Literacy (All Grades) MSEd

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Overview 

The Division of Education offers a program in the teaching of literacy leading to the Master of Science in Education (M.S.Ed.) based in Corning, NY. The graduate program in literacy is designed to prepare master teachers of literacy as consultants, program coordinators, specialists and classroom teachers (All Grades). The program is aligned with the International Literacy Association’s Standards for Literacy Professionals with regard to foundational knowledge, curriculum and instruction, assessment and evaluation, diversity and equity, learners and the learning environment, and professional learning and leadership. Emphasis is placed on practical application of literacy instruction and intervention for students in pre-kindergarten through grade 12.

Mission and Objectives

The Education Division at Alfred University is accredited by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP). Alfred University collects and analyzes evidence of the following claims and cross-cutting themes as a means of continual improvement.

The Alfred University Division of Education Claims

1. Graduates of our programs learn and understand the subject matter they are certified to teach.
2. Graduates of our programs learn how to convert their knowledge of a subject matter into compelling lessons that meet the needs of all learners.
3. Graduates of our programs act on their knowledge in a caring and professional manner that leads to achievement for all learners.

Cross-cutting dimensions integrated throughout the program

• Learning how to learn
• Multicultural perspectives and understanding
• Technology

Graduates of the Literacy program have completed the academic requirements for professional certification in all teaching areas (including Early Childhood/ Childhood, Art, and Middle and Adolescent subjects) regardless of the subject area of their initial certification.

Purpose of the Degree

The graduate program in literacy is designed to prepare master teachers of literacy as consultants, program coordinators, specialists and classroom teachers (All Grades). The program's emphasis is placed on the practical application of current reading approaches and strategies, materials, methodologies, goal assessment, techniques, evaluation, and professional responsibilities of the literacy teacher. Upon completion of the program, the student is expected to demonstrate a thorough knowledge of both developmental and remedial literacy (All Grades).

Admission to the Literacy Program

Prior to entering the Literacy Program, applicants must meet all requirements for current New York State classroom teacher certification. Applicants must provide evidence of teacher certification, official undergraduate transcripts and letters of recommendation as required in the graduate application process.

GPA Requirement

All graduate students admitted to Alfred University must maintain a grade point average of 3.00 or higher. In addition, to be eligible for certification in New York, students in this program should have no grade below “B” in core pedagogical courses.

Certification

The degree in Literacy meets the criteria for, and may be used in partial fulfillment of, the requirements for permanent and professional certification in New York. Additionally, students completing the Literacy Program fulfill the requirements for certification in Literacy (All Grades).

Faculty

The faculty members in the teacher education programs are active researchers dedicated to excellence in training and practice. With expertise in inclusive education, disabilities, literacy learning, development of critical thinking skills, and teaching with technology, education faculty are active in professional associations and scholarship. Successfully funded external grants have centered on inclusive education and case study teaching approaches.