Reading First Professional Development
 

FAQ for the Master of Science in Education: Major in Early Childhood Literacy


Q: What are the required courses?
A: Master of Science in Education: Major in Early Child Literacy

Course List:
Early Literacy Series (must complete eight courses - 24 credits)
  • EDAM 5001 - Guiding Principles and Language Development
3 credits
  • EDAM 5002 - Word Study K-3
3 credits
  • EDAM 5003 - Fluency and Vocabulary Development K-3
3 credits
  • EDAM 5004 - Developing Comprehension I: K-3
3 credits
  • EDAM 5005 or 5006 - Developing Comprehension II: K-1 or 2-3
3 credits
  • EDAM 5007 or 5008 - Differentiated Small Group Instruction K-1 or 2-3
3 credits
  • EDAM 5009 - Developing Independent Readers K-3
3 credits
  • EDAM 5010 or 5011 - Connecting Reading & Writing K-1 or 2-3
3 credits
Practicum (6 credits)
  • EDAM 5012 - Early Literacy Practicum: Applying Action Research to Develop a Results-Driven Early Literacy Classroom
6 credits
Teacher Leadership (3 credits)
  • EDAM 5013 - Teacher Leadership
3 credits
TOTAL 33 credits

Q: Is there a prescribed order aside from taking the prerequisite course first?
A: No, but it is recommended that the courses be taken in the sequence shown above. The practicum can only be scheduled after the eight early literacy courses are completed.

Q: Will students need to complete some type of a culminating project after all courses are finished?
A: Yes, there is a six-credit Early Literacy Practicum. The practicum begins after the eight early literacy courses are completed.

Q: How many courses can a student take at one time?
A: Because of the job-embedded nature of eMBEDDED LEARNING's online courses, it is recommended that students take one course at a time, three courses in a school year. Each course is approximately 8 to 10 weeks.

Q: Can students take any of these courses over the summer without a classroom?
A: Yes, two courses are available in summer versions, Guiding Principles and Language Development and Teacher Leadership.

Q: Who will report Pennsylvania Act 48 hours for graduate courses?
A: Wilkes University. Act 48 hours will be posted three times per year after the end of the regular semesters (spring, summer and fall).

Q: How can I confirm that I received my Pennsylvania Act 48 credits?
A: Graduate ED courses completed for Wilkes credit beginning Spring 2000 are posted to the PDE website: https://www.perms.ed.state.pa.us. Act 48 course credits are posted approximately one month after each semester ends.

Q: What if my address changed?
A: Please contact Wilkes University directly at the Graduate Teacher Education Office and be sure to change your address in your online account with eMBEDDED LEARNING or call 1-724-459-3180.

Q: What do I do if my name has changed?
A: You can submit your name change online by logging into your LSI account and filling out the online request. If you are a declared degree student, a Name Change Request must also be sent via mail to Wilkes University along with a photocopy of a marriage certificate, social security card, divorce decree or other legal document.

Q: Are your programs accredited?
A: Yes. Wilkes University is an accredited member of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and its graduate programs, including those offered in partnership with eMBEDDED LEARNING, are approved by the Department of Education and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Q: Will my credits apply toward a master's graduate degree?
A: Once formally accepted into a degree program by Wilkes University, all graduate credits received for a course in that program will count towards that degree or program. To learn more about admission to a graduate program, please visit our admissions page.

Q: What if I am a current or aspiring Coach?
A: LSI and Wilkes University offer a Letter of Endorsement in Teacher Leadership & Instructional Coaching (TLIC). The following graduate courses satisfy the requirements for this program (12 credits): Teacher Leadership, Instructional Coaching I & II, and Problem-based Approach to Instructional Coaching K-12. It is necessary to gain formal admission to Wilkes University.

Q: What is a "study group"?
A: A "study group" is the term we give to the group of individuals who are taking the same class. When a group is formed and ready to get started, we "release" the group to the facilitator and the course begins.

Q: How many people will be in my study group?
A: In most courses, study groups are comprised of 5- 10 learners. However, EDAM 5031, 5032, 5033, and 5034 can have up to 20 learners in a study group.

Q: Can I take a course with teachers or coaches from my own building or district?
A: During the registration process you are able to choose the section of the course that you would like. If you and your colleagues choose the same section, you will be taking the course together.

Q: Can I choose the facilitator for my course?
A: During the registration process you are able to choose the section of the course that you would like. Each section has a pre-assigned facilitator that you will be able to view.

Q: Do you accept transfer credits?
A: Because of the unique, job-embedded nature of our courses, we do not currently accept transfer credits.

