KOKOMO, Ind. - Indiana educators can build on the Keys to Literacy courses required for all elementary and special education licenses, applying those credits to the Indiana University Online Master of Education in Science of Reading (Ms.Ed.) degree.

It's one of the only graduate degrees in the country specifically targeted to the Science of Reading, distinguishing it from more general programs in reading or literacy, highlighting IU's commitment to evidence-based, research-driven reading instruction. Science of Reading refers to a body of research in education, cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, and neuroscience that explains how people learn to read and informs best practices for reading instruction.

Tara Kingsley, IU Kokomo associate dean and professor of education, was faculty lead for the program, along with Suzanne Thomson and Holly Gillem, Science of Reading program coordinators, and Kelly Ballard from Keys to Literacy.

Kingsley said it fills a need for highly skilled reading instruction, to improve literacy among Indiana children. Students will earn a certificate as an authorized reading specialist in dyslexia, and a verified literacy coaching credential, and the professional development hours required for the Indiana Department of Education early literacy endorsement,

"Indiana has made Science of Reading and literacy coaching a cornerstone of its statewide strategy to improve reading outcomes," Kingsley said. "We're thinking differently about teacher training and what teachers need. Each of these classes is targeted toward Science of Reading, literacy, and coaching."

The Ms.Ed. in Science of Reading is a 30-credit hour graduate program that's fully online and designed with working professionals in mind. The coursework is aligned with both the International Dyslexia Association's (IDA) Knowledge and Practice Standards and the Department of Education's Reading Educator Standards and features the IDA-accredited Keys to Literacy curriculum.

Teachers will learn to diagnose and address reading difficulties, apply evidence-based interventions that are proven to work, develop leadership skills to support literacy initiatives, design equitable literacy systems that serve all readers, and implement Science of Reading practices in real-world settings.

Kingsley said IU program developers worked with Keys to Literacy, the state's approved vendor for the early literacy endorsement, on classes to fulfill that component. Teachers who already completed that program will receive six credits of prior learning toward the Ms.Ed.

"This honors all the work they've already done, and applies it toward something even more meaningful, which makes it more valuable," she said.

The program builds on Science of Reading instruction already included in IU Kokomo's undergraduate education program, Kingsley said.

Veteran Hamilton Heights Elementary teacher Ashley Mandery appreciated the opportunity to build on the skills she had already learned by taking the Keys to Literacy modules, and to get credit toward her master's degree for them.

"I've taught kindergarten and first grade, and now I'm in second grade, where they learn these foundational skills," she said. "I've seen how many of our kids struggled with that over the last few years. I'm able to use what I've learned immediately in my classroom, and it is very helpful."

Having an online program allows her to balance work and family with continuing her education.

Annie Adams chose the program because of the quality education she received from IU Kokomo when she earned her undergraduate degree. She said the Ms.Ed. in Science of Reading will be a key tool for her when she returns to teaching.

"It's taught me more about how our brains are formed, and what strategies are proven to work when we are teaching young readers," she said. "As someone who struggled with reading in elementary school, I love to see the light bulb come on when they get it. I'd love to be a reading interventionist, and this is a great step in that direction."

For more information or to enroll go to online.iu.edu/degrees/science-of-reading-msed-graduate.

Education is KEY at Indiana University Kokomo.

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