Graduate diploma in education (reading development and instruction)
Program Information
The Graduate Diploma in Education (Reading Development and Instruction) is a four-course online graduate diploma with a strong focus on reading development and instruction. The diploma is intended as a program of study for students who want to further develop their professional learning and deepen their understanding of reading development to better support classroom-wide instruction, including the instruction of children who experience reading difficulty.
Graduates of this program will be well positioned to take up many roles, such as reading-related program specialists in school districts or departments of education, school-based reading specialists, literacy support teachers, literacy coaches, classroom teachers and those who work in private practice as remedial reading tutors. The knowledge gained from this diploma may also help to strengthen the training of counselors.
Application Deadline
The next application deadline is August 15, 2026 for the Winter 2027 semester.
Program Video
Program Details
Program Booklet
For a detailed overview of the Graduate Diploma in Education (Reading Development and Instruction) (RDI) program please refer to the RDI Program Information Booklet.
Program Delivery
This is an online program. All courses included in the program are delivered by distance education. On-campus attendance is not required, but there are bi-weekly online synchronous meetings held for each course during each semester. Please note the synchronous meeting schedule posted for each course in Memorial Self-Service at time of registration.
Program Requirements
Please visit the link provided in the table below to learn more about the Graduate Diploma in Education (Reading Development and Instruction) program requirements.
| Program Requirements |
|---|
| Graduate Diploma in Education (Reading Development and Instruction) |
Required Courses
Students in the diploma program will begin their studies in the winter term and complete the program on a part-time basis by completing one course per semester over four sequential semesters.
Students are required to complete the following FOUR courses:
| Required Courses | ||
|---|---|---|
| Number | Title | Description |
| ED 6470 | Word and Sentence Level Reading Development and Instruction | This course examines the underpinnings of word identification, including phonological awareness, working memory, orthographic knowledge, and fluency. It will also examine the role of grammatical knowledge and syntactic awareness in sentence-level reading processes. Instruction and assessment of word-level and sentence-level processes are also key areas of focus. |
| ED 6471 | Text-level Reading Development and Instruction | This course examines the underpinnings of text including reading motivation, vocabulary development, and strategies for studying and comprehending text. The cognitive processes underlying reading comprehension will also be of particular interest. Instruction and assessment of text-level processes are also key areas of focus. |
| ED 6472 | Issues and Interventions in Reading Development and Instruction for Diverse Learners | This course examines the nature of reading development and instruction for diverse learner populations. Key areas of focus include the nature of second language reading as well as reading difficulties affecting word identification and reading comprehension. Special attention will be paid to assessment issues, principles and practices, including implementing assessments, interpreting results and planning appropriate evidence-based interventions. |
| ED 6473 | Praxis for Reading Specialists | This course extends the focus on assessment and instructional planning in prior coursework and also addresses issues in literacy leadership. Students will gain further experience in conducting reading assessments of school-age students and developing instructional plans to support student learning in small-group and whole-class settings. Issues in supporting classroom-based educators' practice will also be explored. |
The fourth course in the program (ED 6473) is a practicum-oriented course in which students will gain practical experience in reading assessment and instruction, while working with individual students and their classroom teachers in school-based settings.
Credential Laddering
Students enrolled in the Graduate Diploma in Education (Reading Development and Instruction) program may request a transfer to the Master of Education (Reading Development and Instruction) program prior to graduation.
Students holding the Graduate Diploma in Education (RDI) and accepted to the M.Ed (RDI) program will complete up to 12 fewer credit hours dependent upon the chosen program route and the completion date of the Diploma.
Program Cost
Please refer to Graduate Tuition and Fees for general information and the School of Graduate Studies Minimum Expense form for detailed tuition, special fee, and other program cost information.
Funding Opportunity
A Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) government bursary may be available for students enrolled in the Graduate Diploma in Education (Reading Development and Instruction) program. Information can be found at the NL K-12 Professional Learning Newfoundland and Labrador website. (Note: A NLESD or CDLI account is required to access the application form - instructions provided at the site).
Admission
Application Deadline
The deadline for application to the Graduate Diploma in Education (Reading Development and Instruction) program is August 15 and the program start date is January (Winter semester). Please refer to application submission deadlines.
Admission/Application Information
Please visit the links provided in the table below to learn more about the Graduate Diploma in Education (Reading Development and Instruction) admission/application regulations and requirements.
For admission, students must meet the requirements specified by each of the School of Graduate Studies, the Faculty of Education, the Graduate Diploma in Education (Reading Development and Instruction) program, AND the International Credential Evaluation Requirements (if applicable).
Applicants with credentials awarded by universities or institutions outside of Canada or the United States are required to submit a World Education Services (WES) Course by Course Evaluation Report along with their other application documents. Applicants who do not submit the WES Course by Course Evaluation Report will be considered incomplete and rejected on this basis.
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Interested?
Submit Your Application
Students are required to apply online to have information formally assessed. Applications and official supporting documents are to be submitted to the School of Graduate Studies by the application deadline. Complete detailed application packages are expected by the deadline date. Applications may be submitted online by following the process outlined at School of Graduate Studies - Apply to Memorial.
Admission Inquiries for Graduate Programs
Address:
Faculty of Education, Office of Academic Programs
Memorial University of Newfoundland
St. John's, NL
A1B 3X8
Email:
edgradadmiss@mun.ca
Telephone:
(709) 864-8587