Teacher Education Department

Graduate Reading Program

 

Exit Alternatives:
Requirements to Complete the M.S. in Reading

 

(NOTE: You should either print this section or pick up a handout in KH 514.)

If you have elected to fulfill your master’s degree requirements through Option 1 (36 hours of coursework as described in the Graduate Catalog), you must take a comprehensive exam OR develop a portfolio. Either of these must be fulfilled no earlier than the last semester in which you are enrolled in courses.

If you have elected to fulfill your master’s degree requirements through Option 2 (30 hours of coursework and 6 hours of thesis), your thesis will serve as your exit project.

COMPREHENSIVE EXAM (COMPS)

General description . The comprehensive exam is a take-home exam. It will be available approximately two months prior to the date of the Comprehensive Exam. The questions require you to integrate concepts from the graduate classes you have taken. You will be asked to consider the relationships between theory, research and practice in issues related to literacy in school settings.

To successfully complete this requirement, you will need to refer to your notes, textbooks, articles, papers you have written, and other references gathered in your graduate study. You may also need to find further references. Many students have found it helpful to arrange a study group to discuss the issues with others who are preparing for comps.

Procedures & deadlines . Comps are offered three times a year, in the fall, spring, and first summer day sessions. You must register to take this exam  (click).

PORTFOLIO

General description . The portfolio is a collection of materials that demonstrates who you are as a reader, writer, teacher, and learner. It requires you to reflect on issues related to your personal literacy and your development as a teacher. Similar to comprehensive exams, the portfolio requires you to integrate issues from the various classes you have taken, as well as your teaching experiences. You must present your portfolio to your portfolio evaluation committee.

This portfolio will require a rigorous examination of the issues described. Be prepared to commit a substantial amount of time and effort to its development. Specific guidelines for the portfolio contents can be obtained from the Graduate Clerical Assistant in KH 514, or from any of the literacy faculty.

Portfolio chair and committee. You will need to establish a committee of at least two graduate faculty to serve on your portfolio committee. The members must be from the Reading/Language Arts faculty. One of them will serve as your portfolio chair. You will work closely with this person as you develop your portfolio. You are responsible for setting up meetings and asking for feedback. The other committee member will be available for consultation and will be at your presentation.  All members must give you a "pass" on your portfolio for you to have successfully completed this exit option.

Forms & deadlines . You must indicate your commitment to develop a portfolio by filing the "Portfolio Evaluation Committee" form. This must be turned in to the Graduate Clerical Assistant as soon as possible. We suggest you do this by the time you have completed 18 hours, but later is acceptable.

Presentation procedure & deadlines. You may present your portfolio no earlier than the last semester or summer school session in which you are enrolled in the degree program. You must sign up to present your portfolio with the TED Graduate Clerical Assistant in KH 514, adhering to the comprehensive exam deadlines. You are responsible for scheduling your presentation with the committee members. The presentation must occur no later than one week following comprehensive exams to be considered for graduation during that semester or summer. You must submit your portfolio to the TED graduate Clerical Assistant at least one week prior to the scheduled oral presentation, and inform the committee members that the portfolio is available for their review.

THESIS

General description. A thesis is an extensive written report of a research study that you design and conduct. Developing a thesis gives you the opportunity to systematically pursue a question within the broad field of literacy. This question may focus on, for example, students, teachers, administrators, policies, or school districts. If you select this option, you would develop your research question and your study with one of our faculty. You are encouraged to brainstorm possible research questions with one or more of the Graduate Reading/Language Arts faculty as you decide whether or not you would like to write a thesis.

Thesis committee and chair . If you choose the thesis option, you must establish a thesis committee of at least three Graduate Faculty, two from the Department of Teacher Education, and one from outside the department. Invite one of the TED faculty to chair your thesis committee. Your thesis chairperson may be any literacy faculty member. Complete the form supplied by the Graduate Office that is available from the Graduate Clerical Assistant in KH 514.

Thesis proposal . Once you decide to write a thesis, you should work with your thesis chair to determine a time line. With your chair's direction, you will write a proposal, typically the first three chapters of your thesis (Introduction, Literature Review, and Methodology). When you have completed your proposal, you will organize a proposal meeting of your committee. At this time, the committee may suggest changes and decide whether or not they agree to your plan for your study. If all are in agreement, they will sign your proposal form.

Completing thesis, defense. Again, you will work closely with your thesis chair to complete your study and thesis. At its completion, you will provide each committee member with a draft of your thesis and schedule a meeting soon after to present your study. (This is the thesis defense.) At your defense, you will discuss the salient points of your research and answer any questions the committee members may have. You must have unanimous approval of your committee to receive a pass for your thesis. Your committee may require you to make changes. Typically, these changes are minor.

(additional information http://www.unomaha.edu/graduate/thesis_guide.php )
(timeline for procedures: http://coe.unomaha.edu/ted/graduatereading/timelineforprocedures)