Special Programs in Literacy

Maine Partnerships in Comprehensive Literacy (MPCL)

Program overview
Maine Partnerships in Comprehensive Literacy at the University of Maine is a PK-12 Tier I continuous school improvement model. The model is dedicated to increasing the academic achievement of all students through ongoing professional development for educators. Literacy achievement is the tool used for measuring school improvement in four related areas: student learning, teacher perceptions, school climate and school processes.

MPCL affiliated schools establish a partnership with the University Training Center at UMaine to create a system for successful literacy education. This commitment includes:

Training and support of a literacy coach within the school
Collection of data to monitor the progress of every student
Provision of safety nets for at-risk students
Development of a school leadership team
Establishment of a long-term professional development plan that includes every teacher

Interested MPCL coach applicants must have a master’s degree and secure the approval of the building principal and district superintendent.

Program delivery
MPCL coach coursework requires a yearlong, nine credit course of study provided by the MPCL Trainer, including:

• EEL 580/581 Theoretical Perspectives within MPCL Coaching I & II
• EEL 582/583 Clinical Practices in MPCL Coaching I & II
• EEL 585 Reflective Practice in MPCL Coaching is also offered on a regular basis

The MPCL coach provides ongoing professional development for teachers at the school site, while the school team oversees and monitors the learning of all students. University of Maine graduate courses are taught at the school level by the MPCL coach. These courses include:

• EEL 553/554 Literacy Teaching and Learning I & II
• EEL 552 An Exploration of Writer’s Workshop in PreK-12 Classrooms
• EEL 554 An Exploration of Reader’s Workshop in PreK-12 Classrooms
• EEL 556 An Exploration of Language Workshop in PreK-12 Classrooms

The school and coach maintain a partnership with the MPCL Trainer for ongoing professional development and implementation support.

Tuition and fees
For current information about tuition and fees, please visit the Bursar’s office.

To apply
For further information, contact the University Training Center for Comprehensive Literacy: 207.581.2493 or umaine.edu/maineliteracy.