Mar 28, 2024  
2020-2021 Graduate Studies Bulletin 
    
2020-2021 Graduate Studies Bulletin [ARCHIVED BULLETIN]

Literacy Studies (Birth-Grade 6) and Special Education (Birth-Grade 2) or (Grades 1-6), MSEd


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Associate Professor McGinnis, Graduate Program Co-Director, 516-463-5769
Professor Pace, Graduate Program Co-Director, 516-463-6476


Option I. LITERACY STUDIES (Birth-Grade 6) and SPECIAL  
                 EDUCATION (Birth- Grade 2) 

Option II. LITERACY STUDIES (Birth-Grade 6) and SPECIAL
                   EDUCATION (Grades 1-6)

These dual programs prepare students to meet the educational requirements for certification, literacy (Birth-Grade 6) and students with disabilities (Birth-Grade 2) or (Grades1-6). The degree provides students with the opportunity to participate in classes that focus on the most current understandings of literacy and special education pedagogical practices. A universal theme woven into the fabric of all programs in special education is an appreciation of diversity and the understanding that the goal of education is to teach every child so that all children can learn. Graduates of this program will be recommended for the following teaching certificates: Classroom teachers with preparation in literacy (Birth to Grade 6) and students with disabilities (Birth-Grade 2) or (Grades 1-6). Graduates will be prepared for the following teaching positions:

  1. Literacy specialists with additional preparation in one-on-one and small group instruction with students with disabilities (Birth-Grade 2) or (Grades 1-6).
  2. Literacy specialists prepared to work collaboratively with classroom teachers in designing and implementing effective literacy instruction in inclusive environments. (Birth-Grade 2) or (Grades 1-6).
  3. Teachers of students with disabilities (Birth-Grade 2) or (Grades 1-6) with additional preparation in literacy instruction (Birth-Grade 6).

Admission Requirements


Applications for admission to this Master of Science in Education program in the Department of Specialized Programs in Education  are made to the Office of Graduate Admission. Admissions decisions are based on a comprehensive review of multiple criteria.  The department understands that any single criterion may not reliably predict a student’s potential for success in the program. Students may consider applying even if they fail to meet one of the GPA or testing criteria but feel that other aspects of their experience might compensate. All individual cases will be reviewed by an Admissions Counselor before being referred to the graduate program for further review.

  1. BA or BS degree, with minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, or its equivalent (e.g., a 3.0 in a completed graduate program). We encourage you to submit all transcripts from your undergraduate work and any graduate work for consideration.
  2. Submission of scores on a nationally-normed graduate admission test (GRE or Praxis). Recent SAT/ACT exams may be accepted if verifiable by the test provider.
  3. Two letters of recommendation.
  4. Possession of a New York state initial or professional teaching certificate in early childhood or childhood education (See Note (c) below).
  5. Interview with faculty members in literacy studies and special education.
  6. A written statement of purpose is required for special education.

*Certified teachers who hold a master’s degree from an accredited college or university are exempt from standardized testing.

Notes:

  1. Graduate students who enter a program of study on a non-matriculated basis are limited to a maximum of 12 semester hours of course work.
  2. A maximum of 6 semester hours of advanced standing may be accepted for relevant graduate course work taken elsewhere.
  3. Students who have initial/professional certification in an area of study other than those listed above in #4 should speak to the department adviser.

General Education Core Requirements


In order to ensure that prospective teachers have a broad education in the liberal arts and sciences, all students must have completed undergraduate course work from the content areas below.

  1. Special Education (3 s.h.)

Course work for the general education core in the liberal arts and sciences must have a GPA of 2.75 or above with no grades below a C-.

Please note that programs may have general education requirements that exceed the minimum registered with the state. Degrees will not be conferred unless all general education core deficiencies have been met.

Program Requirements


Option I


Option I: Literacy Studies (Birth-Grade 6) and Special Education (Birth-Grade 2)

Students take 47 to 50 s. h. for the dual certification in Literacy (Birth-Grade 6) and Students With Disabilities (Birth-Grade 2): 26 s. h. in Literacy Studies and 21 to 24 s. h. in Special Education. Phase I courses must be completed before entering Phase II. LYST 240  and 241  are prerequisites for LYST 242  and LYST 242B . LYST 304  must be taken during the last spring or fall semester of study. It is recommended that students take courses in Literacy Studies and Special Education concurrently as listed below:

Option II


Option II: Literacy Studies (Birth-Grade 6) and Special Education (Grades 1-6)

Students take 51 to 54 s. h. for the dual certification in Literacy (Birth-Grade 6) and Students With Disabilities (Grades 1-6): 26 s. h.in Literacy Studies and 25 to 28 s. h. in Special Education. Phase I courses must be completed before entering Phase II. SPED 277  must be taken as part of the first 12. s. h. of study. LYST 304  must be taken as part of the final spring or fall semester of study. LYST 240  and 241  are prerequisites for LYST 242  and LYST 242B . Students must take SPED 201  or its equivalent as a corequisite to beginning this program. It is recommended that students take courses in Literacy Studies and Special Education concurrently as listed in the table below:

Prerequisite


Graduation Requirements


  1. Completion of a minimum of 26 semester hours in prescribed Literacy Studies courses and a minimum of 25 to 28 semester hours in Special Education with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 for all courses.
  2. Completion of a minimum of 50-hour practicum hours completed at the Saltzman Reading/Writing/Learning Clinic and supervised student teaching in Special Education under advisement of the Director of Special Education.
  3. Successful presentation of a professional development project to faculty and peers in Literacy Studies and successful completion of a comprehensive examination in Special Education.
  4. Completion of all program prerequisites.
  5. 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, 233 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.

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