Program Overview

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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.

The advanced certificate in literacy studies (Grades 5-12) is designed for certified middle school and high school teachers with a master’s degree who want certification in literacy. This program introduces students to contemporary theory and practice in literacy studies, so that they become effective scholar-practitioners who understand and deliver high quality literacy instruction and offer proactive literacy leadership to schools and community agencies. Our program reflects advances in literacy research and policies that are consistent with 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 adolescence to grade 12 classrooms, adolescent literature, assessment practices, and literacy support for culturally and linguistically diverse learners, and for students with special needs.

Through face-to-face, hybrid and on-line 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. This program, leading to professional certification for teaching of literacy, prepares students to meet the educational requirements for certification as literacy specialists in early adolescence and adolescent education, grades 5-12. Students are prepared for the following teaching positions:

1. Classroom teachers with advanced preparation in literacy instruction.
2. Literacy specialists with advanced preparation in one-on-one and small group instruction in literacy processes.
3. Literacy specialists prepared to work collaboratively with classroom teachers in designing and implementing effective literacy instruction in inclusive environments.

On average, students complete this program in two and one-half academic years.

Admission Requirements

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Applications for admission to this advanced certificate 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. MA or MS degree.
2. A minimum overall GPA of 3.0 on all undergraduate course work, 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.
3. Two letters of recommendation.
4. Possession of a New York State Teaching Certificate. [See note (b) below.]

5. Interview with faculty member in Literacy Studies.

Program Standards

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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 - Total Semester Hours: 27

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The sequence presented below is recommended. However, Phase I must be completed before entering Phase II. LYST 240  and 241  are prerequisites for LYST 243  and LYST 243B .

Additional Certification in Birth-Grade 6 - Semester Hours: 12

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

• LYST 214 - Language and Literacy in Early Childhood and Childhood Semester Hours: 3
• LYST 216 - Literacy Learning at Home and in School: Social Contexts of Young Children Learning to Read and Write Semester Hours: 3

• or

• 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 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

Graduation Requirements

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1. Completion of a minimum of 27 semester hours in prescribed courses with a minimum grade point average of 3.0
2. Completion of a 50-hour practicum.
3. Completion of all required Educational Law Seminars.

Teacher Certification Requirements

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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.