Health Sciences — Exercise and Fitness

The Sixth Year-level programs are designed for certified teachers who elect graduate-level preparation in reading and language arts. The certification program leads to an initial educator certificate in Remedial Reading and Remedial Language Arts (102), grades 1-12. Applicants must have completed a Master of Science in Education degree, must have a valid teaching certificate (or be eligible for certification) in elementary, middle, or secondary education, must show that they have passed the Connecticut Essential Skills Testing requirement, and must have completed at least three years of classroom teaching experience. Upon completion of an approved program of study, a student may apply for the Connecticut initial educator certificate in Remedial Reading and Remedial Language Arts (102).

Students pursuing the Sixth Year degree must complete all of the coursework, field experiences, and assessments required for certification in Remedial Reading and Remedial Language Arts (102) and additional coursework leading to the completion of 30 credits.

In this program students gain extensive preparation in learning to teach grade 1-12 students in reading and language arts; to work with learners experiencing difficulty in reading, writing, and literacy-related processes; to assess literacy development; and to develop and evaluate literacy programs.

Learning Outocomes

The candidates will be able to:

Prepare lesson plans at appropriate levels (Elementary and Secondary) in Language Arts

Prepare lesson plans at appropriate levels (Elementary and Secondary) in Developmental Reading

Diagnose and create appropriate interventions for students with difficulties in Reading and Language Arts

Evaluate instructional outcomes in Remedial Reading and Remedial Language Arts

Construct language arts programs for students with special needs

The Sixth Year certificate program leading to certification in Remedial Reading and Remedial Language Arts is aligned with the International Reading Association’s standards for the preparation of reading professionals. This program includes completion of the following:

Pre-requisite coursework , including Educational Psychology, Special Education, and Children’s or Adolescent Literature

Professional Educational coursework in reading and language arts, including Methods and Materials in Teaching Language Arts, Developmental Reading in the Elementary School, Reading and Writing in the Content Areas, Diagnosis and Intervention of Reading and Language Arts Difficulties, and Tests and Measurements

Literacy field experiences, including the Field Experience in Reading and Language Arts and the Practicum in Reading and Language Arts

Additional coursework in Educational Technology, Instruction for the English Language Learner, and Statutory Requirements

To complete the Sixth Year degree program, students must complete the full certificate program plus additional final degree requirements and electives to fulfill the 30 credit program.

To be considered for entry into this Sixth Year degree or certificate program, the applicant must first have:A completed graduate admissions application and application feeA Bachelor’s degree with a B- cumulative undergraduate GPAA Master’s degreeOfficial transcripts from all institutions attendedProof of your current teaching certification(s)Passing PRAXIS I scores, or the Essential Skills Test waiverTwo letters of recommendation attesting to your suitability for becoming a reading teacher and your potential for graduate-level workA 350–500 word well-written essay addressing your reasons for wanting to enroll in the program and describing your relevant teaching experienceA successful interview with the program directorProof of completion of at least 30 months of successful classroom teaching experience