Master of Education in Special Education with Dyslexia Credential

Master of Education

Marcy Zipke, Ph.D., Program Director
Harkins Hall 319
401.865.2695

The Program:

The M.Ed. in Special Education with Dyslexia Credential prepares teachers and tutors to educate students who are reading below grade level or have been diagnosed with a reading or language disability. The program includes the courses and training needed for Wilson Reading System® (WRS) Level I Certification. Students who complete this certificate may become eligible for the Wilson Dyslexia Practitioner credential from the Wilson Reading System® Corporation. Additional coursework in Special Education provides foundational content knowledge and skill development that are applicable to the field of special education in general, with an emphasis on dyslexia studies.

The program is open to students with a bachelor’s degree who currently hold, or who have completed all requirements to obtain, a state teaching credential.

The program includes 34 credit hours of coursework and features the 10-credit Wilson Reading System® training with its required practicum.

Program Objectives:

The objectives of the program are to: 

• Master the methods of intensive multisensory, explicit teaching and assessment practices and apply them to help a student(s) with language-based learning disabilities (dyslexia) to read.

• Understand the structure of the English language as it pertains to the science of reading and multisensory reading instruction.

• Complete a 65+ lesson practicum with an approved student that helps the student make significant progress in learning to read and spell more effectively with the effective practitioner earning a Wilson Dyslexia Practitioner® credential. 

• Understand key components of effective practice in the field of special education including assessment, diagnosis of disabilities, inclusion, modified instruction, current research, and individualized educational planning.

• Apply knowledge and skills to educational programming for students with a variety of special educational needs. Understand and properly select from a variety of instructional and placement options to meet individualized students’ learning needs and develop appropriate plans for individualized support. 

Program Course Outline:

The academic coursework of the program is sequenced to run during the summer, fall, and spring semesters with a full-time student completing the coursework in one calendar year plus a summer session.

Students must enroll in EDU 575 - Wilson Reading System® Introductory Course  prior to taking EDU 577 - Wilson Reading System® Steps 1-6 Practicum . This course will be offered during a summer session.