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Peggy McNamara, Director: 212-875-4586
Master of Science in Education: 45 credits
This 45-credit program sequence is especially designed for individuals who want to become literacy specialists in schools, clinics, private practice, or other professional environments. This program is right for you if you are hoping to gain a deeper understanding of the reading and writing process, and to extend your ability to identify and address reading and writing problems.
Course work and field experience will give you the opportunity to develop a knowledge base for working with native English speakers, English language learners, and children with special needs from a broad range of cultural and socio-economic backgrounds. Particular emphasis is placed on helping you understand the links between assessment and instruction, develop a wide repertoire of teaching strategies, and learn to address the academic, intellectual and emotional strengths and needs of children.
The program views reading, writing, and language development as integrated processes. Course work and field experiences are designed to help you to work both independently and collaboratively with other teachers, parents, and other professionals to meet the needs of diverse learners.
This program is for those who are not seeking New York State certification.
Supervised Fieldwork/Advisement
During one academic year, while you take courses, you will gain teaching experience and intensive advisory support through supervised fieldwork/advisement. If you are not currently working in an elementary school setting, you will do your student teaching in placements that allow you to work with children in grades 1 through 6 in literacy settings. Working teachers and assistants in appropriate settings may use their classroom as their primary fieldwork site.
Throughout your year of supervised fieldwork/advisement, your advisor will visit you in your setting each month. You will meet individually twice a month with your Bank Street advisor, and you will gather with a small, supportive peer group once a week throughout the fall and spring terms. The year of supervision and advisement is central to your professional growth and development as you become a successful educator.
Integrative Master's Project
Before graduating, you will complete an independent study (master's thesis), directed essay or portfolio. Your choice will depend on your own goals and learning style. This project allows you to pursue an area of particular interest to you, or to weave together the threads and understandings of your Bank Street graduate experience.
Admissions Requirements
Applicants need to have a strong academic background, a commitment to literacy development, and excellent interpersonal skills.
Further information
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