individualized assessment of students’ progress including specific strategies to support struggling readers and writers.
• Understand the role of family, culture, and community in schools.
• Select fiction and nonfiction texts appropriate for the learners and curricular goals.
• Participate in professional literacy networks.
• Demonstrate leadership in advocating for students and sound literacy practices and policies.

This Literacy and Learning specialist program is designed for licensed elementary teachers or informal educators who want to develop advanced expertise in teaching literacy to diverse learners using critical theories and pedagogical methods appropriate to the 21st century.