College of Education at Murray

for the MA in Reading/ Writing Portfolio

The purpose of this document is to help students pursuing the MA in Reading/Writing create their Professional Improvement Plan.

The Professional Improvement Plan describes the professional growth the student wishes to achieve through graduate study, focusing on the Kentucky Experienced Teacher Standards, the IRA Standards for Reading Professionals, and the dispositions of the MSU candidate. The PIP should be written at the beginning of the student's program, and should be completed no later than the semester in which the student takes REA 612, the first required reading course. (Consult “Graduate Programs in Reading Education at Murray State University” for more information.)

Preparation

To prepare to write the PIP, students should:

1. Read the Dispositions of the MSU candidate and assess themselves according to each disposition.
2. Study the Kentucky Experienced Teacher Standards and the IRA Standards for Reading Professionals.
3. Learn about the requirements and options in the program by studying the MA Reading/Writing guide sheet, the Graduate Catalog, and the information on the Portfolio provided in the “Graduate Programs in Reading Education” document.

Organization

Students should organize their PIP into the following (or similar) sections:

1. Goals: What do I want to achieve through this program?
2. Interests: What are my particular areas of interest in literacy?
3. Areas for growth: Include
   1. How do I want to grow as a professional?
   2. What do I need to do to meet the IRA Standards for Reading Professionals?
   3. What do I need to do to meet the Experienced Teacher Standards?
   4. What do I need to do to achieve the dispositions of the MSU candidate?
4. What courses will I take to help me meet my goals and provide opportunities for growth?
5. What professional readings and other activities will help me meet my goals and provide opportunities for growth?
6. What might I want to do research on during my program?
7. What are some possible portfolio entries I could make for each required area?