M.S. in Literacy Education

Reading, writing, listening, and speaking are communication skills all persons must possess to fully participate in our society. Recent state mandated curriculum guidelines have overwhelmingly endorsed the integration of the language arts and also reaffirmed the critical importance of meaningfulness in learning. Despite these emphases on developing active, strategic readers and writers, difficulties in reading and/or writing all too frequently preclude advancement in academic areas as well as growth in personal areas. Given the increased use of statewide literacy assessments and the societal demands for citizens prepared for a technological world, the need for teachers who understand the reading and writing processes and their applications to learning has never been greater.

Sage’s graduate literacy programs prepare master's level teachers for developmental and remedial literacy instruction. It refines teachers’ theoretical and practical knowledge about reading and writing, enabling them to provide classroom reading instruction which is appropriate for students reading at, above, or slightly below grade level. Additionally, through extensive coursework and practica, it prepares teachers to become literacy specialists who are highly proficient in the diagnosis and remediation of severe reading and writing difficulties.

Sage’s graduate literacy programs foster a close working relationship between students and faculty. This relationship begins when a faculty advisor and student meet to develop a plan of study tailored to the student’s personal educational needs. It continues through the entire program of study, culminating in the seminar in which the student pursues an in–depth study in the field of reading and/or writing under the direction and supervision of the faculty advisor.

The Literacy program is designed for:

• Candidates who possess or meet the requirements for New York State provisional or initial certification and who seek professional certification in literacy for grades K–6 and the master’s degree.
• Candidates who possess or meet the requirements for New York State provisional or initial certification and who seek professional certification in literacy for grades 5–12 and the master’s degree.

All matriculated students complete a signed program of study. Click here to see the program of study for Literacy [birth to grade 6] or Literacy [grade 5 to 12]. Any change in stated coursework must receive written approval of the assigned faculty advisor.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must meet the general admission requirements for Sage Graduate School. In addition, applicants meet with a faculty advisor after all materials have been submitted.