Mar 28, 2024  
2014-2015 Graduate Studies Bulletin 
    
2014-2015 Graduate Studies Bulletin [ARCHIVED BULLETIN]

Teaching of Writing (Birth-Grade 6 or Grades 5-12), The, M.A.


Associate Professor García, Graduate Program Director, 516-463-5279

These programs lead to initial/professional certification for Teaching of Writing/Literacy (Birth-Grade 6 or Grades 5-12)

These programs prepare students to meet the educational requirements for certification as literacy teachers in Early Childhood and Childhood Education, Birth through Grade 6 or Middle Childhood and Adolescence, Grades 5 through 12. These degrees provide students with additional preparation as teachers of writing and the opportunity to participate in classes that focus on the most current understandings of literacy, writing, and pedagogical practices. Students are prepared for the following teaching positions:

  • Classroom teachers with advanced preparation in literacy and writing instruction.
  • Literacy/writing teachers with advanced preparation in one-on-one and small-group instruction in literacy processes.
  • Literacy/writing teachers prepared to work collaboratively with classroom teachers in designing and implementing effective literacy instruction in inclusive environments.

Admission Requirements


1.    Bachelor of arts or bachelor of science degree, with minimum GPA of 3.0.
2.    Two letters of recommendation.
3.    Possession of a New York state initial or provisional teaching certificate [see note (b)].
4.    Interview with faculty members in literacy studies.

Notes:


  1. Admission to graduate study requires a baccalaureate degree.
  2. A general core in the liberal arts and sciences in order to meet New York state certification requirements.
  3. Admission to graduate study with provisional certification requires that a student take a 3 s.h. undergraduate course in special education as a prerequisite or corequisite to study.
  4. Graduate students who enter a program of study on a nonmatriculated basis are limited to a maximum of 12 semester hours of course work.
  5. A maximum of 6 semester hours of advanced standing may be accepted for relevant graduate course work taken elsewhere.

Special Opportunity


The M.A. in the Teaching of Writing, either Birth-Grade 6 or Grades 5-12, can be completed in three to four consecutive summers, provided that students follow the M.A. in the Teaching of Writing recommended summer sequence.   

Program Requirements – M.A. in the Teaching of Writing (Birth-Grade 6): Semester Hours: 36


The sequence presented below is recommended. However, Phase I courses must be completed before entering Phase II. LYST 302  must be taken as part of the first 12 semester hours of study. LYST 303  must be taken as part of the final 12 semester hours of study. LYST 240  and 262  are prerequisites for LYST 248 . Elective courses may be taken at any time with advisement.

Additional Certification in Grades 5-12 – Semester Hours: 9-10


Students who specialize in Early Childhood and Childhood (Birth through Grade 6) may obtain specialization in Middle Childhood and Adolescence (Grade 5 through 12) by also taking the following courses:

Program Requirements – M.A. in the Teaching of Writing (Grades 5-12): Semester Hours: 36


The sequence presented below is recommended. However, Phase I courses must be completed before entering Phase II. LYST 302  must be taken as part of the first 12 semester hours of study. LYST 303  must be taken as part of the final 12 semester hours of study. LYST 240  and 262  are prerequisites for LYST 248 . Elective courses may be taken at any time with advisement.

Additional Certification in Birth-Grade 6 – Semester Hours: 9-10


Students who specialize in middle childhood and adolescence (Grade 5-12) may obtain specialization in early childhood and childhood (Birth-Grade 6) by also taking the following courses:

Graduation Requirements


  1. Completion of a minimum of 36 semester hours in prescribed courses with a minimum grade point average of 3.0.
  2. Completion of a minimum of 70 hours of field experiences which includes 50 hours of practica.
  3. Successful presentation of a learning portfolio to faculty and peers.
  4. Completion of all required Educational Law Seminars.

Teacher Certification Requirements


Upon successful completion of degree requirements, students will be eligible to apply for the University’s recommendation for New York state certification. Contact the Office of Educational Support Services, 129 Hagedorn Hall, for information regarding any required Educational Law seminars* and other certification requirements. Forms for applying for certification can be found at the Office of Educational Support Services Web page under the certification tab.

*Please note, as of December 31, 2013, the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education now require a new six-hour seminar for Training in Harassment, Bullying and Discrimination Prevention and Intervention, required under the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA): http://www.highered.nysed.gov/tcert/news/newsitem05162013.html.

To be eligible for the certification, students are required to have passing scores on the appropriate New York State Teacher Certification Examinations (NYSTCE). Please contact the Office of Educational Support Services for specific certification requirements.