Leadership Doctoral Programs
Reading, Language, and Literacy Specialization
Home Doctoral Programs Reading, Language and Literacy Specialization
Program Overview
Concordia University Chicago’s Leadership Ed.D/Ph.D program with a specialization in Reading, Language and Literacy provides a theoretical and practical framework for literacy instruction and assessment within an emphasis on current research, theory, reading, writing and multiliteracy programs. Our graduates are prepared to become faculty and leaders in the creation and implementation of research-based literacy programs in a variety of settings, including public and private schools, colleges and universities, adult and community-based outreach programs, corporate training settings and nonprofit educational endeavors.
**Program begins in Spring and Fall Only**
Learning Objectives
This program enables students to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of major theoretical, conceptual, and evidence-based foundations of literacy and language, the ways in which they interrelate, and the role of the reading/literacy specialist in schools.
- Use foundational knowledge to design literacy curricula to meet needs of learners, especially those who experience difficulty with literacy; design, implement, and evaluate small-group and individual evidence-based literacy instruction for learners; collaborate with teachers to implement effective literacy practices.
- Understand, select and uses valid, reliable, fair, and appropriate assessment tools to screen, diagnose, and measure student literacy achievement; inform instruction and evaluate interventions; assist teachers in their understanding and use of assessment results; advocate for appropriate literacy practices to relevant stakeholders.
- Demonstrate knowledge of research, relevant theories, pedagogies, and essential concepts of diversity and equity; demonstrate an understanding of themselves and others as cultural beings; create classrooms and schools that are inclusive and affirming; advocate for equity at school, district, and community levels.
- Meet the developmental needs of all learners and collaborate with school personnel to use a variety of print and digital materials to engage and motivate all learners; integrate digital technologies in appropriate, safe, and effective ways; foster a positive climate that supports a literacy-rich learning environment.
- Demonstrate the ability to be reflective literacy professionals, who apply their knowledge of adult learning to work collaboratively with colleagues; demonstrate their leadership and facilitation skills; advocate on behalf of teachers, students, families, and communities.
- Complete supervised, integrated, extended practica/clinical experiences that include intervention work with students and working with peers and experienced colleagues; practica include ongoing school-based setting(s); supervision includes observation and ongoing feedback by qualified supervisors.
(Source: International Literacy Association Reading/Literacy Specialist Standards, 2017)
Admission Requirements
- Completion of Master’s Degree at a regionally accredited university with a minimum 3.0 GPA
- At least 3 years experience in an education/literacy-related field
- GRE scores that are no older than 3 years
- Interview with the Reading Department Admission Committee (if needed)
- All other doctoral requirements outlined by the College of Graduate and Innovative Programs
Degree Requirements
- 61-62 hours of coursework
- Capstone experience embedded in two semesters of internship
- Comprehensive Examinations
- Dissertation
Areas of Study
Ed.D. Course Track
Course | Title |
RLL 7000 | Trends and Issues in Literacy Research (3cr) |
RLL 7010 | Instructional Approaches Related to Reading, Writing & Language (3cr) |
EDL 7140 | Organizational Change |
RLL 7020 | Development and Evaluation of Literacy Programs |
EDL 7210 | Policy Analysis |
RLL 7030 | Policy and Politics of Reading, Language and Literacy |
EDL 7300 | Ethics of Educational Leaders |
RLL 7040 | Cultural and Socioeconomics Perspectives of Literature and Literacy |
RLL 7200 | Literacy Supervision, Leadership and Coaching (3cr) |
RLL 7050 | New Literacies and Multiliteracies in Education |
RLL 7060 | Internship in Reading, Language, and Literacy |
RLL 7310 | Writing in Recorded Thinking |
RLL 7061 | Internship in Reading, Language, and Literacy |
FPR 7011 | Philosophical and Theoretical Foundations of Leadership |
RES 7605 | Quantitative Analysis |
RES 7700 | Quantitative Research |
COMP 7000 | Comprehensive Exam (fee based) |
RES 7900 | Research Design (4cr) |
DISS 7010 | Dissertation |
DISS 7020 | Dissertation |
DISS 7030 | Dissertation |
DISS 8000* | Dissertation Supervision (as needed, fee based)* |
Ph.D. Course Track
Course | Title |
RLL 7000 | Trends and Issues in Literacy Research (3cr) |
RLL 7010 | Instructional Approaches Related to Reading, Writing & Language (3cr) |
EDL 7140 | Organizational Change |
RLL 7020 | Development and Evaluation of Literacy Programs |
EDL 7210 | Policy Analysis |
RLL 7030 | Policy and Politics of Reading, Language and Literacy |
EDL 7300 | Ethics of Educational Leaders |
RLL 7040 | Cultural and Socioeconomics Perspectives of Literature and Literacy |
RLL 7200 | Literacy Supervision, Leadership and Coaching (3cr) |
RLL 7050 | New Literacies and Multiliteracies in Education |
RLL 7060 | Internship in Reading, Language, and Literacy |
RLL 7310 | Writing in Recorded Thinking |
RLL 7061 | Internship in Reading, Language, and Literacy |
FPR 7011 | Philosophical and Theoretical Foundations of Leadership |
RES 7605 | Quantitative Analysis |
RES 7700 | Quantitative Research |
RES 7800 | Mixed Methods Research |
RES 7710 OR RES 7620 | Advanced Quantitative Analysis OR Advanced Qualitative Analysis |
COMP 7000 | Comprehensive Exam (fee based) |
RES 7900 | Research Design (4cr) |
DISS 7010 | Dissertation |
DISS 7020 | Dissertation |
DISS 7030 | Dissertation |
DISS 8000* | Dissertation Supervision (as needed, fee based)* |
* Students must register for DISS 8000 repeatedly (as needed) to maintain continuous enrollment until program completion.
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