Dr. Diane L. Lowe, Professor, Education Department

Graduate Courses

LTRC 900  Research and Practice in Reading

Addresses research and practice relative to the fundamental principles of reading instruction including the reading process, the reading workshop, a literate environment, emergent literacy, reading skills and strategies, approaches to the teaching of reading, instructional materials and informal assessment. Students will be required to spend a minimum of 4 hours per week for 12 weeks in a pre-practicum field experience. The preferred field site is an elementary or middle school classroom where developmental reading is taught. Arrangements for the field experience are the student's responsibility. Prerequisite: An introductory course in the teaching of reading or the teaching of the language arts.

LTRC 902  Reading and Writing in the Content Areas

Addresses the fundamental procedures related to integrating the English language arts across the curriculum.  Instructional strategies will combine reading process and writing process theory in all content areas.  Current research and strategies for working with content area teachers will be integrated throughout the course.   

Prerequisites: LTRC 900 Research and Practice in Reading and LTRC 901 Integrating the Language Arts.

LTRC 926  Teaching the Writing Process

Teaching the Writing Process addresses the fundamental principles of teaching the writing process.  Using a writing workshop model, topics covered will include journal writing, the writer's notebook, the reading-writing connection, the mini-lesson, writing in the content areas, literature and writing, and assessment of writing.  Students will create a writer's portfolio. The prerequisite is an introductory course in the teaching of reading or language arts.

LTRC 952  Practicum in Literacy and Language with Seminar

Designed for students seeking the Initial Specialist Teacher: Reading License.  This course is a field-based 150-hour practicum experience demonstrating mastery of the subject matter knowledge relative to the Specialist Teacher in Reading.  Seminar topics include current literacy instruction, theory and practice.  The candidate must also meet the Professional Standards for Teachers as described in the Massachusetts Department of Education Regulations for Educator Licensure.  Students secure their own placement site, which must be approved by the College.  

Prerequisites: Successful completion of all required courses in the Master of Education with a concentration in Literacy and Language; a passing score on the Specialist Teacher: Reading (08) MTEL; permission of advisor to Literacy and Language program and Associate Dean, three months prior to the Practicum.