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
Associate Professor Hernandez, Graduate Program Co-Director, 516-463-7148

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)

Upcoming program changes:

At its September 2022 meeting, the New York State Board of Regents voted to establish the Literacy (All Grades) certification, effective September 28, 2022. The new certification will permit individuals to teach literacy in pre-Kindergarten through grade 12 in New York State public schools. The following Literacy Studies Programs at Hofstra University will be discontinued by September 1, 2026, the MSED Birth-Grade 6, the MSED Grades 5-12, the Advanced Certification B-Grade 6, the Advanced Certification Grades 5-12, and the DUAL SPED/LYST MSED program. Students will only be admitted into the current B-Grade 6 and Grades 5-12 Literacy Studies MSED and AC programs through Spring 2025 and must complete the program of study by August 2026. Students who register after Spring 2025, must apply to the new Literacy Studies (All Grades) programs. Students currently enrolled in the Literacy Studies B-Grade 6 & Grades 5-12 MSED & AC Programs who do not graduate by August 2026 will be required to transition into the new Literacy Studies (All Grades) program. This may lead to additional coursework.

These dual programs prepare students to meet the educational requirements for certification, literacy (Birth-Grade 6), and students with disabilities (Birth-Grade 2) or (Grades 1-6). 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:

Literacy specialists with additional preparation in one-on-one and small group instruction with students with disabilities (Birth-Grade 2) or (Grades 1-6).
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).
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 criteria listed below 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.

BA or BS degree, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or 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.
Two letters of recommendation.
Possession of a New York state initial or professional teaching certificate in early childhood or childhood education (See Note (c) below).
Interview with faculty members in literacy studies and special education.
A written statement of purpose is required for special education.

Notes:

Graduate students who enter a program of study on a non-matriculated basis are limited to a maximum of 12 semester hours of coursework.
A maximum of 6 semester hours of advanced standing may be accepted for relevant graduate coursework taken elsewhere.
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.

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 Standards

The graduate director will review the academic standing of all graduate students at the end of each semester. A student must maintain a 3.0 average to be considered in good standing. Students who do not maintain a 3.0 average will be placed on academic probation. Students who earn more than one C-, C, or C+ per semester, accumulate more than two C-, C, or C+ grades in their graduate coursework, or receive a D or an F in any course will be dismissed from the program. In addition to the required GPA, students must demonstrate adequate competence and professionalism throughout all coursework and fieldwork. If the director or program faculty determines that a student has failed to demonstrate this standard, they will be dismissed from the program. Students may petition for readmission by following the School of Education Appeal policy.

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:

Phase I: Semester Hours: 27

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
SPED 207 - Introduction to Young Children With Disabilities Semester Hours: 3
SPED 208 - Educational Intervention for Young Children With Disabilities Semester Hours: 3
SPED 209 - Early Intervention: Infant Stimulation Semester Hours: 3
SPED 210 - The Creative Arts in Special Education Semester Hours: 3
SPED 216 - Assessment and Diagnosis in Early Childhood Special Education Semester Hours: 3

Phase II: Semester Hours: 23-26

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 245 - Revaluing Readers and Writers Semester Hours: 3 s.h.
LYST 304 - Professional Development: The Role of the Literacy Specialist Semester Hours: 2
SPED 226 - Early Intervention and Related Services in Early Childhood Special Education Semester Hours: 3
Select one of the following:
SPED 237 - Teaching Students With Disabilities Semester Hours: 6
SPED 237A - Teaching Students With Disabilities Semester Hours: 3

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:

Graduation Requirements

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.
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.
Successful presentation of a professional development project to faculty and peers in Literacy Studies and successful completion of a comprehensive examination in Special Education.
Completion of all program prerequisites.
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 School of Education Dean’s Office for information regarding any required Educational Law seminars* and other certification requirements.

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 School of Education Dean’s Office for specific certification requirements.

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