Literacy Coaching Micro-Credential

Students can enter the program in the spring or fall and can choose to take one or two courses each semester.

• LAI 550 and LAI 551 serve as prerequisites for LAI 557
• LAI 557 serves as the prerequisite for LAI 652

1. LAI 551 Childhood Literacy Methods  |  Course offered: fall, spring, summer
   
   This course focuses on research-based, culturally responsive literacy instruction for diverse learners in grades 1-6. Topics addressed include motivation and engagement, culturally informed text selection, family involvement, promoting translanguaging with multilingual learners, and differentiated literacy instruction addressing word recognition, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, and writing.
   
   
2. LAI 552 Middle Childhood/Adolescent Literacy Methods  |  Course offered: fall, spring, summer
   
   This course addresses instructional theory and practices focusing on building literacy for diverse learners in grades 5-12 and supporting equitable learning from texts across content areas. Topics covered include text complexity, assessment, motivation and engagement, vocabulary and background knowledge, comprehension strategies, discussion, text-based writing, and inquiry.
   
   
3. LAI 557 Literacy Leadership, Coaching and Assessment  |  Course offered: fall
   
   This course will examine research and theoretical models of school-wide literacy assessments and programs with the intent to meet the needs of all learners. This will include evaluation of literacy assessments and instruction, as well as effective ways to communicate to stakeholders (i.e., administration, teachers, and families) and offer professional development to improve instructional outcomes. Class readings and assignments will engage literacy educators on how they can create inclusive literacy instruction and use assessment results to create asset-minded literacy instruction.
   
   
4. LAI 652 Practicum in the Supervision of Reading Instruction  |  Course offered: spring
   
   Graduate students will engage in the supervision of whole class, small-group, or one-on-one literacy instruction following the ILA standards for literacy coaching.  They will provide oral and written feedback to support ongoing literacy instruction and provide professional development to promote literacy acquisition. Course topics vary, topics such as: mentoring, coaching or supervision of teachers may be included. Research-based topics such as data analysis and interpretation, data-driven instruction, or research development and design may be covered.

Current UB students and non-UB students are eligible to apply.

To apply, you must have at least one of the following:

• Three or more years of PK–12 classroom teaching experience (or equivalent) in public, charter, private, religious or independent schools
• New York State certification in one or more areas of teaching (e.g., early childhood, childhood, adolescence, teaching English language learners, special education)

Speak with your academic advisor about this micro-credential. After completing the application form, the program director or a member of the GSE admissions team will follow up with you about your micro-credential application.

You must apply and be approved to take non-degree coursework using the GSE Non-Degree application. The application contains specific questions related to your teaching experience and certifications. Unofficial copies of your transcripts and proof of certification are required to apply. Upon acceptance, you will need to show proof of New York State residency.

Complete the online application form: Once you have activated your application account: select the term you are applying for; choose “Non-Degree Study” in the “Area of Interest” dropdown field; then choose “LAI – Non-Degree Student” in the “Degree Program” dropdown field.