Advanced Alternative Preparation Program (AAP)

Advanced Alternative Preparation (AAP) for Literacy Specialist in Reading/Language Arts Certification

The Advanced Alternative Preparation (AAP) Program is a non-credit, non-degree program administered by Albertus Magnus College under the auspices of the Connecticut State Department of Education. This program is designed for certified teachers seeking cross endorsement certification as specialists in remedial reading/remedial language arts, grades 1–12 (#102). 

The thirteen-month program consists of three parts. An initial summer includes instruction in theory and practice in the fundamentals of language and literacy, in assessment and evaluation pertaining to reading and language arts, and in coaching strategies. Also, during the initial summer, candidates complete the first supervised tutorial of a dyslexic student using the Japanese Lesson Study Model. The following academic year includes nine Saturday seminars designed to prepare participants to assume responsibilities as literacy specialists. In addition, candidates work under the guidance of an advisor to instruct and assess small groups of students, coach classroom teachers, shadow reading specialists, and reflect on a considerable amount of reading from a professional reading list. The third and final part of the program consists of a summer during which candidates complete the second supervised dyslexia tutorial practicum and work in teams to complete an assigned project related to research-based literacy instruction.

Upon completing the program of study in AAP, students will:

• Acquire expertise in diagnosis, instruction, and assessment of literacy.
• Provide remedial reading/remedial language arts specialists with coaching skills.
• Improve literacy skills of Connecticut’s school children.

Accreditation

Albertus Magnus College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

Albertus Magnus College’s Advanced Literacy Specialist Program (AAP) is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). CAEP promotes excellence in educator preparation through content and pedagogy, clinical partnerships and practice, candidate recruitment, progression, and support, program impact, and quality assurance and continuous improvement. Albertus Magnus College's accreditation is effective Fall 2022 - Fall 2029.

CAEP requires the Albertus Magnus College Educations Programs to report annually on specific reporting measures to evaluate Program Impact and Program Outcomes.

Inquiries regarding accreditation status should be directed to the Director of the Education Programs. Individuals may also contact:

Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
1140 19^th Street NW, Suite 400
Washington, D.C. 20036
203-227-0077
Website: caepnet.org

Program Format

Classes are offered in five, eight-week modules during the calendar year. All classes are fully online.

PROGRAM OF STUDY

Part I: Summer Session I 

Hours: 8:30 AM – 2:30 PM, Monday through Friday (month of July)

Content: Instruction in coaching and adult learning, theory and practice in fundamentals of language and literacy and assessment and evaluation of reading and language arts, and clinical tutoring practice.

RLA 501 - Theory and Practice in the Fundamentals of Language and Literacy
RLA 502 - Assessment, Test Interpretation, and Program Planning in Reading and Language Arts
RLA 503 - Literacy Coaching
RLA 554 - Clinical Dyslexia Tutorial

Part II: Academic Year: Best Practices 

Hours: 9:00 PM – 2:00 PM, Saturday seminars (monthly)

Content: Nine seminars designed to prepare participants to assume responsibilities as literacy specialists. In addition to the nine seminars participants will be involved in the following activities during the academic year.

Clinical Practice: 

• Working with individual or small groups of students 
• Working with classroom teachers 
• Observing reading specialists 
• Reflecting on professional reading 

An advisor will facilitate winter activities and be the liaison between the AAP candidate and their school, as appropriate

RLA 550 - Fall Seminar Series
RLA 551 - Spring Seminar Series
RLA 580 - Collegial Coaching
RLA 581 - Comprehensive Tutorial

Part III: Summer Session II 

Hours: 8:30 AM – 2:30 PM, Monday through Friday (month of July)

Content: Culminating group project

RLA 555 - Clinical Dyslexia Tutorial II
RLA 582 - Professional Project