Program Overview
The Certificate of Advanced Studies in Literacy Studies is designed for certified teachers with a master’s degree who want certification in literacy. The programs in Literacy Studies 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 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 Grade 5 through Grade 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 economically, linguistically and ethnically diverse as those found in New York State.
These, programs leading to Professional Certification for teaching of Literacy, prepare students to meet the educational requirements for certification as literacy specialists in early childhood and childhood education, Birth through Grade 6, or middle childhood and adolescence, grade 5 through grade 12. The Certificate of Advanced Studies 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.
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.
Return to: