The practicum consists of 100 clock hours working with children in literacy assessment and instruction. As part of this experience, master’s students must also complete several seminar assignments and a capstone binder or portfolio project. The seminar assignments include:
- A presentation of a student case study
- A presentation that introduces and models a literacy education strategy
- A reflective self-study paper
- Participation in the development of a proposal or presentation for a conference of the New York State Reading Association or the International Reading Association
The capstone will present evidence of learning by documenting and reflecting on three instruction and assessment cycles. The portfolio or binder should demonstrate growing competency in planning instruction and learning activities, carrying out those plans, assessing student work, and utilizing assessments to reflect upon and improve teaching practices.
For the Early Childhood certification: Candidates who have Initial Certification in Teaching—Childhood Track and complete two Early Childhood courses in the MSEd program (ED 655A and one elective) must:
- Provide a transcript with the two courses listed
- Pass all three parts of the New York State Content Specialty Test in Early Childhood
- Apply through the New York State Education Department Teaching Pathway for Early Childhood certification.
For the Adolescent Education certification: Candidates who have Initial Certification in Teaching—Adolescent Education (Grades 7-12) and complete two Adolescent courses in the MSEd program (ED 757 and one elective) must:
- Provide a transcript with the two courses listed
- Pass all three parts of the New York State Content Specialty Test for Secondary Teachers
- Apply through the New York State Education Department Teaching Pathway for Adolescent Education certification.
To be eligible for the Middle School Extension to teach a subject area in grades 7–9, Childhood Education candidates must:
- Earn 30 credits in a subject area such as English or biology
- Take two additional courses: TCH 455/ED523: Middle Childhood/Early Adolescent and TCH 456/ED524: Differentiating Curriculum and Instruction in Middle Childhood Education)
- Pass the Content Specialty Test in their subject area.
To be eligible for the Middle School Extension to also teach a subject in grades 5-6, Adolescent Education candidates must:
- Take two additional education courses: TCH 455/ED523: Middle Childhood/Early Adolescent, and TCH 456/ED524: Differentiating Curriculum and Instruction in Middle Childhood Education
- Pass the Content Specialty Test in their subject area.
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