M.Ed in Reading and Literacy (Reading Specialist)

Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission

of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

Benedictine UniversityHistorical Overview

• 1887 - Founded by the Benedictine monks of St. Procopius Abbey

• 1990 - Established Adult Accelerated Programs

• 2006 - Created the Margaret and Harold Moser College of Adult and Professional Studies

• 2014 - Launched the National Moser Center for Adult Learning

About Benedictine University

• Benedictine is one of Illinois’ oldest universities. • We have a rich tradition of excellence in education, and we are

often recognized in national publications.• You will be able to apply what you learn from experienced

educators.• We have partnered with more than 75 school districts to host

and/or support our field-based programs throughout Illinois.• Our field-based programs have been offered in more than eight

Illinois counties!• Our faculty and academic staff is comprised of current and

former educators, and our program aligns with International Reading Association (IRA) standards.

• This is a program designed by educators for educators!

Master of Education (M.Ed) in Reading and Literacy

• Program is 33 semester credit hours (11 courses at 3 credit hours each).

• Average class size is 14-22 students.

• Action research and field experiences are embedded in each course throughout the program, where students are completing P-12 exercises and activities within the classroom.

• Each course reflects IRA standards and current research-based best practices.

• Program culminates in a practicum Capstone experience.

• Prepares licensed teachers to meet ISBE requirements for Reading Specialist Entitlement application.

M.Ed Program Delivery

• Classes meet one night per week from 4:30-8:30 p.m. during the school year and during the summer. In addition to this weekly classroom session, students complete an asynchronous 4-hour session online through D2L (Desire2Learn).

• Students focus on one course at a time in a 5-week blended format.

• The adult accelerated M.Ed calendar is delivered in 15 instructional months. Calendars include: Holidays (when applicable) Spring break and Winter break When applicable, an August break averaging two weeks to allow for

classroom preparation and in-service attendance. The hosting facility and/or district calendar is considered when

determining breaks.

• Classroom format is varied and technology-enhanced. Benedictine University uses blended learning by combining online classroom sessions with a face-to-face classroom environment.

• Assignments will be completed and discussions will be continued outside of class using Desire2Learn (D2L) to maximize student and instructor contact. Courses are five weeks in length, consisting of 10 class sessions. Each week is completed in two sessions, attending one four-hour session in class and completing four hours on D2L.

• Blending the weekly in-class session with the weekly D2L session emphasizes interaction and participation both in and out of the classroom. Shared experiences and collaboration broaden learning in the team environment.

• Instructors will provide weekly expectations per course, which include homework, learning team dialogue, and discussion question completion as well as presentations. The online session will be scheduled asynchronously. So that you may complete your weekly session at your convenience, there are no scheduled log-in times.

What is Blended Learning?

M.Ed Graduate Coursework

EDUC 524 Literacy Development from P-12EDUC 564 Content Area Literacy and LearningEDUC 601 Cultural and Linguistic Diversity for ELLs and Bilinguals*EDUC 567 Literacy and the ELLEDUC 622 Theoretical Foundations of Literacy and LanguageEDUC 602 Assessment for DiagnosisEDUC 603 From Diagnosis to InstructionEDUC 611 Literacy Coaching, Collaboration and LeadershipEDUC 616 Curriculum Design and InstructionPracticum I: Corrective Techniques and Intervention for Struggling

ReadersPracticum II: Capstone

*May be waived if taken in BenU ESL/Bilingual Endorsement program, upon advisement.

Technology SpecificationsMinimum hardware and software requirements:• Mac/PC/tablet with a sound card and speakers

Note: Students will need to bring a personal tablet or laptop computer to in-class sessions

• Windows XP or Mac OS X 10.5 (minimum)• Valid email account• Reliable high-speed Internet access• Microsoft® Office (2007 or higher, 2010 preferred)• One of the following Internet browsers:

– Microsoft® Internet Explorer 8.0 or later– Mozilla Firefox 3.5 or later– Google Chrome 7.0 or later– Apple Safari 5.0 or later

• Adobe® Reader 9.0 or later• Adobe® Flash plug-in 10.0 or laterHighly recommended:

