Tara Warmerdam, Ed.D.
Assistant Professor of Education
Program Director, Reading and Language
The Masters of Arts in Reading and Language equips candidates to put literacy theory into practice, to become confident decision makers, and to develop the skills needed to be change agents in the field of literacy.
Course work and related experiences focus on the many factors that influence the development of language and literacy skills with particular emphasis on understanding foundational and theoretical perspectives, improving instruction, and understanding relevant research as a means of guiding literacy practice. Coursework examines the reading/writing process, second language acquisition, literacy assessment techniques and the use of literature in the classroom.
Graduates of the program obtain a Reading and Literacy Added Authorization concurrently with their Master of Arts degree.
Program Highlights
- Evening classes
- Blended class options
- Small class sizes
- Interactive teaching and learning
- Summer residency format allows teachers to finish at an accelerated rate
- Direct and practical classroom application of literacy concepts
Catalog
Program Director: Tara Warmerdam, M.A.
Program Student Learning Outcomes
- Candidates develop a strong, coherent vision of a culture of literacy at school and community levels which acknowledges that language and literacy experiences are individual and that cultural contexts impact instruction and learning.
- Candidates articulate the reciprocal nature of language, reading and writing processes in the development of effective literacy practices and demonstrate an understanding of the power of language and literacy competency in shaping their students' academic identities and social capital.
- Candidates will demonstrate an understanding of contrasting theories of learning and literacy from several perspectives—sociological, psychological, linguistic—and how these contrasting theories of learning are a reflection of the broader debates in literacy education.
- Based on an analysis of current, high quality literacy research, candidates will create effective literacy learning environments strongly rooted in a theoretical base, that engage all students including English Language Learners, and design and carry out appropriate literacy instruction based on the needs of individual students, including struggling readers/writers
- Candidates develop a repertoire of assessment and evaluation strategies to analyze learners' strengths and next learning steps as readers and writers and create strategic interventions and approaches to support individual literacy development.
- Candidates will understand 21st Century literacies including a semiotic perspective that embraces a variety of sign systems to enhance the meaning-making process and will be able to articulate how critical pedagogy and critical literacy create a framework for them to enact work in diverse, urban, and multicultural settings.
- Candidates will articulate understanding of current standards in the field and will demonstrate how to engagingly embed these standards in pedagogical practice.
Locations Offered
Main Campus Fresno, Visalia
Required Courses (32 Units)- LLC 700 - Reading Process and Practice Credits 3
- LLC 708 - Issues in Literacy: Multilingual Learners Credits 3
- LLC 715 - Writing Process and Practice Credits 3
- LLC 720 - Language Assessment and Evaluation Credits 3
- LLC 728 - Literacy Practicum I: Assisting Struggling Readers Credits 3
- LLC 731 - Literature Study in Classroom Credits 3 or
- LLC 732 - Adolescent Literature Credits 3
- ED 779 - Values in School and Society Credits 3
- LLC 760 - Literacy Practicum II: Advanced Literacy Credits 2
- LLC 767 - Current Trends in Language and Literacy Credits 3
- LLC 795 - Research Methodology in Literacy Credits 2
- LLC 796A - Literacy Research Project I Credits: 2
- LLC 796B - Literacy Research Project II Credits 2
Elective
- LLC 765 - Research in Language, Literacy and Culture Credits 3
Possibilities Await
With an FPU Education
The decision to embark on graduate studies is a big one. Our 40+ graduate programs will equip you to succeed in your career and in your life. You’ll become part of a small community of learners, thrive in a flexible learning environment and be challenged by a rigorous curriculum. Learn how much further you can go at FPU!
For more information, contact the campus nearest you, attend an information meeting or ask about a program.
First Steps to Admission
- Apply online
- Submit 2 reference forms (Varies based on program of interest)
These can be filled out by academic or professional acquaintances familiar with your ability to complete graduate-level work. Print the reference form. - Include statement of intent.
You can also provide an addendum explaining your interest in the program, any long-term goals and your experience in the field. - Request official transcripts.
Transcripts must be from accredited institutions to verify your bachelor’s degree. Send transcripts electronically to trans.evaluator@fresno.edu or mail sealed transcripts to the Registrar’s Office at 1717 S. Chestnut Ave. Fresno, CA 93702. - Complete program requirements.
These requirements are specific to your program of choice. You will be contacted for an interview and additional requirements if applicable. - Apply for financial aid.
You can apply for FAFSA. Use FPU school code: 001253 - Schedule an appointment.
Meet with your Student Financial Services Advisor. You can contact them at 559-453-2041 | sfs@fresno.edu.
Program Requirements
- Admission interview
- One current professional reference form
- Copy of teaching credential
Cost & Financial Aid
The below listed prices reflect the current and upcoming Fall and Spring semesters and do not include any financial aid. Paying for college can be an overwhelming step in your education journey. We can help you find all the opportunities to reduce your out of pocket costs.
Tuition & Fees
* This is an estimate. Costs subject to change. Please refer to the Catalog for additional fees. Cost of attendance figures are used for budgeting purposes only and represent an estimate of projected tuition and fees for the coming academic year. Actual tuition rates are approved by the Board of Trustees and may vary.
Types of aid
Financial aid can refer to scholarships, grants and loans, which are available to you from the government, the university or outside sources. Aid types vary depending on the type of student you are.
Career Opportunities
Candidates may elect to pursue the entire program or a portion of the program. All courses for the Reading and Literacy Added Authorization can be applied to the master’s degree. The coursework options are designed to meet the needs of those who seek advanced study in the field of literacy.
Career Development Happens Here
The staff in our Career Development and Experiential Learning Center are here to help you prepare to enter the working world. Whether your a freshman or an FPU alum, there are a number of resources and trainings offered to help you find the internship and job you’re looking for.
- Resume writing classes
- Career assessments, exploration & planning
- Job search and networking opportunities
- and much more