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
Professor Pace, Graduate Program Co-Director, 516-463-6476

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)

These dual programs prepare students to meet the educational requirements for certification, literacy (Birth-Grade 6) and students with disabilities (Birth-Grade 2) or (Grades1-6). 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 GPA or testing criteria but feel that other aspects of their experience might compensate.

BA or BS degree, with minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
Submission of scores on a nationally-normed graduate admission test.*
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.

*Please consult with the director of the program to determine which test would be best suited to you. Examples of such tests include, but are not limited to, the Miller Analogies Test (MAT), the GRE general test or the relevant GRE subject exam (if appropriate to your intended area of certification).

Notes:

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

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. LYST 300 must be taken as part of the first 12 s.h. of study. LYST 301 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 in the table below:

Phase I: Semester Hours: 28

LYST 213 - Introduction to Bilingual and Biliteracy Instruction for Children and Adolescents Semester Hours: 3
LYST 208 - Language, Culture and Identity: Literacy Issues for Teachers and Children Semester Hours: 3
or
LYST 212 - Family, Community, and School Literacies: Cultural Perspectives Semester Hours: 3
or
LYST 216 - Literacy Learning at Home and in School: Social Contexts of Young Children Learning to Read and Write Semester Hours: 3
LYST 214 - Language and Literacy in Early Childhood and Childhood Semester Hours: 3
LYST 218 - Reading and Writing Practices in Early Childhood and Childhood Semester Hours: 3
or
LYST 220 - Literature in the Lives of Young Children Semester Hours: 3
LYST 300 - Introduction to Portfolio Preparation Semester Hours: 1
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: 19-22

LYST 240 - Assessment and Evaluation of Reading and Writing Semester Hours: 3
LYST 241 - Miscue Analysis and Retrospective Miscue Analysis Semester Hours: 3
LYST 242 - Literacy Practicum: Assessing the Complexity of Student Learning (Birth Through Grade 6) Semester Hours: 3
LYST 245 - Revaluing Readers and Writers Semester Hours: 3 s.h.
LYST 301 - Portfolio Advisement and Presentation Semester Hours: 1
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

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. LYST 300 and SPED 277 must be taken as part of the first 12.s.h. of study. LYST 301 must be taken as part of the final spring or fall semester of study. 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 hours of field experiences in Literacy Studies within school, family, or community settings, including at least 30 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 learning portfolio 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 Office of Educational Support Services, 233 Hagedorn Hall, for information regarding any required Educational Law seminars* and other certification requirements. Forms for applying for certification can be found at the Office of Educational Support Services Web page under the certification tab.

*Please note, as of December 31, 2013, the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education now require a new six-hour seminar for Training in Harassment, Bullying and Discrimination Prevention and Intervention, required under the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA): http://www.highered.nysed.gov/tcert/news/newsitem05162013.html.

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 Office of Educational Support Services for specific certification requirements.

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