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Advanced Literacy Methods, Post-Baccalaureate Certificate

Student teacher and student

Â鶹´«Ã½'s graduate certificate in advanced literacy methods is designed for individuals who want to deepen their understanding of teaching and learning in literacy.

Students study literacy methods, the role of literacy in content-area learning, and the role of talk and literature in the literacy learning process. Students gain tools they can use to design generative literacy learning experiences for youth in a variety of educational contexts. They also develop strategies for communicating with stakeholders about best practices in culturally sustaining literacy instruction.

Curriculum Overview

This 15-credit certificate consists of five courses, usually taken one per term. All students complete one course in the teaching of reading and one course in action research. Working closely with their advisor, students choose two courses from a menu of options in literacy methods and one course from a menu of options in curriculum. Students culminate their learning through a poster presentation at an end-of-semester professional forum.Ìý
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Fieldwork and Research Opportunities

All courses include opportunities for site-based applications of educational concepts and processes. Through the professional forum, students present results of action research designed to enhance their daily practice and/or spark change in their individual educational context.Ìý
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Careers

SLU's certificate in advanced literacy methods is appropriate for elementary teachers in self-contained or departmentalized programs, middle/high school teachers in English/language arts, and middle/high school teachers across content areas who want to use literacy more effectively to support content area learning and individuals who teach literacy to youth in out-of-school educational settings. This certificate indicates the completion of an intentional program. It is not a teaching credential for special reading.
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Admission Requirements

Begin your application for this program atÌý.

• Transcript(s)
• One letter of recommendation
• Résumé
• Professional goal statement
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Application Deadlines

Domestic students should apply for the fall semester by June 15, for the spring semester by November 1, and for the summer semester by April 1.
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International students should apply by May 1 for the fall semester, by October 1 for the spring semester, and by February 1 for the summer semester.

Review Process

A committee reviews each application holistically.

Requirements for International Students

All admission policies and requirements for domestic students apply to international students. International students must also meet the following additional requirements:

  • DemonstrateÌýEnglish Language Proficiency
  • Financial documents are required to complete an application for admission and be reviewed for admission and merit scholarships.Ìý
  • Proof of financial support that must include:
    • A letter of financial support from the person(s) or sponsoring agency funding the student's time at Â鶹´«Ã½
    • A letter from the sponsor's bank verifying that the funds are available and will be so for the duration of the student's study at the University
  • Academic records, in English translation, of students who have undertaken postsecondary studies outside the United States must include:
    • Courses taken and/or lectures attended
    • Practical laboratory work
    • The maximum and minimum grades attainable
    • The grades earned or the results of all end-of-term examinations
    • Any honors or degrees received.

WES and ECE transcripts are accepted.

Tuition

Tuition Cost Per Credit
School of Education Master's programs and Graduate Certificates $680

Additional charges may apply. Other resources are listed below:

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Information on Tuition and Fees

Miscellaneous Fees

Information on Summer Tuition

Scholarships and Financial Aid

For more information about Â鶹´«Ã½ scholarships and financial aid, please visit the Office of Student Financial Services.

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  1. Graduates will be able to identify the research base and theorists that inform a chosen approach to literacy learning.
  2. Graduates will be able to design culturally sustaining ways of engaging students in generative literacy learning experiences that are informed by community literacy practices.
  3. Graduates will be able to develop action plans for engaging with educational stakeholders in local or national contexts to communicate information about research-based, culturally sustaining literacy practices.
Required Courses
EDIÌý5390Teaching Reading: Contemporary Issues & Practices3
EDRÌý5800Action Research for Teachers3
Literacy Methods Electives6
Select two of the following courses:
EDIÌý5040
Using Children's YA Literature to Promote Conversations about Equity and Justice
EDIÌý5590
Disciplinary Literacy Assessment & Intervention
EDIÌý5601
Language & Culture
EDIÌý5800
Talking and Learning in Classrooms
EDIÌý6030
Developing Writers and Thinkers: Advanced Methods of Teaching Writing
Curriculum Elective3
Select one of the following courses:
EDIÌý5900
Developing and Implementing a Culturally Responsive Curriculum through Instruction and Assessment
EDIÌý6230
Seminar in Instruction
EDIÌý6450
Curriculum Development
EDIÌý6460
Curriculum Theory
Total Credits15

Continuation Standards

Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 in all graduate/professional courses.

Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollmentÌýunless otherwise noted. Ìý

Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.

This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester. Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.

Plan of Study Grid
Year One
FallCredits
EDIÌý5390 Teaching Reading: Contemporary Issues & Practices 3
ÌýCredits3
Spring
EDIÌý5590 Disciplinary Literacy Assessment & Intervention 3
ÌýCredits3
Summer
Advanced Literacy Methods Elective or Curriculum Elective 3
ÌýCredits3
Year Two
Fall
Advanced Literacy Methods Elective or Curriculum Elective 3
ÌýCredits3
Spring
EDR 5800Action Research for Teachers 3
ÌýCredits3
ÌýTotal Credits15

Some courses are also available during the Summer term.

Apply for Admission

For additional admission questions, please contact:
Â鶹´«Ã½ School of Education
314-977-3292
slued@slu.edu