The University of Lethbridge Faculty of Education is adding a critical study theme option for graduate students pursuing a Master of Education. The MEd (General) in Literacies and Numeracies will better prepare teachers to help students develop foundational reading and numeracy skills.
“This issue was apparent before the pandemic, but as we became aware of the severe learning loss many students experienced during this time, we realized teachers at increasingly higher grade levels were struggling to cope with the additional challenges in reading and numeracy their students were bringing back to school with them,” says Associate Dean, Graduate Studies and Research, Dr. David Slomp.
Slomp says the program marks the first time the Faculty of Education has offered a graduate program with a numeracy focus, which adds another layer to its long history of producing graduates with a strong grasp on literacy.
“While we have offered many programs in literacies over the years, this is the first that will focus specifically on early years and foundational literacies,” he says. “In this program, students will obtain a rich understanding of what numeracy and literacy are, and what knowledge, skill, and dispositions in numeracy and literacies their students will need to thrive. Furthermore, they will be equipped with concrete strategies for how to develop and assess those qualities in their students.
Slomp says ideal candidates for the MEd (General) in Literacies and Numeracies are teachers who are working with students struggling to acquire those foundational reading and numeracy understandings as well as those seeking professional advancement.
“Many of these teachers will work in the primary grades, but teachers of older students who are struggling with reading and numeracy will also benefit a great deal from this program,” he says. “This is also a program for teachers who are looking to be reinvigorated, who are looking for opportunities to think deeply about their practice, who are considering formal and informal leadership opportunities.”
As with other graduate programs offered by the Faculty of Education, the MEd (General) in Literacies and Numeracies will be firmly rooted in research-based best practices. The program’s first cohort is planned to commence in the Summer 2024 term, with applications to be accepted until March 15, 2024.
For more information and to apply: https://www.ulethbridge.ca/future-student/graduate-studies/master-education/general