Newman University’s Reading Specialist program equips Kansas teachers with research-based strategies and structured literacy approaches to address the state’s growing literacy crisis, emphasizing dyslexia support through multisensory techniques and diagnostic assessment skills.
Kansas is facing an alarming literacy crisis. As reading proficiency rates continue to decline across the state, the need for teachers with specialized training has never been more urgent. Newman University has responded to this challenge with their thoughtful Master of Science in Education (MSED) Reading Specialist program with dyslexia emphasis.
"The literacy challenges we're seeing in Kansas classrooms require a specialized approach," explains Newman University, which has developed this comprehensive program to address the specific needs of struggling readers. This graduate program is positioned to change how Kansas educators approach literacy instruction, particularly for students with dyslexia and other reading difficulties.
What distinguishes Newman's program is its foundation in evidence-based methodologies specifically designed to address dyslexia. Unlike general reading programs, Newman's curriculum incorporates structured literacy approaches that have proven effective for students with reading disabilities.
The program teaches explicit, systematic instruction in phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, and comprehension strategies. This structured approach gives teachers tools to help students who struggle with traditional reading instruction methods.
Newman's Reading Specialist program fits within the Master of Science in Education degree, giving teachers a comprehensive educational foundation. This integration ensures graduates understand specialized reading instruction and possess broader pedagogical knowledge necessary for effective teaching.
The curriculum combines theory with practical applications, allowing teachers to earn their master's degree while developing specialized skills in reading instruction. This approach prepares educators to address complex needs of struggling readers in Kansas classrooms.
Newman's program emphasizes immediate classroom application of new skills. Teachers can use what they learn directly in their classrooms, connecting theory with practice. This practical approach ensures that specialized knowledge becomes improved teaching strategies that benefit struggling readers right away.
At the center of Newman's Reading Specialist program is comprehensive training in structured literacy. This approach teaches reading in an explicit, systematic way that benefits all students but works particularly well for those with dyslexia.
Structured literacy instruction focuses on phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension skills. Teachers learn to present these elements in a logical progression, building on previously learned skills to develop strong reading foundations in their students.
The program emphasizes multisensory learning techniques, which engage multiple learning pathways at once. This approach helps students form stronger neural connections and improves retention of reading skills.
Teachers learn to implement activities that use visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and tactile elements in their reading instruction. These techniques work particularly well for students with dyslexia, who often benefit from using multiple senses during the learning process.
A critical component of the program is building teachers' ability to accurately assess and diagnose reading difficulties. Educators learn to use various assessment tools to identify specific skill gaps and monitor student progress.
This diagnostic approach allows teachers to identify exactly where students are struggling and create targeted interventions. Rather than using generic solutions, graduates of the program can implement specific strategies based on individual student needs.
Newman's program recognizes how technology supports modern literacy instruction. Teachers learn to incorporate appropriate technology tools that can assist students with reading challenges.
The curriculum covers assistive technologies and digital resources that support students with dyslexia and other reading difficulties. These tools can make content more accessible and provide alternative ways for students to show their knowledge.
The R.E.A.D. Redefined initiative is a unique aspect of Newman's program focused on reimagining reading instruction for diverse learners. This initiative promotes innovative approaches to literacy that address the specific needs of students with reading challenges like dyslexia.
Graduates of Newman's program use teaching strategies supported by current research in literacy education. These approaches go beyond traditional reading instruction to meet the specific needs of struggling readers.
By consistently applying structured literacy principles, teachers create classroom environments where students with reading difficulties can develop essential skills. The focus on research-supported practices ensures that instruction targets the components most critical for reading success.
With advanced diagnostic skills, program graduates can create and implement customized interventions for students with reading difficulties. Rather than using generic approaches, these specialized teachers can target specific skill gaps with greater precision.
This personalized approach addresses exactly what each student needs, focusing instruction on areas of difficulty. Students receive support tailored to their specific reading challenges, whether related to dyslexia or other literacy issues.
The skills taught in Newman's program work across elementary, middle, and high school settings. Teachers learn to adapt structured literacy approaches appropriately for different age groups and developmental stages.
This flexibility allows Reading Specialists to support literacy development throughout a student's educational journey, providing consistent, research-based instruction at every level.
The program benefits from the leadership of Amy Taylor and Jane Hayes, who bring valuable experience in literacy education to the curriculum. Their knowledge shapes the program's development, ensuring it reflects important practices in the field.
Both experts have worked with struggling readers, particularly those with dyslexia, giving them insight into effective intervention strategies. Their experience adds depth to the program content and provides valuable context for theoretical concepts.
Taylor and Hayes incorporate research findings into the program curriculum, ensuring that graduates receive current knowledge and strategies. Their commitment to evidence-based practice means the program reflects important developments in understanding dyslexia and reading difficulties.
This research-informed approach keeps the program connected to advances in literacy education, particularly for addressing the needs of students with reading challenges.
Beyond teaching course content, Taylor and Hayes provide guidance to program participants. Their support helps teachers apply new concepts in their classrooms and work through challenges that arise during implementation.
This mentorship creates a supportive learning community where teachers can develop their skills and grow professionally throughout the program.
Graduates of Newman's program are prepared for roles in reading intervention. Many use their specialized knowledge as Reading Specialists, literacy interventionists, or reading teachers within their schools.
These positions allow graduates to focus on helping struggling readers and supporting other teachers in implementing effective literacy instruction.
The comprehensive knowledge gained through the program helps prepare graduates for leadership opportunities in literacy education. Graduates may participate in curriculum development, professional learning communities, or literacy initiatives within their districts.
In these roles, they can share their expertise with colleagues and contribute to broader literacy improvement efforts in Kansas schools.
Teachers who complete Newman's Reading Specialist program with dyslexia emphasis gain skills designed to positively impact student reading achievement. By implementing structured literacy approaches and providing targeted interventions, these educators help address reading difficulties more effectively.
Their specialized training contributes to addressing the literacy challenges faced by Kansas students, particularly those with dyslexia and other reading difficulties.
Newman University's Reading Specialist program with dyslexia emphasis equips Kansas teachers with specialized knowledge and evidence-based strategies to improve literacy instruction. As these trained specialists implement structured literacy approaches in their classrooms, they help create educational environments where more students can succeed as readers.
To learn more about how Newman University is preparing teachers to address Kansas' literacy challenges through their Master of Science in Education Reading Specialist program, visit Newman University's website.