– Microphone and webcam for optional audio/videoconferencing– Updated anti-virus and spyware protection

Academic RequirementsM.Ed in Reading and Literacy

Admission Criteria

• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution

• Minimum 3.0/4.0 GPA• One-page typewritten goal

statement• Three recommendation letters

(forms included) from supervisor/co-worker

• Copy of current IL Professional Educator License (PEL)

• Licensure Acknowledgment Form

Graduation Criteria

• Completion of all coursework with minimum GPA of 3.0

• Completion of Practicum I and II (Capstone)

• Payment of all tuition and fees• Passage of IL State Reading

Specialist exam (necessary for degree conferral)Note: ISBE Reading Specialist

Endorsementeligibility requires two years of

full-timeteaching experience.

Tuition and Fees

• Competitive tuition rate

• Textbooks (approximate average $100 per course)

• Fees:– $40 application fee– $125 tuition deposit– $125 graduation fee

Financial Options

• Payments can be made online for your convenience.

• Financial aid available to those who qualify:www.fafsa.ed.gov (school code 001767)

• Full payment is expected prior to the first night of class and is non-refundable.

• No tuition discounts or scholarships may be applied to the $10K MEDR program.

Service Member/Veterans Benefits

• Benedictine University is proud to participate in many Veteran Administration and Department of Defense programs for eligible students.  Please see our website at:  www.ben.edu/financial-aid/va.cfm for more information on programs.

• We proudly have been a participant in the Yellow Ribbon Program at its highest level of commitment, without any limit on the number of eligible students who may utilize this benefit, ensuring those who are eligible are able to continue their education.

• Depending on the entitlement, tuition and fees may be paid directly to the school.  Please contact the Office of Veterans Affairs for more information regarding your eligibility.

• If you have any questions applying tuition benefits at Benedictine, how to combine benefits with other financial options, or the certification process:Please contact Financial Aid at financialaid@ben.edu

Who enrolls at Benedictine University?

Adult students who:

• Follow a busy schedule;• Are highly motivated to succeed;• Need to quickly advance skills and knowledge;• Consider themselves goal-directed;• Value coursework that can be immediately applied to the

classroom;• Contribute to their studies with significant work/life experiences.

Why should I enroll at Benedictine University?

• The delivery and format meet your needs as a busy educator.

• The content meets your needs in applying your coursework to your classroom and in achieving your career goals.

• Your name and the college you choose will forever be attached: you can be proud to have attended a respected private university.

• You can earn your M.Ed in approximately 15 months!

• This achievement may directly (and quickly!) impact your lane changes as well as your career and classroom goals.

Why should I enroll atBenedictine University?• Career Development Office

– Receive career counseling and assistance with resume writing and interviewing. Utilize our Virtual Career Center for job searches.

• Student Life– Student Services include additional academic support, such as

tutoring services.

• Alumni Relations– Network with graduates and find mentors in your field.

• University Bookstore– Online text ordering, including used text and rental availability, is

an added convenience.

• Library– Most services are available online, including valuable research tools

and materials lending among other institutions.

Next Step: Application Submit completed Graduate Application for Admission

today;($40 application fee is waived for BenU alumni or for new students meeting with an Admissions Counselor.)

Submit official sealed transcripts (in person, online*, or via mail) from all previously attended colleges/universities. Be sure to include any transfer or plus hours.

*Electronic transcripts must be sent directly from the issuing institution to adultenrollment@ben.edu using Parchment/Docufide, Credentials Solutions, Educational Perspectives or Scrip Safe in order to be accepted. If your previously attended institution uses any other 3rd party vendor please check with your admissions counselor prior to ordering to ensure that an electronic transcript can be accepted.

Submit goal statement and acknowledgment form, and have supervisor/colleagues complete the recommendation forms (cannot be friends, family, or subordinates).

Registration Procedures

Only 22 applications will be accepted for your location – classes are first come, first served!

Only the first 22 students who are admitted with a paid deposit will receive confirmation of a class start. Notifications will be sent to you and your classmates in your location to complete your files and reserve your seats in class upon admission with your $125 tuition deposit.

Once class dates are established, you will continue to receive updates from your Admissions Counselor. Your student orientation will take place one week prior to class start.