Advanced Alternative Preparation Program

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. The program is designed for certified teachers seeking cross-endorsement certification as Reading/Language Arts Consultants (Remedial Reading/Remedial Language Arts), Grades 1–12 (#102).

The thirteen-month program consists of three components. During the initial summer session, candidates engage in coursework focused on the foundations of language and literacy, literacy assessment and evaluation, and coaching strategies. Candidates also complete the first supervised dyslexia tutorial using the Japanese Lesson Study Model.

During the academic year, candidates participate in nine Saturday seminars designed to prepare them for roles as literacy specialists. Under the guidance of an advisor, candidates provide small-group literacy instruction and assessment, coach classroom teachers, observe reading specialists, and engage in professional reflection through extensive reading and discussion.

The final component consists of a second summer session during which candidates complete a supervised dyslexia tutorial practicum and collaborate on a research-based literacy instruction project.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, students will:

• Demonstrate expertise in literacy diagnosis, instruction, and assessment.
• Apply coaching strategies to support classroom teachers and literacy instruction.
• Contribute to improving literacy outcomes for Connecticut students.

Accreditation

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

The AAP Program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). CAEP promotes excellence in educator preparation through standards focused on content and pedagogy, clinical partnerships and practice, candidate recruitment, progression and support, program impact, and quality assurance and continuous improvement.

Albertus Magnus College’s CAEP accreditation is effective from Fall 2022 through Fall 2029.

As part of the accreditation process, Albertus Magnus College’s educator preparation programs are required to annually report specific measures related to program impact and outcomes.

Questions regarding accreditation status should be directed to the Director of Education Programs or CAEP.

Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
1140 19th 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