Program Overview
The master’s programs in Literacy Studies are designed for certified teachers to introduce 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 programs reflect advances in literacy research and policies by the New York State Board of Regents regarding learning standards. These policies are designed to articulate the highest learning standards possible for all students and to balance attainment of these standards with consideration of issues of equity and access to education for economically disadvantaged and traditionally underrepresented groups at all levels of the education system.
Our programs prepare scholar practitioners to work with students Birth through Grade 6, and Grades 5 through 12. Students will work at broadening the definition of literacy practices beyond traditional school-based literacy in order to address the issues of equity, access, and opportunity that are involved in literacy acquisition in communities that are as economically, linguistically and ethnically diverse as those found in New York State.
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, Grade 5 through Grade 12. The degree provides students with the opportunity to participate in classes that focus on the most current understandings of literacy and pedagogical practices. 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.
Program Requirements - Total Semester Hours: 36
The sequence presented below is recommended. However, Phase I courses must be completed before entering Phase II. LYST 240 and 241 are prerequisites for LYST 243. LYST 300 must be taken as part of the first 12 semester hours of study. LYST 301 must be taken as part of the final 12 semester hours of study. Electives may be taken at any time.
Teacher Certification Requirements
Upon successful completion of a teacher education program, students will be eligible to apply for the University’s recommendation for New York State Certification. Students are required to have passing scores on each of the New York State Teacher Certification Examinations (NYSTCE): the Liberal Arts and Sciences Test (LAST), the Assessment of Teaching Skills-Written (ATS-W), and the appropriate Content Specialty Tests (CST’s). Students not receiving passing scores on all New York State required examinations will not be eligible for certification. Additionally all students who are recommended by Hofstra’s Advisement and Certification Office must either attend seminars in Child Abuse and Maltreatment, Substance Abuse, Fire and Arson and Safe Schools Against Violence (Project SAVE) or provide documentation from an agency providing State registered seminars. Please contact the Advisement and Certification Office for information regarding the fingerprinting requirement and any other specific requirements regarding certification.
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