Language & Literacy

Director's Message

From Pamela A. Mason, director of the Language and Literacy master's program:

Welcome to the Language and Literacy program at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Our program is grounded in the belief that language and literacy skills are essential to every aspect of an individual's life and that literate individuals contribute positively to our social, cultural, and economic well-being. Our work focuses on the many factors that influence the development of language and literacy skills across the life span, with particular emphasis on improving instruction, research, and policy nationally and internationally.

The faculty and researchers in Language and Literacy explore a variety of topics ranging across all stages of development. Studies focus on the language-based precursors to literacy, on the impact of early literacy intervention on language minority learners, on the skills that relate to adults' reading proficiency, and on how neuroscience can be usefully applied to the fields of learning and remediation. Faculty interests and experiences encompass ensuring equity of access to quality literacy instruction, especially in urban schools, addressing the achievement gap, promoting effective data-driven school-wide literacy programs, and developing sustainable school-based professional development.

Our faculty have made significant contributions to both national and international scholarship and policy on language and literacy issues, including the National Academy of Sciences report, “Preventing Reading Difficulties in Young Children,” the Rand Reading Study Group report, “Reading for Understanding: Toward an R&D Program in Reading Comprehension,” "Developing Literacy in Second-Language Learners: Report of the National Literacy Panel of Language-Minority Children and Youth," and the national evaluation of Early Head Start. In addition, faculty members are involved in various Commissions and Committees of the International Reading Association.

Students in the program have opportunities for applied work and research with the Cambridge Public Schools, the Boston Public Schools, local Early Head Start/Head Start programs, and the National Center for the Study of Adult Learning and Literacy. Qualified students may receive their initial licensure as a Reading Teacher through the Massachusetts Department of Education.

One of the great strengths of the Language and Literacy program is the rich and varied set of experiences and interests that our students bring to the program. Our diverse student body represents classroom teachers from a variety of school settings (locally, nationally, and internationally), literacy volunteers from community based programs, and students from many disciplines who wish to further their understanding of literacy instruction and research. Their broad range of cultural perspectives enriches our program as it strives to address the needs of all learners.

Whether you are visiting this site as a prospective student or are currently enrolled in the program, I urge you to explore the resources available in the Language and Literacy program. Familiarize yourself with our faculty and their areas of research and teaching expertise, visit the courses we offer, acquaint yourself with some of our alumni and the work they have done after graduating from the program, and learn about the program requirements. If you are a prospective candidate, you may apply online to the program. I hope that you will consider adding your own expertise to our Language and Literacy community. Please feel free to contact us regarding your interest or questions about the program.