The evolving literacy education landscape calls on educators to lead the way in research and practice. 番茄视频 (ACE) recently launched its Ed.S. and Ed.D. in Literacy programs. Aspiring literacy leaders can gain the advanced knowledge and skills needed to positively influence and enhance literacy in education. We chatted with Dr. Scott Bailey, ACE鈥檚 assistant provost of education professions, to discuss the new programs.鈥�
鈥�ACE: ACE programs equip tomorrow鈥檚 educational leaders. What inspired our academic team to create an Ed.S. and Ed.D. in Literacy program?鈥�
Dr. Scott Bailey (SB): The Ed.S. and Ed.D. in Literacy programs address a critical need for specialized literacy leadership. We鈥檙e seeing high demand for these leaders, specifically in schools facing educational disparities and literacy achievement gaps.
These programs equip leaders to improve literacy outcomes for students. They also cultivate a pipeline of scholar-practitioners capable of transforming literacy education through policy, research and community engagement. ACE is aligning with the growing demand for instructional leaders skilled in evidence-based literacy practices, digital pedagogy and equitable literacy development.鈥�
ACE鈥檚 flexibility and industry-low tuition generate accessible pathways for current professionals to advance without leaving the workforce. Our online course delivery also broadens access, particularly for rural and underserved areas.鈥�
ACE: From answering basic questions like, what is literacy in education, to diving into granular niches within the field, how do the programs equip aspiring literacy researchers and scholar practitioners?鈥�
SB: The Ed.D. and Ed.S. in Literacy programs prepare literacy leaders and scholar-practitioners to leverage policy and research-driven strategies to advance literacy education. Graduates of these programs can lead literacy reform, develop innovative instructional models and conduct applied research, all to drive measurable improvement in literacy outcomes.
Specifically, graduates of these programs will be able to do the following and more.鈥�
- Implement technology-integrated literacy strategies and evidence-based assessment tools and intervention practices
- Design and lead literacy initiatives, literacy programs that integrate the five pillars of reading and professional development initiatives鈥�
- Promote school-wide literacy improvement and optimize comprehension strategies
听ACE: What are the similarities and differences between the doctorate in literacy (Ed.D.) and the specialist degree (Ed.S.)?鈥�
SB: Both degrees have the same underlying coursework. We chose course topics that ensure graduates gain relevant and practical applications. Some topics include literacy and technology, literacy leadership, advanced comprehension strategies, literacy integration, and more. If students can take their coursework and apply it right away, we鈥檝e done our jobs preparing them well.
The main difference is that Ed.D. culminates in a dissertation, which represents original research and contribution to the field. The Ed.S. culminates in a final capstone project. Practically speaking, the Ed.S. program costs $12,660 with an estimated completion time of 18 months. The Ed.D. costs $24,810 with an estimated completion time of three years or less.
Importantly, the Ed.D. also includes a focus of study, which represents another 18 hours of concentrated doctoral coursework. We created a variety of focuses so students can customize their program based on specialty and areas of interest. The options include Curriculum and Instruction, Higher Education, Instructional Leadership, Instructional Technology, Leadership, Early Childhood Education, Second Language Instruction, Special Education and STEM Education. Students can also follow a general track.听
ACE: What kinds of positions does a literacy degree prepare students for?鈥�
SB: The degrees would position someone to assume school or district-level leadership roles, such as department heads or directors. Specifically, the Ed.D. program鈥檚 graduates can teach literacy and literacy education in higher education settings.
There are also opportunities for senior roles in literacy educator training, literacy curriculum development, literacy program development and more.
Become a leader in literacy with the Ed.D. and Ed.S. in Literacy programs at ACE.鈥�
