Certificate of Graduate Study in Literacy Education

The Certificate of Graduate Study in Literacy is designed to accommodate teachers and special education teachers, educational technicians, and other holders of baccalaureate degrees who do not want to complete all of the requirements for a master’s degree but who wish to obtain a basic background in literacy.

Students who complete program requirements receive official transcript recognition of their work and a certificate from the department attesting to their completion of coursework in reading and writing instruction. Holders of the certificate have the competencies and proficiency levels needed to plan effective literacy instruction for their students.

Program Outcomes
This program provides an opportunity for educators to increase their understanding of the literacy learning process. The sequence of courses focuses on how students acquire literacy (reading and writing) and how they evolve as literacy users. Holders of the certificate will be able to plan effective literacy instruction for their students. Major outcomes of the program include:

• Understanding of student characteristics and instructional goals for the major stages of literacy development;
• Knowledge of instructional strategies and programs for readers of all ages;
• Ability to define, use, and teach all aspects of the writing process;
• Ability to conduct and interpret informal, on-going literacy assessment;
• Familiarity with a wide range of age-appropriate literature for children and adolescents;
• Ability to promote comprehension in the content areas; and
• Familiarity with electronic literacy and the Internet.

Admissions Information for CGS Literacy Education

For more information about this program, please contact:

Laura O'Neill
Coordinator of Advising
loneill@usm.maine.edu
(207) 780-5056