January 21, 2025 to March 28, 2025
- Category: AQ, Online
- Region: Central Ontario, Eastern Ontario, GTA, Northern Ontario, Outside Ontario, Southern Ontario
- Topic: English, Language Arts, Literacy
- Grades: Intermediate (grades 7-10), JK-SK, Junior (grades 4-6), Primary (grades 1-3), Senior (grades 11-12)
“Literacy is often broadly defined as the ability to read, write, speak, listen, and think critically. Research shows that being literate is closely linked to one’s ability to access power and negotiate the world around them. Young people need to develop strong literacy skills to communicate effectively, gain respect from peers and authority, participate in their communities in a meaningful way, and fully contribute to society. Building literacy, therefore, goes far beyond improving a child’s ability to read and write. It speaks to the larger societal issues of access and equity. In our society, being literate opens doors, allowing one access to power, and, in many cases, helps to level the playing field.” —The Alliance for Excellent Education, 2004
Candidates who participate in the Additional Qualification Online Course Reading Specialist will first and foremost enhance their professional practice, and extend and apply knowledge and skills in the curriculum leadership of reading programs.
They will collaborate in the modeling of a positive learning environment that reflects care, professional knowledge, ethical practice, leadership and ongoing learning as they have the opportunity to learn with and from fellow candidates in skills related to teaching and learning across the divisions of the elementary panel.
Candidates for the Reading Specialist will be able to consolidate the learning from the Parts 1 and 2, in order to develop a comprehensive understanding of all aspects of reading instruction. Emphasis will be placed on providing leadership in the implementation of the Ontario Ministry of Education curriculum, policies and guidelines in relation to theoretical understanding, program planning, assessment, and collaboration with the school and broader community. Candidates will benefit from engaging in ongoing inquiry, dialogue and reflection in order to enhance their professional knowledge in support of student learning.
- Organizer: Niagara University
- Cost: AQ Schedules C and D Courses: $710 ($640 for NU graduates). ABQ Schedule A Courses: $665 ($600 for NU Graduates)
- Location: Online
- Website: http://www.niagara.edu/aq
- Contact: Carmela Vitale
- Phone: 905.294.7260 ext. 1104