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.

For those who do not already 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 (birth through grade 6). 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.

Admission to the Literacy Program
Prior to entering the Literacy Program, applicants must have fulfilled all requirements for teacher certification and completed all three sections of the New York State teacher examinations, including the Content Specialty Tests (CST). Applicants should send copies of these scores, along with official undergraduate transcripts and letters of recommendation to the Graduate Admissions office.

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.

Schedule of Courses
Students must complete a total of 30 credit hours.

Required Courses
EDUC 503 Competency in the Teaching of Literacy (3 credits)
EDUC 504 Diagnostic and Remedial Techniques in Literacy (3 credits)
EDUC 505 Literacy in the Content Areas (3 credits)
EDUC 513 Literature for Children (3 credits)
SPED 556 Teaching Students with Special Needs in Inclusive Classrooms (3 credits)
EDUC 507 *Literacy Seminar & Field Experience (6 credits)
EDUC 695 *Master's Research Project (3 credits)
*These courses must be completed in the students' final semester(s).

In addition, students must complete 6 credit hours of electives.

NYS Required Initial Certification Classes in Childhood or Adolescence Education

This is a NON-DEGREE sequence for students who have a bachelors or masters degree desiring initial certification in Childhood or Middle/Adolescence Education should first contact their local BOCES certification officer to determine the required coursework.

Three local BOCES are:

• Schuyler-Steuben-Chemung-Tioga-Allegany BOCES - 607.654.2269
• Cattaraugus-Allegany-Erie-Wyoming BOCES - 716. 376.8374
• Genesee Valley BOCES - 585.344.7932

View a complete list of BOCES

After an initial consultation with the BOCES officer, a faculty member from Alfred University will work with individuals to insure that the requirements have been met for receiving initial certification recommendation through BOCES.