Elementary Reading and Literacy (PreK-6)*

A key element in any child’s learning is the development of reading and literacy skills. By choosing a specialization in Elementary Reading and Literacy, you can provide a child with the foundation for future success.

This newly enhanced program addresses the technology-oriented literacy landscape of the 21st century and provides you with the latest research and practical strategies to increase all students’ achievement, including that of linguistically, culturally, and academically diverse learners. Based on International Reading Association (IRA) standards, this program gives you the knowledge and skills to confidently manage your classroom literacy program and effectively address the complexities of teaching reading and writing in today’s classroom.

Emphasis on Practical Strategies

• Implement research-based practices in key areas of reading instruction.
• Effectively collaborate with reading specialists, parents, and other professionals to support the needs of every learner.
• Harness technology as a literacy learning tool.
• Use data assessment and evidence-based practices to identify areas of need, monitor progress, and inform instruction.
• Employ intervention strategies that accelerate literacy development.
• Establish and foster a culturally responsive classroom that supports literacy at all levels of English language acquisition.

Completion Requirements

• 30 total semester credit hours
• ePortfolio

Estimated time to completion: 20 to 24 months, depending on individual progress and credits transferred. For a personalized estimate of your time to completion, call your enrollment advisor at 1-866-492-5336.

This program’s courses are delivered online in a prescribed sequence which can be found by clicking on the course description link below.

Core Courses

Course Code	Course Title	Credits
EDUC 6610	Teacher as Professional	3
EDUC 6640	Designing Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment	3
EDUC 6650	Enhancing Learning through Linguistic and Cultural Diversity	3
EDUC 6733	Action Research for Educators	3
EDUC 6657	Creating an Effective Classroom Learning Environment	3

Specialization Courses

Course Code	Course Title	Credits
EDUC 6705	Foundations of Reading and Literacy	3
EDUC 6706	The Beginning Reader, PreK-3	3
EDUC 6707	The Developing Reader, Grades 4-6	3
EDUC 6708	Literacy Development in a Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Classroom	3
EDUC 6709	Literacy Development in an Academically Diverse Classroom	3

Course Descriptions

Walden features a cadre of national experts who share their latest research and personal perspectives on education, including examples that depict how theory translates to practice.

*Please note, most states require teachers who seek to obtain licensure  or endorsement in the area of reading to complete a state-approved licensure program and/or that the program include a practicum/clinical experience. None of the graduate programs that Walden University currently offers have been approved by Minnesota, Walden's home state, to lead to any form of licensure in the area of reading.

It is the responsibility of Walden candidates to review their own state's certification requirements to ensure they are in the degree program that will help them meet their professional goals.

Walden University makes no representation or guarantee that successful completion of Walden’s programs, or coursework for graduate credit, will permit a graduate to obtain state licensure or endorsement as a P–12 teacher or administrator.