Education, Reading and Literacy

The Department of Education, Reading and Literacy serves a diverse community of learners by offering comprehensive instruction and curriculum in two distinct academic disciplines: Education (EDUC) and Reading (READ). The education (EDUC) curricula support students pursuing careers in K–12 teaching through robust teacher preparation pathways grounded in research-based practices and real-world application. The Reading and Literacy (READ) curricula are designed to strengthen students’ reading proficiency across a range of skill levels. They support the development of foundational and advanced reading strategies, including developmental reading, academic literacy, and critical thinking. These courses empower students to become more effective readers, thinkers, and communicators, enhancing students’ academic success and supporting lifelong learning. Through inclusive, evidence-based instruction, the department prepares students to become reflective educators, critical readers, and advocates for lifelong learning.

Education Curriculum

The Education (EDUC) curriculum provides foundational, interdisciplinary coursework designed for students interested in pursuing transfer pathways and careers in education. Courses emphasize instructional strategies, educational theory, and practical classroom experience, preparing students for success in upper-division programs and diverse educational settings. Students can follow structured transfer pathways, such as the Associate in Arts for Transfer (AA-T) in Elementary Teacher Education: Integrated Programs or the Associate of Arts (AA) in Education, Society, and Human Development, which align with programs at the four-years. These degrees include fieldwork and observation components supported by partnerships with local K–12 school districts and formal agreements between colleges and universities, ensuring students receive both academic preparation and hands-on experience for careers in teaching, policy, advocacy, and other education-related fields.

Reading and Literacy Curriculum

The Reading and Literacy (READ) curriculum supports students in developing essential reading comprehension, critical thinking, and literacy skills applicable across academic disciplines. The program offers both developmental and college-level courses tailored to meet diverse student goals and learning needs. Through these courses, students strengthen foundational reading strategies while also engaging with more complex texts that promote analytical thinking and argument evaluation. By emphasizing reading as an active, critical process, the curriculum equips students with the skills needed to succeed academically and to interpret and respond thoughtfully to the demands of a complex society.

The department’s complete suite of reading literacy curricula includes the following courses:

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Eligible for Cal-GETC, Area 1B

In today’s rapidly evolving world, where information is often skimmed rather than deeply understood, critical reading literacy has never been more essential. The department’s reading curriculum is designed to counter the effects of a post-literate society by equipping students with the tools to become thoughtful, informed, analytical readers and independent thinkers. Faculty in the department are dedicated to building strong foundational reading skills, fostering a love of learning, and guiding students as they learn to analyze, evaluate, and engage with a wide variety of texts. These skills are essential for academic success and lifelong learning.