The Leadership Ed.D./Ph.D. program in Reading, Language and Literacy is designed to provide students with a strong background in research, theory, reading, writing and multi literacy programs. Our graduates are prepared, as faculty and leaders, to design and implement literacy programs in a variety of public and private school, university, adult and community-based, corporate, non-profit educational settings. This program enables students to:

• Demonstrate knowledge of the theoretical, historical, and evidence-based foundations of literacy and language, the ways in which they interrelate, and the role of literacy professionals in schools.
• Use foundational knowledge to critique and implement literacy curricula to meet the needs of learners and to design, implement, and evaluate evidence-based literacy instruction for all learners.
• Understand, selects, and use valid, reliable, fair, and appropriate assessment tools to screen, diagnose, and measure student literacy achievement; inform instruction and evaluate interventions; explain assessment results; and advocate for appropriate literacy practices to relevant stakeholders.
• Demonstrate knowledge of research, relevant theories, pedagogies, and essential concepts of diversity and equity; demonstrate and provide opportunities for understanding all forms of diversity as central to students’ identities, create classrooms and schools that are inclusive and affirming; and advocate for equity at school, district and community levels.
• Meet the developmental needs of all learners and collaborate with school personnel to use a variety of print and digital materials to engage and motivate all learners; integrate digital technologies in appropriate, safe and effective ways; and foster a positive climate that supports a literacy-rich learning environment.
• Recognize the importance of, participation in, and facilitation of ongoing professional learning as part of career-long leadership roles and responsibilities. (International Literacy Association 2017 standards)