Q: How much time will the program take to complete?
A: The timeline to complete the degree is flexible; you have up to six years to complete all required coursework. Most learners will complete the MSEd: Major in Early Childhood Literacy Degree within a 3-year period, the MSEd: Major in 21st Century Teaching & Learning Degree within a 3-year period, and the Letter of Endorsement in Teacher Leadership & Instructional Coaching program within a 1.5 year period.

Q: Will I need to complete a thesis or take a comprehensive exam?
A: There is NO thesis or comprehensive exam to be completed at the conclusion of coursework. Instead, at the end of each course you are required to complete a 10-15 page metacognative research paper, and the MSEd: Major in Early Childhood Literacy has a 6-credit practicum serving as the capstone experience for the degree.

Q: What steps do I need to take for graduation from the MSEd: Major in Early Childhood Literacy and the MSEd: Major in 21st Century Teaching & Learning?
A: Degree candidates must register for "GRD OOOB-Graduation" on the Wilkes University yellow registration form the semester you enroll in the final course for your degree, regardless of whether you plan to attend commencement. It is the learner's responsibility to contact his or her Wilkes advisor for a preliminary audit to be sure all program requirements have been met satisfactorily. This should be done the semester before graduation is intended. Learners must register for graduation no later than 90 days prior to that semester's commencement - by January 30 for May graduation, June 30 for September graduation, and September 30 for January graduation. Completed course grades must be received at Wilkes no later than two weeks prior to the commencement date for that semester.

Learners will be invoiced for the $150 graduation fee (subject to change without notice). This registration flags you to receive a mailing from the Wilkes University Graduate Studies Office with paperwork required for graduation clearance. You can participate in the next scheduled commencement ceremony, or if you prefer your diploma will be mailed.

Q: What is the grading scale?
A: The grading/scoring is as follows:

Grading/ Scoring
4.0
A
94-100%
Academic achievement of superior quality
3.5
B+
87-93%
Academic achievement of good quality
3.0
B
80-86%
Academic achievement of acceptable quality in meeting graduation requirements
2.5
C+
75-79%
Academic achievement of adequate quality but below the average required for graduation
2.0
C
70-74%
Academic achievement below the average required for graduation
0.0
F
Below 70%
Failure. No graduate course credit

Q: When do I receive my grades?
A: Wilkes University posts grades to student accounts within 10-15 business days after the session ends. Once grades have been posted, students can access their grades at anytime by logging into the Wilkes portal.

Q: How do I order an official transcript?
A: To request a transcript, follow the steps below.
  1. Log in to your student account through mywilkes.wilkes.edu
  2. Select the "Student Services" tab
  3. Choose "Student Records"
  4. Choose "Academic Transcript"
  5. Choose "Request an Official Transcript"
  6. Pay for your transcript(s) with a credit card
  7. Web transcript requests are printed and mailed after 12:00 noon each business day

Q: I am enrolled in another graduate program. Will my institution accept these courses in transfer and apply them to my program?
A: All colleges and universities reserve the right to accept or deny transfer credits according to their own policies. If you are interested in transferring a course to your current institution, it is recommended that you seek approval in advance from your advisor or program director. Be prepared to explain where the course fits into your current program (have the Wilkes course number and description available), and which core or elective you are hoping to replace.

Q: How do I retrieve a copy of my receipt, once I have paid for the course?
A: Beginning with the 2008 fall semester: Once a payment has been made, students can print a copy of their statement by logging into the Wilkes portal.

Q: How do I get the PDE partial refund for tuition if I am a PA Reading First teacher?
A: To receive the partial refund, follow the steps below.
  1. Register for course(s) with Wilkes University.
  2. Pay Wilkes University the FULL tuition amount for the course.
  3. Print a statement showing you have paid for the course in full.
  4. Complete the Refund Request Form
    • Email the Graduate Student Services Department for a copy of the Refund Request Form
  5. Mail or Fax your statement and completed form to:
    Mail:
    GRADUATE STUDENT SERVICES
    221 West Philadelphia Street,
    Suite 112E
    York, PA 17401
    Fax:
    717-845-3481

Q: What is the Withdraw Policy?
A: Students who withdraw from the University or from specific classes during the semester will be entitled to an adjustment of tuition according to the refund schedule below. Before a refund will be processed, there must be an official withdrawal form on file at the Graduate Student Services office at Learning Sciences International. The date of official withdrawal will be determined by the date the notification is given.

9 Week Sessions
First Week100%
Second Week50%
Third Week or LaterNo Refund

14 Week Sessions
First Week100%
Second Week85%
Third Week80%
Fourth Week75%
Fifth Week70%
Sixth Week60%
Seventh Week55%
Eighth Week50%
Ninth Week40%
Tenth Week or LaterNo Refund

For more information contact 1-888-235-6555

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