The UH Mānoa College of Education (COE) is offering a new Literacy Specialist Program, recently approved by the Hawaiʻi Teacher Standards Board (HTSB). Teachers who complete the online program will be eligible to add Literacy Specialist to a standard or advanced Hawaiʻi teaching license.
The program was developed by faculty from the COE Departments of Curriculum Studies (CS) and Special Education (SPED) in response to HTSB’s add a field option. Candidates are required to hold a master of education degree in CS or SPED and to complete six courses – three from each department.
“Our literacy faculty is so eager to provide this opportunity to candidates statewide,” said Dr. Drue Narkon, associate professor and cohort advisor. “Through this program, we hope to improve all students’ literacy skills, especially students with reading difficulties.”
In accordance with International Dyslexia Association and International Reading Association standards, the coursework was designed to prepare candidates to be literacy leaders in their schools and districts. A new student orientation was held at the COE on July 6, 2015 for the inaugural 2015 cohort, set to complete the program next summer.
Amanda Menifield, a literacy specialist student, shared, “I am extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to work with peers who share a similar passion and under the guidance of professors dedicated to the betterment of their students as well as to the betterment of all the students with whom we will engage. This school, located on a small island in a vast ocean, speaks volumes and has the potential to change the world one mind at a time. Here’s to the 2015 cohort!”
