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 teacher’s 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 (Childhood) for certification Birth-6 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 K6 and the master’s degree.

All matriculated students complete a signed program of study.  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 must complete an:

• Interview with an advisor after all materials have been submitted
• Assessment of writing skills

Required Courses

Students must submit a copy of the certificate for their initial teaching area prior to registering for RWL 602

I. Introductory Sequence (6 credits)
RWL 502 Critical Thinking: Literacy (3 credits)*
EDU 574 Reading and Writing in the Content Areas (3 credits)

II. Core Requirements (6 credits)
RWL 601 Advanced Emergent Language & Literacy (3 credits)*
OR
RWL 512 Critical Media Literacy (1 credit)*
RWL 513 Literacy and Technology (1 credit)
RWL 514 Engaging Middle/Secondary School Writers (1 credit)*
AND
EDU 579 Social Justice Through Reading Adolescent and Children's Literature (3 credits)

III. Clinical Sequence (16 credits)
*Prerequisites to the clinical sequence are 502 and 601
RWL 572 Literacy Assessment Approaches (4 credits)
RWL 602 Diagnosis of Children with Literacy Difficulties (4 credits)
RWL 604 Teaching Struggling Readers and Writers (4 credits)
RWL 606 Practicum: Diagnosis and Remediation of Reading/Writing (4 credits)
RWL 606P Portfolio (0 credits)

IV. Culminating Experience (3 credits)
RWL 594 Teacher as Literacy Researcher

National Accreditation Advantage

Sage's Literacy programs are nationally recognized by the International Reading Association and NCATE!

Sage's Esteves School of Education received accreditation from the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) in 2010. NCATE accreditation means that graduates are recognized as having completed an Education program that meets the highest standards in the field. Sage graduates should note the NCATE accreditation on their resumes and be prepared to talk about its significance.

• Sage is one of only 28 colleges and universities in New York State to receive prestigious NCATE accreditation. Across the nation, relatively few private colleges can claim this level of excellence in teach education programs.
• The NCATE accreditation process helped articulate what qualities a Sage educator, counselor, or leader possesses: belief in full inclusion, valuing diversity, reflection, and knowledge about best practices. NCATE accreditation is a mark of assurance that teachers, counselors, and leaders educated at Sage are competent, caring, and highly qualified.
• NCATE accreditation means that Sage graduates are better prepared to help their students reach high standards.
• Graduates of NCATE accredited programs can more easily receive certification and teaching jobs in other states; NCATE is recognized throughout the nation.