Concordia University Chicago's doctoral program in reading education provides a theoretical and practical framework for literacy instruction and assessment within an emphasis on current research. The program also provides candidates the opportunity to receive a rigorous, high quality educational program that encourages the development of skills and competencies that will be needed throughout the candidates’ professional career as a reading specialist or literacy coach.
Doctoral candidates must complete:
in subject areas covering:
Candidates must also complete:
For the EdD, Practitioner Track (10 hours)
Select two:
For the PhD, Researcher Track (16 hours)
Select one:
A historical and philosophical study of the major theories and the empirical research that describes the cognitive, linguistic, motivation, and sociocultural foundations of reading and writing processes, components, and development. Prerequisite: Admission to an approved terminal degree program or consent of instructor.
This course examines the major perspectives, theories, and their impact on the learning process related to cognitive, physiological, and psychological development of reading and writing in P-Adult educational settings. Candidates will explore, analyze, and evaluate new instructional models and related assessment systems for reading, writing and language development. Prerequisite: Admission to approved terminal degree or consent of instructor.
Standards, curriculum, research, materials, and resources for state-of-the-art literacy programs. Analysis of issues, trends and current practices related to models and programs in diverse settings. Experiences in curriculum construction, program design, development, implementation, and evaluation. Prerequisite: RLL-7010 and consent of instructor.
A study of the connections between policy, politics and reading and literacy is the focus of the course. Candidates will explore the empirical evidence related to foundational theories. Practices for communication with policy makers, public officials and community members will be an integral part of this course. Prerequisite: Admission to the Ed.D. in Reading, Language and Literacy program.
An exploration of the historic, current, and changing demographic factors that impact and influence literacy practices. Examination of literature and literacy successes as seen through the eyes of diverse learners (culturally, ethnically, economically, socially, gender, and linguistically). Prerequisite: Admission to the Ed.D. in the Reading, Language and Literacy program.
Examination and comparison of theories and research in new literacies to create a literate environment that fosters reading, writing, information and communicative competencies in diverse contexts. This course will explore literacies in schools and in the wider scope of the world. Prerequisite: Admission to the Ed.D. in Reading, Language and Literacy program.
Study of the philosophical and theoretical foundations of education, including analysis of the aims and goals of education, processes of attainment, content and curriculum, and the socialization function of education and schooling. Develop an understanding of the intersections between theory/philosophy, ethical perspectives and the development of policy, practice and institutions.
Application of change theory to large and small organizations. Leadership strategies for successful change implementation.
Educational policy-making at the macro (national, regional and state) and micro (local and institutional) levels. Selected educational policies.
Ethical theories and practice of school district leadership.
Principles of research theory, methods, inquiry, problem formulation, data collection, literature searches, and ethical considerations. Emphasis on how to design a doctoral-level research study.
This course introduces students to survey and instrument development including issues related to operationalizing variables, survey construction, sampling, coding, analysis, and evaluating the reliability and validity of survey research methods.
An examination and application of qualitative research approaches with a focus on research design, the role of the researcher, data collection and analysis, and writing from a qualitative perspective. (EdD only)
Principles and application of action research planning, implementation and reflection in educational environments. Exploration of collaborative, participatory and individual approaches to action research methods that can be utilized to improve schools and/or organizations.
An introduction to quantitative analysis of data. Statistical software will be used to explore descriptive and inferential statistics using both non-parametric and parametric techniques.
This course explores the theory, design, and application of mixed methods research.
An introduction to advanced statistical concepts including multivariate analysis, linear models, hierarchical linear models, factor analysis and data management. Students will use statistical software packages and will learn to write basic syntax for custom analysis.
This course will prepare students to utilize naturalistic inquiry in their own research, most immediately, the dissertation experience. Students will be able to reflect on choices of inquiry paradigms, the goodness of fit between the problem and the approach chosen to explore it, the selection of appropriate instruments, and the role of the writer in the presentation of findings.
The EdD/PhD program in Leadership: Reading, Language and Literacy is designed to provide students with a strong background in research, theory, reading, writing and multiliteracy programs. Our graduates are prepared to become faculty and leaders in the creation and implementation of research-based literacy programs in a variety of settings, including public and private schools, colleges and universities, adult and community-based outreach programs, corporate training settings, nonprofit educational endeavors.
This program enables students to:
(Adapted from IRA Professional Standards, 2010)
The doctorate in reading education is aligned with 2010 International Reading Association (IRA) professional standards.