M.Ed.Program in Reading

Fieldwork

The M.Ed. in Reading requires that degree candidates complete 75 hours of pre-practicum fieldwork, and 150 hours of practicum fieldwork.

Pre-practicum activities may include:

• Focused observations of students, assessment, reading teachers, guided reading groups, parent conferences, or other activities related to the course goals, objectives, and topics
• Tutoring
• Assessment
• Leading guided reading groups or literature circles
• Teaching whole class, small group, or individual reading lessons focused on activities related to the course goals, objectives, and topics
• Integrating technology with reading instruction
• Developing materials for reading instruction, parents, or other teachers
• Other activities as approved by the course instructor and program coordinator

Pre-practicum activities should be recorded and reflected upon in a log, journal, or report. This record and reflection should factor into the final course grade. In addition, students should record activities on the pre-practicum form [PDF 59 KB] which must be signed by the faculty member teaching the course and returned to Anne Fitzgerald-Clark in the Graduate School. One form should be completed per course.

Practicum activities may include:

• Teaching reading to children
• Assessing children's reading
• Modeling teaching reading for other staff
• Staff development related to reading, including creating materials for colleagues to keep them updated regarding effective instructional practices
• Conducting parent conferences and/or parent workshops where progress in reading and how to help at home are emphasized
• Reviewing reading programs for adoption at the school or district level
• Developing reading materials for parents or students
• Training tutors
• Other activities as approved by the Program Coordinator

Please note: Assessment and teaching are the focus of the Summer Reading Clinic. The other activities listed are the focus of the practicum in EDU 845. While not all activities need to be completed, the practicum experience in EDU 845 should include at least two activities and one must be in the area of staff development. Regular responsibilities as a classroom teacher should not be counted towards the practicum. Practicum activities should be documented using the attached form [PDF 59 KB], in addition to the Massachusetts Department of Education form distributed by the course instructor.

Practicum activities must be supervised by

• An on-site, school-based cooperating practitioner (a licensed reading specialist, preferably at the professional level)
• A college supervisor (Director of Reading Clinic and instructor for EDU 845)

Required meetings:

• 3 meetings during the Summer Reading Clinic (director, cooperating practitioner, and M.Ed. candidate)
• Cooperating practitioners need to attend one class meeting during EDU 845. Instructors need to schedule this and M.Ed. candidates need to speak with their cooperating practitioners about this requirement and the day/time of the meeting. This can be a group meeting and discussion.
• During the practicum for EDU 845, M.Ed. candidates should meet with their cooperating practitioner at least three times, at the beginning, middle, and end of the practicum. One of these meetings may be the class meeting.

Resources

• Schedule an appointment with the Program Coordinator
• Contact the Program Coordinator
• International Reading Association