Reading and Language Arts
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The Reading and Language Arts Center in the School of Education offers diverse, yet closely integrated programs of study at both the graduate and undergraduate levels. Students in other programs may also choose to take a concentration of courses in literacy education. Students may also opt to major in 2 programs concurrently, including Literacy Education, English Education, and Teaching English Language Learners. For instance, students in Literacy Education, English Education, or Teaching English Language Learners are often enrolled in Special Education. Degrees are offered in the following areas:
Literacy Education / Reading Education
Graduate studies in Literacy Education focus on the development of literacy across all age levels. We view literacy from a broad range of theoretical perspectives. Students are exposed to numerous literacy development assessment and instructional strategies, and are given the chance to practice these under the supervision of experienced faculty and school-based mentors.
The M.S. Degree in Literacy Education offers you New York State Certification as a Literacy Teacher. In this program, you will become skilled in elementary or secondary literacy instruction, including the development of reading and writing across the currciulum. You will also learn strategies for assessment and intervention with struggling learners, and strategies for organizing school-wide literacy programs.
The Ph.D. degree program in Reading Education is developed in accord with your individual interests in teaching, research, teacher education, and supervision. In this advanced study program you will enter an active community of research, scholarship, policy-setting, and work with faculty members in the conduct of research and teaching.
With concentrations in Literacy Education and Reading Education, you may explore a wide range of topics, including children's literature, reading, composing, literacy acquisition, assessment, and technology. These concentrations will prepare you for many types of leadership positions in schools and other settings.
English Education
- Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
- Master of Science (M.S.)
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
The undergraduate program in English Education leads to initial certification in New York State. Students in this program are dually enrolled in Education and in Arts and Sciences as English and Textual Studies (ETS) majors. English content courses are selected in order to meet the demands of a typical high school curriculum, including study of the major literary genres of poetry, drama, short story, the novel, Shakespeare, multicultural literature, expository writing, speech, and history and structure of the English language. Students also complete a variety of field placements prior to student teaching in conjunction with professional development courses. Student teaching experiences are split between middle and high school, as well as urban and suburban placements.
At the Master's level, English Education-Preparation 7-12 is intended for individuals who have previous study in English and writing but no education background, and are seeking initial NY state certification to teach English. A significant strength of our programs is our exceptionally strong and cooperative relationship with area public schools, industry, and local literacy organizations that allow our candidates to gain valuable field experiences and to conduct research in a variety of educational settings.
Those already certified as English Teachers at the undergraduate level sometimes choose to complete the master's degree program in Literacy Education 5-12, leading to an additional certificate in that area.
The doctoral program in English Education effectively prepares students for leadership positions in public schools, as well as for teacher education, research, and curriculum design.
All of our programs in English Education have been modified over time to be consistent with the National Council of Teachers of English Guidelines for the Preparation of Teachers of English Arts.
Teaching English Language Learners
The M. S. degree in Teaching English Language Learners offers students New York State Certification in English for Speakers of Other Language (ESOL). In this program they will become skilled in elementary and secondary instruction in teaching English language learners. Students will gain knowledge of the theories, strategies and methodologies regarding teaching English to speakers of other languages as well as the socio-cultural, and sociolinguistic issues that impact English language learners’ acquisition of English. Admission to this program requires initial New York State Certification in another teaching area.