EDUC 500 - Research for the Education Professions 
READ 501 - Theories and Foundations of Literacy  
READ 520 - Language Arts  
READ 525 - Literacy in Secondary School 
READ 540 - Foundations of Literacy Coaching 
READ 550 - Teaching Linguistically and Culturally Diverse Learners 
READ 560 - Literacy in the Content Areas 
READ 565 - Literacy Instruction for Individuals and Small Groups 
READ 570 - Reading Assessment and Diagnosis 
READ 590 - B-12 Literacy Practicum  
SPED 510 - Differentiated Instruction

 

• Online classes are accessible from anywhere in the country for NYS initially certified teachers; candidates have a one semester grace period from entry into the program to complete NYS initial certification requirements.
• Degree completion in one year.
• M.S.Ed. B-12 Literacy certified teachers are in high demand by school superintendents, making program graduates highly marketable as literacy-trained general education B-12 teachers, reading/literacy specialists, reading/literacy coaches, and remedial reading educators.
• Students receive the benefit of multiple mentoring relationships. They are connected with an adviser, faculty, mentor-teacher, mentor-coach, teaching professionals and gurus in the world of literacy education, and peers in their program experiences.
• Authentic clinical experience is distributed throughout the program. We will work with you to secure opportunities for these experiences in your own classroom or school or near your home.

Admission to this degree program is based on:

• Initial Teaching certificate in Elementary or Secondary Education
  • Note: Candidates can be admitted prior to initial certification with a grace period of one semester from the start of the program to complete certification.
• Official transcripts of all prior college work (3.00/4.00 GPA)
• Two references addressing your ability to teach and do graduate level work
• Interview and Quick Writing sample demonstrating your writing abilities.
  

NOTE: State law requires SBU to collect immunization records from students taking six or more credit hours in any semester.

Exit Criteria

In order to be awarded the degree in Childhood Literacy, the M.S.Ed. Literacy student must meet the following criteria:

• A cumulative GPA of at least 3.0
• Clinical practicum in literacy (50 hours)

The Bona EdVantage provides a 25% scholarship for SBU graduates.

The Bona Advantage scholarship rewards those who meet the admission requirements a 10% scholarship.

Students in this program ARE ELIGIBLE to apply for and receive graduate assistantships.

Students pursuing Literacy Teacher Birth-Grade 12 certification may be eligible for the federal TEACH Grant.

For more information, visit our Graduate Tuition and Financial Aid page in Graduate Admissions & Aid.

The B-12 Literacy program requires candidates to have met all requirements for initial teacher certification in a matching area (early childhood, elementary, and/or secondary) prior to admission.

The degree meets the criteria for additional professional certification area in New York.

Upon graduation, teachers are eligible to take their New York state teacher professional certification exam.

Upon completion of the M.S.Ed. in B-12 Literacy program, graduates will meet the International Literacy Association standards:

1. Foundational Knowledge — Candidates demonstrate knowledge of the theoretical, historical, and evidence-based foundations of literacy and language and the ways in which they interrelate and the role of literacy professionals in schools.

2. Curriculum and Instruction — Candidates use foundational knowledge to critique and implement literacy curricula to meet the needs of all learners and to design, implement, and evaluate evidence-based literacy instruction for all learners.

3. Assessment and Evaluation — Candidates understand, select, and use valid, reliable, fair, and appropriate assessment tools to screen, diagnose, and measure student literacy achievement; inform instruction and evaluate interventions; participate in professional learning experiences; explain assessment results and advocate for appropriate literacy practices to relevant stakeholders.

4. Diversity and Equity — Candidates demonstrate knowledge of research, relevant theories, pedagogies, and essential concepts of diversity and equity; demonstrate and provide opportunities for understanding all forms of diversity as central to students' identities; create classrooms and schools that are inclusive and affirming; advocate for equity at school, district, and community levels.

5. Learners and the Literacy Environment — Candidates meet the developmental needs of all learners and collaborate with school personnel to use a variety of print and digital materials to engage and motivate all learners; integrate digital technologies in appropriate, safe, and effective ways; foster a positive climate that supports a literacy-rich learning environment.

6. Professional Learning and Leadership — Candidates recognize the importance of, participate in, and facilitate ongoing professional learning as part of career-long leadership roles and responsibilities.

7. Practicum/Clinical Experiences (for specialized literacy professionals only) — Candidates apply theory and best practice in multiple supervised practicum/clinical experiences.

For the full text of the standards, see https://www.literacyworldwide.org/get-resources/standards/standards-2017

 

 

1. What is the focus of the M.S.Ed. in Literacy (Birth to Grade 12) degree program?
   This program focuses on equipping educators with the skills to support and enhance literacy development for children from birth through grade 12. It emphasizes reading, writing, and communication strategies tailored to diverse learning needs.
2. Will I learn to work with students who have diverse literacy needs?
   Absolutely. The program emphasizes instructional methods for diverse populations, including struggling readers, gifted students, and English language learners.
3. How will this program enhance my career?
   Graduates of the program are highly sought after for roles as literacy specialists, reading teachers, and instructional coordinators, making them valuable assets in schools and districts.
4. How does the program integrate literacy instruction across subject areas?
   The program teaches you how to incorporate literacy skills into all content areas, such as science, math, and social studies. You'll learn strategies for promoting critical thinking and comprehension in discipline-specific texts, preparing students to engage with complex material.
5. How does the program address literacy for different developmental stages?
   The curriculum is designed to cover literacy development from birth to grade 12, emphasizing the unique needs of each stage. You'll study early literacy strategies for young children, foundational skills for elementary students, and advanced comprehension and analysis techniques for adolescents.