Post-Master's Certificate Leadership in Literacy Science and Systems Change (LLSSC)

What Is a Post Master's Certificate in Literacy Science and Systems Change (LLSSC)? 

The Post-Master’s Certificate in Literacy Science and Systems Change reflects the shared commitment of the Drexel School of Education, the College of Arts and Sciences, and Drexel University to advancing evidence-based practice, interdisciplinary scholarship, experiential learning, and meaningful societal impact. Grounded in literacy science, the science of learning, and implementation science, the certificate prepares educational leaders to translate evidence into action and lead meaningful, sustainable improvement in literacy systems.

Consistent with Drexel’s emphasis on translating knowledge into action, participants identify a problem of practice within their school or district and develop and implement a comprehensive plan for improvement. Through this applied work, participants use data to understand the problem and establish measurable goals; align evidence-based literacy practices, curriculum, instruction, and assessment; assess organizational readiness; engage and build capacity among stakeholders; and apply implementation and continuous improvement processes to monitor fidelity, evaluate outcomes, and adjust their approach over time.

Through this work, leaders develop the knowledge and capacity to improve literacy outcomes, advance educational equity, and create sustainable systems change in the communities they serve. The certificate embodies Drexel’s commitment to preparing professionals who use research, evidence, collaboration, and practical experience to solve complex problems and improve lives.

Who would benefit from a Post-Master's Certificate in LLSSC?

Relevant job titles associated with this program:

• Literacy Coach 
• Principal 
• Assistant Superintendent 
• Superintendent 
• Special Education Supervisor 
• Curriculum and Instruction Supervisor 
• Literacy Supervisor

Why Pursue a Post-Master's Certificate in LLSSC at Drexel?

One of the biggest competitive advantages of this program is the national and international experts that are developing the courses. Experts in literacy, neuroscience, implementation, multi-tiered systems of supports and leadership. This is also only one of a few programs nationwide that focuses on leadership and systems change specifically related to literacy outcomes for k-12 students.  The National Experts include: G. Reid Lyon, Michelle Duda, Louise Spear-Swerling, Stephanie Stollar, Mitchell Brookins, Pam Kastner, Louisa Moats, Anthony Fitzpatrick, Angela Hanlin, and Sharon Dunn.

Is the PMC in Leadership in Literacy Science and Systems Change Right for You?

Who is this program intended for?   

Literacy coaches, reading specialists, principals, curriculum and instruction, assistant superintendents, superintendents. 

Who should apply? 

The certificate is designed for: 

• Principals and assistant principals  
• District administrators  
• Literacy leaders and coordinators  
• Instructional coaches  
• Curriculum and assessment leaders  

What industries does this program align with?  

• Education 
• Higher education 
• Education leaders- at district and building level 

Leadership in Literacy Science and Systems Change Courses and Curriculum

Through the Post-Master’s Certificate in Literacy Science and Systems Change, students will learn to: 

• Explain how reading develops and apply this knowledge to instructional leadership and decision-making. 
• Distinguish between evidence-based literacy practices and practices that are not supported by scientific research. 
• Understand the critical role of oral language, language comprehension, and knowledge building in reading proficiency. 
• Evaluate literacy curricula, instructional programs, interventions, and assessments for alignment with the Science of Reading and structured literacy principles. 
• Analyze literacy systems using a systems-thinking lens, including curriculum, assessment, intervention, professional learning, scheduling, and organizational structures. 
• Design and lead school- and district-wide literacy improvement initiatives grounded in implementation science and continuous improvement principles. 
• Develop and support Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) that align instruction, assessment, intervention, and progress monitoring. 
• Use literacy assessment data to identify trends, monitor implementation, evaluate outcomes, and inform strategic decision-making. 
• Build and sustain literacy leadership teams that promote collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement. 
• Design professional learning systems that strengthen educator capacity and support the implementation of evidence-based literacy practices. 
• Apply implementation science frameworks to diagnose barriers, monitor fidelity, and sustain literacy initiatives over time. 
• Lead organizational change by communicating a clear literacy vision and building stakeholder commitment to evidence-based practices. 
• Evaluate the effectiveness of literacy initiatives through data analysis, implementation measures, and student outcome indicators. 
• Translate literacy research into actionable policies, practices, and systems that improve student literacy outcomes. 
• Develop the leadership knowledge and tools necessary to create coherent, sustainable literacy systems at the classroom, school, district, and policy levels.  

FAQs about the PMC in LLSSC

What is the Post-Master's Certificate in Literacy Science and Systems Change? 

The Post-Master's Certificate in Literacy Science and Systems Change is a graduate-level program designed for educational leaders who want to improve literacy outcomes through evidence-based literacy practices, implementation science, and systems leadership. The program prepares participants to lead literacy improvement efforts at the school, district, and organizational levels. 

Who should apply? 

The certificate is designed for: 

• Principals and assistant principals  

• District administrators  

• Literacy leaders and coordinators  

• Instructional coaches  

• Curriculum and assessment leaders  

What makes this program different from a traditional literacy certificate? 

Most literacy programs focus primarily on classroom instruction. This certificate focuses on leadership for literacy improvement. Participants learn not only how reading develops and what evidence-based literacy practices look like, but also how to design, implement, evaluate, and sustain literacy systems that improve outcomes across schools and districts. 

What will I learn? 

Participants will learn to: 

• Explain how reading develops  

• Distinguish evidence-based literacy practices from unsupported approaches  

• Understand the role of language comprehension and knowledge building  

• Evaluate literacy curricula, interventions, and assessments  

• Design and lead literacy improvement initiatives  

• Build effective MTSS and assessment systems  

• Use implementation science to support sustainable change  

• Develop literacy leadership teams and professional learning systems  

Is the program aligned with the Science of Reading? 

Yes. The certificate is grounded in interdisciplinary research from cognitive science, linguistics, neuroscience, and education that collectively informs the Science of Reading. Participants learn how to evaluate literacy practices, programs, and systems through an evidence-based lens. 

How is implementation science incorporated into the program? 

The program integrates implementation science throughout the coursework. Participants learn how to move beyond knowing what works to understand how to successfully implement and sustain evidence-based literacy practices within complex educational systems. 

How many courses are required? 

The certificate consists of five courses.

Do I need to be a school administrator to enroll? 

No. While the program is designed with instructional leaders in mind, educators who influence literacy initiatives, professional learning, curriculum, coaching, or school improvement efforts are encouraged to apply. 

Will I have opportunities to apply what I learn to my own school or district? 

Yes. Coursework emphasizes authentic, practice-based application. Participants analyze their own literacy systems, evaluate implementation challenges, use local data, and develop actionable plans that can be immediately applied within their educational settings.  

State restrictions may apply to some programs.