The advanced certificate in literacy studies is designed for certified elementary and middle school teachers with a master’s degree who want certification in literacy. This program introduces students to contemporary theory and practice in literacy studies, so that they become effective scholar-practitioners who understand and deliver high quality literacy instruction and offer proactive literacy leadership to schools and community agencies. Our program reflects advances in literacy research and policies by the New York State Board of Regents regarding learning standards. These policies are designed to articulate the highest learning standards possible for all students and balance attainment of these standards with consideration of issues of equity and access to education for economically disadvantaged and traditionally underrepresented groups at all levels of the education system.This program prepares scholar-practitioners to work with students birth through grade 6. Students will work at broadening the definition of literacy practices beyond traditional school-based literacy in order to address the issues of equity, access, and opportunity that are involved in literacy acquisition in communities that are as economically, linguistically and ethnically diverse as those found in New York state.This program, leading to professional certification for teaching of literacy, prepares students to meet the educational requirements for certification as literacy specialists in early childhood and childhood education, birth through grade 6. The advanced certificate provides students with the opportunity to participate in classes that focus on the most current understandings of literacy and pedagogical practices. Students are prepared for the following teaching positions:Classroom teachers with advanced preparation in literacy instruction.Literacy specialists with advanced preparation in one-on-one and small group instruction in literacy processes.Literacy specialists prepared to work collaboratively with classroom teachers in designing and implementing effective literacy instruction in inclusive environments.On average, students complete this program in two and one-half academic years.