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2024-2025 Undergraduate Bulletin
Early Childhood (Birth-Grade 2)/ Childhood Education (Grades 1-6) (BS), and Literacy (Birth-Grade 6) (MSEd), Dual Degree
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Certification Program in Early Childhood (Birth-Grade 2), Childhood Education (Grades 1-6) and Literacy Birth-Grade 6
The BS/MSEd program is designed to blend on-campus preparation with field experiences in a variety of school settings, including full-time student teaching for the BS program and a practicum for the MSEd program. Literacy, multicultural education, and information technology are integrated throughout all aspects of the program. The program conforms to the standards and guidelines of the New York State Learning Standards for Early Childhood Education, Childhood Education, and Literacy Education.
Upon completion of at least 148 semester hours and all degree requirements, students will receive a BS/MSEd and be eligible for recommendation for New York State certification in Early Childhood B-2, Childhood 1-6, and Literacy Birth-Grade 6.
Students are prepared for the following teaching positions:
- Classroom teachers, pre-K-Grade 6
- Classroom teachers with advanced preparation in literacy instruction.
- Literacy specialists with advanced preparation in one-on-one and small group instruction in literacy processes.
- Literacy specialists are prepared to work collaboratively with classroom teachers in designing and implementing effective literacy instruction in inclusive environments.
- Day Care/Preschool Teachers
This dual degree program can be completed in five years, including some January and Summer sessions, and requires successful completion of a minimum of 148 semester hours, including at least 118 s.h. at the undergraduate level and 30 s.h. at the graduate level. Students who are admitted to the MSEd. in Special Education - Early Childhood (B-2) portion of the dual degree program may replace up to 9 s.h. of undergraduate coursework for their bachelor’s degree with an equal number of s.h. of graduate-level course work taken for the MSEd. in Literacy B-6 program.
Please note that the sequence of courses in this program differs significantly from that of the BA in Early Childhood/Childhood Education. Students currently in the BA program may only change to the BS program during the first semester of freshman year.
Students must apply for admission to the School of Education through the Department of Teaching, Learning and Technology in Hagedorn Hall. For program admissions policies, see Admission Requirements for Teacher Education Programs.
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Direct admission to the dual degree program (BS and MSEd)
Provisional acceptance to Early Childhood/Childhood Education program:
Students at Hofstra may apply to the program after a discussion with the dual degree program advisor. They may apply to the program:
- Second semester of their first year, or,
- First semester of their second year.
Students entering Hofstra as incoming first-year students must have an overall high school GPA of 3.0.
Final acceptance to Early Childhood/Childhood Education program:
Applicants must also satisfy the following additional admission requirements:
- A GPA of 3.0 in their first year of liberal arts and education courses.
- An interview with the Early Childhood/Childhood program director.
- Three letters of recommendation addressing the applicant’s potential to succeed in the teaching field.
- A written personal statement of professional intent.
Students admitted to the dual degree program as incoming first-years will need to be transitioned into the graduate program before being allowed to take graduate courses as part of their undergraduate program and must fulfill the following requirements:
- A minimum overall GPA of 3.0 following completion of at least 89 s.h. of coursework toward their BS degree in Early Childhood/Childhood Education Dual Certification Program.
- An interview with the graduate program director.
- A written personal statement of professional intent.
- Three letters of recommendation addressing the applicant’s potential to succeed in the teaching field.
- Completion of Dual Degree conditional acceptance form through the Office of Academic Records.
- Completion of Dual Degree application waiver/substitution form.
Admission to the dual degree program for current Hofstra students and qualified transfer students (BS and MSEd)
Qualified Hofstra students who have been following the curriculum for the BS in Early Childhood/ Childhood Education or qualified transfer students can apply for admission to the dual degree program upon completion of the second semester of their sophomore year of undergraduate work. In order to qualify for admission to the dual degree program, a student must attain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 at the time of application. Students admitted to the dual degree program should note that admission to the MSEd portion of the program requires a cumulative GPA of 3.0 at the time of application to the MSEd program.
Undergraduate students must apply and be accepted and/or transitioned into the graduate program before being allowed to take graduate courses as part of their undergraduate program, and must have fulfilled the following requirements:
- Completion of at least 89 s.h. toward their BS degree, with at least 30 s.h. completed in residence at Hofstra, before being permitted to take graduate courses for the MSEd program in Literacy.
- An interview with the graduate program director.
- A written personal statement of professional intent.
- Three letters of recommendation addressing the applicant’s potential to succeed in the teaching profession.
- Completion of Dual Degree conditional acceptance form through the Office of Academic Records
- Completion of Dual Degree application waiver/substitution form
Program Requirements: BS/MSEd Dual Certification Program in Early Childhood Education, Childhood Education and Literacy Birth-Grade 6.
Adjunct Instructor Fischbach, Adviser, 516-463-4799
Required Course Work (Bachelor of Science)
The designated courses within the following areas must be included in the BS component.
At least 67 s.h. must be in liberal arts. In addition to the specific courses required below, all students must complete additional courses to fulfill the requirements of a distinct 30 semester hour concentration area in the liberal arts plus any additional free liberal arts electives to reach 67. Recommended concentrations are in Social Science or Humanities, but please consult your adviser for a complete list of appropriate options. Relevant courses taken for the liberal arts distribution may be applied to the concentration area.
