Master of Science in Literacy Instruction

About our Literacy Instruction Program Literacy abilities are the foundation of contemporary K-12 schooling and for most current careers, yet many students struggle to attain the expected literacy benchmarks. Even though many dedicated educators have guided students in acquiring strong literacy skills, students still need more effective literacy teachers to help them reach these achievement goals. To this end, Niagara University's master's degree program in literacy instruction includes the most current theory and practice in literacy education and is designed to develop highly qualified literacy educators who can guide K-12 students to excellence in literacy. Students may concentrate their studies on either childhood or adolescent literacy development through their selection of certification tracks and elective courses. Graduates will be qualified for New York state initial certification as reading specialists leading to professional certification. Family Literacy Center The Family Literacy Center is an on-campus educational opportunity for graduate students to demonstrate teaching while enhancing the literacy performance of at-risk readers and their families. The center's programs focus on improving reading, writing and listening skills among children while supporting the literacy and basic skills of the family itself. Why Niagara University's Literacy Instruction Program? Supports teachers in applying the principles of effective literacy instruction to all learners. Empowers teachers to address a variety of literacy strengths and needs in both traditional and inclusive classrooms with learners of diverse cultural, ethnic, linguistic, racial, and social backgrounds. Enables teachers to identify learners with literacy difficulties through appropriate assessments, early intervention and curricular adaptation. Aids teachers in analyzing the social and political context in which literacy instruction takes place in order to understand and influence paradigm shifts and policy decisions. Prepares teachers to address the unique relationship of reading with writing and the instructional implications of this relationship. Builds capacity in teachers for understanding and interpreting outstanding contemporary and classical works of children’s literature and the means for introducing them to children. Provides teachers with experience in interpreting and critiquing both print and electronic research reports related to literacy.