Literacy Studies

Welcome to the Literacy Studies program of the School of Education. The master’s programs range from 30-credits to 48-credits, depending on the program you wish to apply for and your education background. Our teacher education programs (MA, MSEd, and Advanced Certificate: B-6, 5-12 or B-12) have been designed to develop certified literacy specialists whose expertise in evaluating literacy development, along with their deep knowledge of pedagogical practices, enables them to become expert, engaging, creative, and successful teachers who understand the social and cultural contexts of both literacy and schools. Graduates of our program are committed to improving literacy in the lives of all learners, particularly those who are struggling in school. Please see our faculty page for information about the unique expertise of the Literacy Studies faculty.

Literacy Studies and the Common Core State Standards (CCSS)

In an effort to articulate the kinds of knowledge and skills that young people need for success in college and career, the CCSS initiative identifies both reading and writing as central to success in all content areas, while at the same time emphasizing the ongoing need for students to read literature and literary nonfiction.  

The national adoption of the CCSS signals two things:

1. The need for certified literacy specialists as classroom teachers, literacy coaches, reading teachers, and as support for content area staff. The need will increase across developmental levels.
2. The need for content-area teachers to consider acquiring professional certification in literacy as a means of helping them meet the reading and writing expectations of the CCSS in their math, science, English, or social studies classes.

Literacy Studies and Response to Intervention (RTI)

Response to Intervention (RTI) is policy aimed at providing support for all students, including students in high-needs areas, students with disabilities, and English language learners. RTI uses assessment and documentation to provide evidence to inform adjustments in classroom learning experiences and teaching practices to address learners’ abilities and needs. Within an RTI framework, literacy specialists and classroom teachers with literacy certification are essential in literacy assessment and evaluation, providing instructional support, and sharing expertise with teachers seeking to support learners who are struggling.

Career Consultation

If you would like to discuss the advantages of adding literacy certification to your professional credentials, please contact the department office to schedule an appointment (516-463-5751) or email the program director, Theresa McGinnis (email).

The Doctoral Programs in Literacy Studies

The doctoral programs in Literacy Studies (EdD and PhD) are committed to the exploration of literacy as part of people’s everyday lives in schools, communities, and families, as well as in the broader culture and in the world at large. Doctoral courses explore the relationships between literacy, language, literature, identity, culture, and society to help students develop a critical framework through which they understand, teach, and research topics related to literacy.