Areas to be included in partial fulfillment of the Hofstra Distribution and New York State Education Department requirements:
Artistic Expression/Humanities - Semester Hours: 6
Any Literature course, English course (LT), and any Appreciation and Analysis (AA) listed under the Humanities Division of the Hofstra distribution .
Communication - Semester Hours: 3
Choose one of the following:
Information Retrieval - Semester Hours: 0-3
- a passing score on the Examination for Information Retrieval (EIR) or comparable course work. Recommended: LIBR 001
Historical/Social Science Concepts - Semester Hours: 9
Include at least one American History course (prerequisite to ELED 135), one other history course, and one social science course (BH, HP, CC) listed under the Social Science Division of the Hofstra distribution.
World Language - Semester Hours: 0-3
Completion of 3 s.h. in a language other than English, or placement at level 2 or above.
ASL 001 - (LA) American Sign Language I may be used to satisfy this requirement but does not carry liberal arts credit.
Scientific Processes - Semester Hours: 6
Any 2 NS course listed under the Natural Sciences Division of the Hofstra distribution ; one of which must include a lab.
Mathematical Processes - Semester Hours: 6
MATH 030A and one other MATH course listed under the Mathematics/Computer Science division of the Hofstra distribution.
Written Analysis and Expression - Semester Hours: 6
WSC 001 , 002 and a passing score on the Hofstra Writing Proficiency Examination (Students transferring from other institutions must pass the Hofstra Writing Proficiency Exam).
Liberal Arts– Semester Hours: 30
30 semester hours in a distinct concentration area in the liberal arts. Recommended concentrations are in Social Science or Humanities, but please consult your adviser for a complete list of appropriate options. Relevant courses taken for the liberal arts distribution may be applied to the concentration area.
Transfer Students
Transfer students must plan their courses of study carefully with an academic adviser to assess that their progress will fulfill both the University and the New York State Education Department requirements.
Education Required Courses – Semester Hours: 41-44
Students receiving a grade lower than C- in a professional education course must repeat the course and receive a grade of C- or higher in order to remain in the program.
Student Teaching – Semester Hours: 13
Student Teaching Prerequisites
All education course work must be completed prior to student teaching. Application forms for student teaching are available in the Office of Field Placement and are due by May 1 for the succeeding spring semester and February 15 for the succeeding fall semester. Admission criteria for student teaching are as follows:
- Cumulative GPA of 3.0 on overall course work;
- GPA of 2.75 of higher in liberal arts and sciences course work;
- Grade of C- or higher in each ELED course completed;
- No unresolved INC grades in professional education course work.
BS/MSEd Graduate Required Courses - Semester Hours: 9
- LYST 200A – Sociocultural Perspectives of Language and Literacy Learning Semester Hours: 3
- LYST 218 – Reading and Writing with Children: Pedagogical Practices Semester Hours: 3
- LYST 213 – Bilingual and Biliteracy Learning and Teaching in Multilingual Settings Semester Hours: 3
Literacy Studies (Birth-Grade 6), MSEd
Professor McGinnis, Graduate Program Director, 516-463-5769
Program Overview
This BS/MSEd program is designed for those seeking New York state certification in Early Childhood, Childhood, and Literacy B-6. The MSEd program instructs students to become Literacy Specialists who deliver high-quality literacy instruction, and who offer literacy and curriculum leadership to schools and school districts. Our program reflects advances in literacy research and policies that are consistent with the New York State Board of Regents requirements. The program provides graduate students with the most current understandings of literacy learning theories, pedagogical practices for use with students in early childhood to grade 6 classrooms, children’s literature, assessment practices, and literacy support for culturally and linguistically diverse learners, and for students with special needs.
Through face-to-face, hybrid, and online courses, as well as a depth of field projects and clinical work, our program prepares literacy specialists and classroom teachers to provide support and nurturing of readers and writers and to facilitate assessment-driven instructional planning and professional learning within a school. Graduate students in the Literacy Studies Program meet the educational requirements for certification as literacy teachers in early childhood and childhood education, birth through grade 6.
Students are prepared for the following teaching positions:
- Classroom teachers with advanced preparation in literacy instruction.
- Literacy specialists with advanced preparation in one-on-one and small group instruction in literacy processes.
- Literacy specialists prepared to work collaboratively with classroom teachers in designing and implementing effective literacy instruction in inclusive environments.
Admission Criteria
Students must be currently enrolled in the Dual Degree Program – B.S. in Early Childhood (Birth-Grade 2)/ Childhood Education (Grades 1-6), and M.S. Ed. in Elementary Special Education and have met the criteria for transitioning into the graduate portion of the program.
Master of Science in Education in Literacy Studies (Birth-Grade 6)- Semester Hours: 30 (9 sh completed within BS degree requirements)
The sequence listed below is recommended. However, Phase I courses must be completed before entering Phase II. LYST 240 and 241 are prerequisites for LYST 242.
