Program Overview

The advanced certificate in literacy studies is designed for certified elementary and middle 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 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.

This program prepares scholar-practitioners to work with students birth through grade 6. 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.

This program, leading to professional certification for teaching of literacy, prepares students to meet the educational requirements for certification as literacy specialists in early childhood and childhood education, birth through grade 6. The advanced certificate 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:

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

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.

1. MA or MS degree, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
2. Submission of scores on a nationally-normed graduate admission test.*
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.

*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).

Program Requirements - Total Semester Hours: 27

The sequence presented below is recommended. However, Phase I must be completed before entering Phase II. LYST 240  and 241  are prerequisites for LYST 242 .

Additional Certification in Grades 5-12 - Semester Hours: 12

• LYST 215A - Language and Literacy in Middle Childhood and Adolescence Semester Hours: 3
• LYST 217A - Reading and Writing With Adolescents Semester Hours: 3

• or

• LYST 219 - Creating a Reading and Writing Workshop for Teachers Semester Hours: 3
• LYST 221 - Literature for Adolescents and Young Adults Semester Hours: 3
• LYST 243 - Literacy Practicum: Assessing the Complexity of Student Learning (Grades 5-12) Semester Hours: 3

Graduation Requirements

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 minimum of 70 hours of field experiences which includes a 50-hour practicum.
3. 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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