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:

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.

Admission Requirements

1. B.A. or B.S. degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
2. Two letters of recommendation.
3. Possession of a New York State Initial or Provisional Teaching Certificate (see note b below).
4. Interview with a Program Director in Literacy Studies.

General Education Core

Program Requirements - Total Semester Hours: 36

Graduation Requirements

1. Completion of a minimum of 36 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. Successful presentation of a learning portfolio to faculty and peers.

Teacher Certification Requirements

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

• LYST 215A - Language and Literacy in Middle Childhood and Adolescence Credits: 3 s.h.
• LYST 217A - Reading and Writing With Adolescents Credits: 3 s.h.

• or

• LYST 219 - Reading and Writing Workshop for Teachers Credits: 3 s.h.
• LYST 220 - Literature in the Lives of Young Children Credits: 3 s.h.
• LYST 243 - Literacy Practicum: Assessing the Complexity of Student Learning (Grades 5-12) Credits: 3 s.h.