$1.5 Million Grant Awarded to Fairfield University

From Fairfield University: Fairfield University’s internationally accredited Reading and Language Development program (RLD) directed by Jule McCombes-Tolis, PhD, was awarded a $1.5 million grant from the Grossman Family Foundation to support a three-year expansion of its research arm.

Through Fairfield’s Graduate School of Education and Allied Professions (GSEAP), the Sixth Year Professional Certificate in Reading and Language Development is offered to individuals who have received their master’s in education degree. The 36-credit program provides advanced training for practicing general and special educators and coursework in scientifically based reading, writing and spelling instruction, intervention and remediation practices.

This grant and the Anne E. Fowler Foundation fund a fellowship model for the program that includes options for district-negotiated leaves of absence in order for candidates to engage in a yearlong supervised practicum experience. Anne E. Fowler Fellows are eligible for one of three strands, each of which provides generous tuition benefits, professional association membership benefits and access to comprehensive reading and writing professional development. Upon completion of the program, candidates are prepared to meet the diverse literacy needs of K-12 students. The Anne E. Fowler and Grossman Foundations provided 10 full scholarships last year, its inaugural year, and are funding 15 full scholarships for their incoming class (Fall, 2017).

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