New master’s degree in Reading Science available at Marian University
The new program is an online course that helps teachers learn how to teach their own students literacy.
Beginning in May 2024, Marian University is offering an online Master’s program in Reading Science, the first of its kind in the state. The United States, according to the National Assessment of Educational Progress, is far behind in literacy rates, with less than one-third of fourth grade students in Indiana being proficient in reading in 2021. Research into the Science of Reading has been employed at Marian University since 2017, and this new course is another tactic to help bolster literacy rates.
According to an article on Marian University’s website, Karen Betz, who is the coordinator of Reading Science programs, said, "The Science of Reading informs educators as to the what and how of teaching reading. We are excited for this particular program because it will develop the necessary content and practice opportunities that are needed to build literacy leaders."
LaTonya Turner, Ph.D., who serves as the dean of Klipsch Educator’s College, echoed these sentiments, saying, "At Marian, we know our education programs need to be a solution to the problem of low reading rates, not perpetuating the problem.”
When the program launches next year, students may be eligible for a scholarship from the M. A. Rooney Foundation. The M.A. Rooney Scholarship will provide $5,000 toward tuition for students who teach, or lead teachers, in Indiana schools.
Melissa Fisher, who is the president of The Reading Leave-Indiana, said of the new program, "Marian University has been an excellent partner in furthering our mission to advance the awareness, understanding and use of evidence-based reading instruction across Indiana, and they have a demonstrated record in solidly educating future teachers in the science of reading. Adding a master's degree in Reading Science will increase the level of education available in our state and will ultimately assist in assuring that all students, both in Indiana and beyond, are able to learn to read and that all teachers are able to teach them."
For more information about The Reading League-Indiana, visit its website.
For more information about Marian University, visit its website.