The Education Specialist (EdS) in Literacy degree prepares exemplary professionals to provide leadership in literacy at local and state levels and is offered 100% online. It is designed to help students achieve their academic and career goals on their schedule.
The Education Specialist in Literacy online program consists of 36 hours and includes literacy leadership, literacy coaching, trends and issues in literacy education, writing, diverse learners, and disciplinary literacy dealing with the theories, methods and materials for reading, reading instruction, language, language instruction, reading assessment and diagnosis. Candidates complete a capstone action research project to study literacy initiatives and identify best practices in the area of literacy education in their classrooms, schools, or districts. The program fulfills a Master’s + 30 requirement and leads to the Literacy Teacher or Literacy Coach SC certification endorsement.
- Candidates will analyze the strengths/weaknesses of a students’ reading ability.
- Candidates will develop a professional literacy plan that incorporates instructional approaches, materials, and an integrated, comprehensive, balanced curriculum to support student learning in literacy.
- Candidates will apply understanding of research methodology to pose questions, collect, and analyze data and improve literacy practice.
Requirements for Admission
In establishing criteria for admission to the program, the University is guided by the conviction that positions of instructional leadership should be occupied by women and men of high academic achievement, demonstrated competence as teachers, and visible attributes of leadership. Applicants will therefore be evaluated by reference to the following standards:
- Academic Record
Applicants must have earned a master’s degree from an accredited institution and normally have maintained at least a 3.0 average in that course of study. High Praxis II scores are also required to demonstrate academic ability. - Teaching Ability
The record of the applicant must show at least three years of successful full-time teaching and high recommendations as an instructor. - Personal Qualities
In evaluating the potential for leadership, the University will pay particular attention to the required letters of recommendation, seeking evidence of strength of character, skill in decision-making, and a talent for articulate speaking and writing.
Application Procedure
To be considered for admission to the EdS program an applicant should submit the following credentials:
- A completed application online
- $40 application fee
- $100 Graduate Deposit Fee;
- Official undergraduate and graduate transcripts from all colleges attended
- NTE/Praxis II scores
- Three letters of recommendation
- Three years of teaching experience
- An appropriate master’s degree for teaching at the elementary or secondary school level
- A 3.0 GPA in their master’s degree from an accredited institution
- A valid teacher’s certificate
- A personal statement. This statement should be a reflection on how your personal goals as an educator tie with the Converse concept of the “Ideal” Educator. This ideal is derived from the Converse University Founder’s Ideal in which Dexter Edgar Converse said his desire was that Converse students “may be enabled to see clearly, decide wisely, and to act justly.” How do you see your Converse graduate program helping you “to see clearly, decide wisely, and to act justly”? Your personal statement should be approximately one page (250–300 words). In keeping with the Honor Tradition at Converse, your essay must be entirely your own work. Organize your essay clearly, proofread, and spell-check your essay carefully. Be as specific as you can as you reflect on how Converse can help you become the “Ideal” Educator.
- Completed essay
See the Converse website (www.converse.edu) for the current course requirements for this degree.
THE CONVERSE ELECTRONIC SYSTEM POWERED BY STUDENT LEARNING & LICENSURE (SLL)
All EdS candidates are required to purchase SLL. Candidates submit work via the Converse electronic system powered by SLL. Professors assess candidate work through this online system as well. The Education Department uses SLL to track candidate performance and to measure program effectiveness.
SLL accounts are active for the duration of a candidate’s degree program plus a year or a total of five years, whichever is greater.