Education Specialist (EdS) in Reading, Literacy, and Assessment (Non-Licensure*)

Return to: The Richard W. Riley College of Education and Leadership

The Education Specialist (EdS) in Reading, Literacy, and Assessment program is designed for any educator who wishes to influence positive growth in reading and literacy and gain expertise in best practices regarding reading, literacy, curriculum design and instruction, teacher professional development, and program evaluation and assessment. Education professionals can develop skills and study strategies that can improve reading and curriculum outcomes across the educational system, including classroom instruction, program design, policy implementation, and critical thinking. In this EdS program, education professionals explore sociopolitical, cultural, and economic influences on literacy; curriculum, assessment, and instruction for diverse learners; changing definitions of literacy; best practices in literacy; and program design and evaluation. This specialization is designed for classroom teachers, lead teachers, reading specialists, literacy coaches, department chairs, curriculum specialists, and any instructor who desires to gain a deeper understanding of reading and literacy practices.

*Walden University’s Education Specialist (EdS) in Reading, Literacy, and Assessment (Non-Licensure) does not lead to certification or licensure in reading, literacy, and assessment. Walden makes no representation, warranty, guarantee, or commitment that successful completion of this program or coursework for graduate credit within this program will permit a graduate to obtain state certification or licensure as a reading, literacy, and assessment teacher.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

Interpret the components of reading curriculum in the 21st century including influences from the sociopolitical landscape, social media, technological innovations, family and community involvement, and influences from applicable education standards.
Establish a plan to gain stakeholder support for improvement of curriculum and literacy programming at the systems level by drawing on professional reading and curriculum standards.
Explain the challenges faced in improving teaching and learning in literacy curriculum across all content areas including prior student learning, language, culture, family, and community values.
Utilize information about literacy assessments used at the national, state, and local levels to assess literacy curriculum.
Demonstrate the ability to create literacy programs that enhance student learning and support professional development for teachers.
Integrate concepts of positive social change in leadership, assessment, professional development, literacy curriculum, and literacy instruction activities.
Practice ethically in the profession.
Design a scholarly response to address a reading, literacy, and assessment problem and contribute to the profession.

Degree Requirements

45 total quarter credits
Foundation course (5 cr.)
Research course (5 cr.)
Specialization courses (30 cr.)
EdS Capstone Project (5 cr.)
ePortfolio

Curriculum (45 total cr.)

Foundation Course (5 cr.)

EDSD 7002 - Leading the Future of Education
or
EDSD 7006 - Leading the Future of Education♦ (6-week option)

Research Course (5 cr.)

RSCH 7110 - Research Theory, Design, and Methods

Specialization Courses (30 cr.)

Capstone (5 cr.)

EDSD 7900 - EdS Capstone Project: Creating and Supporting Effective Educational Practices

Course Sequence

The recommended course sequence is as follows:

Quarter	Course	Credits
1	EDSD 7002 - Leading the Future of Education OR EDSD 7006 - Leading the Future of Education♦ (6-week version)	5 cr.
2	EDSD 7060 - Issues and Trends in Reading and Literacy	5 cr.
3	EDSD 7101 - Learner-Centered Curriculum♦	5 cr.
4	RSCH 7110 - Research Theory, Design, and Methods	5 cr.
5	EDSD 7102 - Promoting the Success of Diverse Learners♦	5 cr.
6	EDSD 7061 - Assessment and Data Analysis to Support Effective Literacy Programs	5 cr.
7	EDSD 7062 - A Collaborative Approach to Literacy Across the Content Areas	5 cr.
8	EDSD 7106 - Program Evaluation for Continuous Improvement	5 cr.
9	EDSD 7900 - EdS Capstone Project: Creating and Supporting Effective Educational Practices	5 cr.

Note on Educator Licensure or Certification

This program does not lead to educator licensure or certification. Educators are advised to contact their individual school districts as to whether this program may qualify for salary advancement.

Prospective Alabama students: State Authorization to provide a program related to the preparation of teachers or other P–12 school/system personnel does not indicate eligibility for an Alabama professional educator or professional leadership certificate. Applicants who complete an educator preparation program at a non-Alabama institution must apply for an Alabama professional educator or professional leadership certificate through the Alabama Certificate Reciprocity Approach. Current requirements may be found at www.alsde.edu.