Sixth-Year Certificate

Remedial Reading and Remedial Language Arts

Format & Location

Online, Hybrid

Reading and language arts student helping a child solve a reading worksheet with a whiteboard.

Start Dates

Fall (September), Summer

Application Deadline

Rolling Admission

Completion

10-24 Months

Schedule

Part-Time

Attend a Virtual Information Session Check for Upcoming Dates

The Sixth-Year Certificate in Remedial Reading and Remedial Language Arts at Fairfield University is designed for post-master’s candidates seeking advanced preparation in reading and language development to support students in grades 1–12. The program serves both certified educators and non-certified professionals working in public and private schools, tutoring, clinical practices, or community-based literacy settings.

What You'll Learn and Do

Lead with confidence—and evidence.

Through rigorous, clinically grounded coursework offered in hybrid and fully online formats, candidates will deepen their expertise in assessment, diagnosis, and intervention for complex literacy and writing difficulties, including dyslexia.

Leverage evidence-based practices.

Grounded in the science of reading and the principles and practices of Structured Literacy, the Sixth-Year Certificate is structured as a stackable, advanced credential. Eligible candidates will complete preparation requirements for the Connecticut Remedial Reading and Remedial Language Arts Cross-Endorsement (#102) and may also complete preparation requirements for Wilson® Reading Level I Certification, or pursue a focused concentration area aligned with advanced professional and leadership goals. This allows candidates to extend and formalize their expertise without pursuing an additional degree.

Learn from experts in the field.

Candidates will join a collaborative community of mentors and peers who are dedicated to improving literacy outcomes for all students. Our nationally recognized faculty are leaders in the field who are committed to preparing educators who value reflection and collaboration, and who are data-informed.

Manage a flexible schedule.

Working professionals will appreciate that the program is flexible and can be completed in a hybrid or fully online format. Candidates will benefit from online and asynchronous coursework, as well as integrated practicum experiences that support students without requiring them to step away from the classroom.

MA in Reading and Language Development

Fairfield’s MA in Reading and Language Development, where SEHD prepares reflective practitioners through evidence-based practices to support diverse learners, strengthen instruction, and pursue roles in literacy leadership and student support.
Learn More About the MA in Reading and Language Development

Find Out More

Contact Us

Graduate Admission
gradadmis@fairfield.edu
(203) 254-4184

Define Your Future

Admissions

From your first admission conversation to graduation and beyond, you’ll find support at every turn. The Fairfield University student support network is dedicated to meeting your needs. You’ll receive personal, academic, and financial guidance as you complete your Sixth-Year Certificate in Remedial Reading and Remedial Language Arts.

Meet Your Graduate Admission Counselor

Admission Requirements

Tuition and Financial Aid

Credits: 36

Cost per Credit: $955

Estimated Tuition: $34,380

Estimated tuition does not include fees or annual cost-per-credit increases. Figures are based on the 2026-27 rate.

Tuition & Costs

Financial Aid

Additional Financial Resources

Community Clinics

The program is committed to making a meaningful impact beyond the classroom. Through our Community Clinics, we extend our expertise and resources to support individuals and families while addressing literacy needs throughout the community.

These clinics also provide valuable hands-on experiences for future reading educators, helping them develop the skills, compassion, and social responsibility needed to serve diverse learners.

Healthy Literacy Screening Clinic

The Healthy Literacy Screening Clinic provides an early, targeted review of a child’s literacy development to determine whether skills are on track for grade-level expectations.

Students attend a single 1.5-hour Saturday session accompanied by a parent or guardian. Families receive a Healthy Literacy Screening Report that identifies grade-level skills that have been mastered, require additional practice, or warrant direct instruction. Results are reviewed with families during a follow-up conference and may be used to guide instructional planning at home, in school, or through tutoring.

Comprehensive Diagnostic Reading Clinic

The Comprehensive Diagnostic Reading Clinic offers a full evaluation to determine whether a student has a reading disability and, if so, whether the profile is consistent with dyslexia, a specific reading comprehension disability, or a mixed reading disability.

Students participate in two extended Saturday assessment sessions, followed by a parent conference to review findings and recommendations. Families receive a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation report that includes assessment results, analysis, diagnostic conclusions, and instructional recommendations. The report is appropriate for supporting special education identification and IEP or Section 504 planning.

Structured Literacy Reading Intervention Clinic

The Structured Literacy Reading Intervention Clinic provides intensive 1:1 diagnostic-prescriptive reading intervention aligned with the principles and practices of Structured Literacy.

Students receive intervention multiple days per week during a five-week summer session, with flexible scheduling options. At the conclusion of the clinic, families receive a Response to Intervention Report summarizing instructional focus, progress, and response to intervention, which is reviewed with the assigned interventionist.

Wilson Reading Level I Certification Intervention Clinic

This clinic provides eligible students with sustained 1:1 Wilson Reading System instruction, delivered by candidates completing Wilson Reading Level I Certification under the supervision of credentialed faculty and trainers.

Students receive intensive intervention multiple days per week across an academic-year or extended-year model. Instruction follows Wilson Reading System protocols and includes ongoing progress monitoring and documentation shared with families.

Learn From Industry Experts

Fairfield’s award-winning faculty have deep expertise in topics such as remedial reading and language arts. With a broad range of courses that integrate critical reflection and extensive field experience, you’ll benefit from firsthand insights and guidance on the way to your Sixth-Year Certificate in remedial reading and remedial language arts.

View All Faculty

Jule McCombes-Tolis
Associate Professor of the Practice, Educational Studies and Teacher Preparation | Director, Reading and Language Development

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