Literacy M.S. Degree Program

This program leads to the M.S. degree needed for initial/professional teacher certification in the area of Literacy Specialist (B-6), Literacy Specialist (5-12), or Literacy Specialist (B-12).

Effective Summer 2013: Graduates of our MS in Literacy and MS in Special Education/Literacy degrees are certified to work with students who encounter the most difficulty with literacy, and to coach and mentor other teachers.  In order to ensure that these specialists are appropriately qualified to receive literacy specialist certification (B-6, B-12, or 5-12), students in these degree programs must receive a B or better in practicum courses before being allowed to take the capstone class.  These practicum courses include: ERDG 505, ERDG 506, ERDG 601, ERDG 605, ERDG 619, and ERDG 655.  In addition, students must also receive a B or better in the final practicum experiences ERDG 620 and/or ERDG 623. Students receiving a B- or lower in such courses have the following options: a) retake the course for a better grade; b) request admission to a professional certification degree in the department.  This latter option might require taking additional courses.

Teaching is a profession. Master’s students have professional responsibilities to their students, their peers, their classmates and instructors, and to society at large. Students in the master’s program will be working with children and other professionals in educational contexts, including, schools, community centers, and other sites of learning. Their professional responsibilities include following through on commitments made to children and schools, being appropriately prepared and on time for all interactions/lessons, maintaining confidentiality and respect, and interacting with all stakeholders/participants in a professional manner. Professional interactions include everything from dressing appropriately for the situation to maintaining appropriate language both in talking with and talking about others. Failure to meet professional responsibilities can result in a student’s academic dismissal from the program.  

MS in Literacy - Literacy Specialist B-6 (30 Credits)

Required Courses – 27 Credits
E Rdg 500    Classroom Literacy Instruction (3)
E Rdg 504    Children's Literature (3)
E Rdg 601    Practicum: Instruction to Prevent Literacy Difficulties (3)
E Rdg 610    Literacy in Society (3)
E Rdg 619    Practicum: Writing in the Classroom, 1-6 (3)
E Rdg 620    Practicum: Differentiated Instruction and Coaching, B–6 (6)
E Rdg 655    Early Literacy Development, B-2 (3)
E Rdg 677    Data-Based Decision Making in Literacy Assessment, Policy, and Practice (3)

Elective Course – Select One for 3 Credits
E Rdg 526    Language Acquisition (3)
E Rdg 617    Teaching Social Studies, B-6 (3)
E Rdg 625    Integrated Literacy Instruction, B-6 (3)
E Rdg 657    Reading in a Second Language (3)
     OR           Other University approved course with advisor permission (3)

MS in Literacy – Literacy Specialist 5-12 (30 Credits)

Required Courses – 30 Credits
E Rdg 500    Classroom Literacy Instruction (3)
E Rdg 505    Practicum: Academic Literacy Across Instructional Contexts, 5-12 (3)
E Rdg 506    Practicum: Young Adult Literature (3)
E Rdg 600    Strategic Intervention to Prevent Literacy Difficulties (3)
E Rdg 605    Practicum: Adolescent Literacies and Multimodalities, 5-12 (3)
E Rdg 610    Literacy in Society (3)
E Rdg 619    Practicum: Writing in the Classroom, 1-6 (3)
E Rdg 623    Practicum: Differentiated Instruction and Coaching, 5-12 (6)
E Rdg 677    Data-Based Decision Making in Literacy Assessment, Policy, and Practice (3)

MS in Literacy – Literacy Specialist B–6 and 5-12 (36 Credits)

Required Courses – 36 Credits
E Rdg 500    Classroom Literacy Instruction (3)
E Rdg 505    Practicum: Academic Literacy Across Instructional Contexts, 5-12 (3)
E Rdg 506    Practicum: Young Adult Literature (3)
E Rdg 601    Practicum: Instruction to Prevent Literacy Difficulties (3)
E Rdg 605    Practicum: Adolescent Literacies and Multimodalities, 5-12 (3)
E Rdg 610    Literacy in Society (3)
E Rdg 619    Practicum: Writing in the Classroom, 1-6 (3)
E Rdg 620    Practicum: Differentiated Instruction and Coaching, B–6 (3-6)
E Rdg 623    Practicum: Differentiated Instruction and Coaching, 5-12 (3-6)
E Rdg 655    Early Literacy Development, B-2 (3)
E Rdg 677    Data-Based Decision Making in Literacy Assessment, Policy, and Practice (3)

As an approved teacher preparation program with the New York State Education Department, there may be additional certification requirements applicable. These requirements may include, but are not limited to additional workshops. Certification procedures and requirements are outlined on the School of Education’s Teacher Certification website (https://www.albany.edu/education/teacher_certification.php).