Phase I – Literacy: Theoretical Perspectives and Practices Semester Hours: 15
- LYST 200A – Sociocultural Perspectives of Language and Literacy Learning Semester Hours: 3
- LYST 213 – Bilingual and Biliteracy Learning and Teaching in Multilingual Settings Semester Hours: 3
- LYST 218 – Reading and Writing with Children: Pedagogical Practices Semester Hours: 3
- LYST 220 – Children’s Literature in Literacy Learning and Instruction Semester Hours: 3
- LYST 252 - Digital Literacies: Implications for Research and Pedagogy Semester Hours: 3
Phase II – Literacy Specialist: Assessment and Professional Practices Semester Hours: 14
- LYST 240 – Contemporary Perspectives of Literacy Assessment Semester Hours: 3
- LYST 241 - Miscue Analysis and Reading Evaluations for the Literacy Specialist Semester Hours: 3
- LYST 242 - Literacy Practicum: Supporting Childhood Learners (Grades 1-6) Semester Hours: 3
- LYST 242B – Literacy Practicum: Supporting Early Childhood Learners (Birth-Grade 2) Semester Hours: 3
- LYST 304- Professional Development: The Role of the Literacy Specialist Semester Hours: 2
LYST - Professional Development Semester Hours: 1
A literacy conference course (LYST 351, 352 or 353) is offered for 1 s.h. each year. It is expected that students will take at least one conference course.
- LYST 351 - International Scholars Forum Semester Hours: 1
- LYST 352 - Literature and the Imagination Conference Semester Hours: 1
- LYST 353 - Reading Miscue Conference Semester Hours: 1
Graduation Requirements
- Completion of all liberal arts and education graduation requirements for the BS/MSEd degree.
- Successful completion of at least 148 semester hours. (Military Science courses may not be counted toward this total semester hour requirement.)
- Completion of at least 67 semester hours in liberal arts and sciences course work
- Completion of a minimum of 30 semester hours in prescribed MSED courses with a minimum grade point average of 3.0.
- A minimum GPA of 3.0 in overall course work.
- A minimum GPA of 2.75 in liberal arts and sciences course work.
- A minimum GPA of 3.0 in professional education course work.
- An electronic portfolio illustrating the student’s education course work and professional accomplishments (during BS degree).
- Successful presentation of a professional portfolio/capstone project to faculty and colleagues (during MSEd degree).
- Completion of a minimum 50 practicum hours.
- Completion of all required Educational Law Seminars
Teacher Certification Requirements
Upon the successful completion of a Hofstra state-approved teacher education program, students are eligible for the University’s recommendation for New York state certification. A request for recommendation must be submitted to the Office of Educational Support Services the semester in which the student is graduating. There will be opportunities to attend a certification workshop during the student’s final semester, to receive all the necessary information regarding applying for certification. Individuals who apply directly to New York state for certification are responsible for learning about and satisfying the certification requirements set by the state. It should be noted that such requirements may differ from those in Hofstra’s registered programs.
All prospective early childhood (birth-grade 2), childhood (grades 1-6), adolescent (grades 7-12) and special subject, students with disabilities, gifted, TESOL, bilingual, literacy, speech and language disabilities teachers, as well as school leadership candidates, are required to pass the New York State Certification Examinations (NYSTCE) administered by National Evaluation Systems, Inc., including the Educating All Students Test (EAS), and the Content Specialty Test(s) (CST). Prospective School Leaders will be required to take the appropriate leadership exams. For more information regarding state testing, please contact the Office of Educational Support Services at 516-463-5747 or visit www.nystce.nesinc.com.
In addition to fulfilling the required courses of study, the Commissioner’s Regulations mandate that all prospective teachers, pupil personnel and education leaders receive instructions regarding:
- Identification of Child Abuse and Maltreatment
- Fire and Arson Prevention
- School Violence Prevention and Intervention
- Prevention of Alcohol, Tobacco and Drug Abuse
- Highway and School Safety/Prevention of Child Abduction
- Training in Harassment, Bullying, and Discrimination Prevention and Intervention is required under the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA)
New York state legislation also requires all persons seeking certification in special education, speech and language disabilities, or school administrators working in special education, to have training in the area of children with autism.
Hofstra University offers the above-listed educational law seminars through the Office of Educational Support Services. All seminars must be completed before the conferral of the degree and recommendation for certification.
Forms for applying for certification can be found on the Office of Educational Support Services Web page under the certification tab.
Fingerprinting
Chapter 180 of the Laws of 2000, the Schools Against Violence in Education (SAVE), requires that applicants for teaching and administrative and pupil services personnel certification and perspective employees of covered schools (school districts, charter schools and BOCES) must undergo fingerprint supported criminal history background check. However, many school districts and institutions across the metropolitan New York area are now requiring that all student teachers, observers, interns or externs receive fingerprint clearance before they are placed in educational settings that are required for this degree program. Therefore, we recommend that you apply for fingerprint clearance upon acceptance to the program. Fingerprint clearance is also required for New York state certification. For information on how to register to be fingerprinted, visit http://www.hofstra.edu/Academics/colleges/soeahs/CESS/cess_requirements_fingerprints.html.
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