Middle Childhood Extension

CT 221 / SED 221 (both 5-6 and 7-9 candidates)

The first of two required courses leading to a middle childhood extension certification. Course topics include the rationale, philosophy, and foundations for middle schools; the culture of middle-level schools; sociocultural influences on middle-level schooling and students; developmental aspects of young adolescents and their needs for personalization and community; restructuring, block scheduling, teaming concepts and instructional delivery through teaming; advisories; gender, diversity and bullying issues; social and emotional learning (SEL) and service learning; parent involvement; and health and safety.

CT 247A (Grades 5-6 only)

This course emphasizes the interdisciplinary nature of the New York State standards and assessments on the 5-6th grade levels. Course work focuses on a more global approach to academic curricula, the philosophy and practice of interdisciplinary and thematic integrated curriculum and the skills that need to be taught and infused into all subjects taught on these levels within the K-12 scope and sequence to provide continuity and articulation. Instructional strategies and models, teaming of students and faculty, grade-level configurations, and diverse assessments are emphasized.

CT 248A (Grades 7-9 only)

This course emphasizes both teaching as a specialist in a subject area and understanding a more global approach to academic curricula. The course includes the structures and curriculum approaches students have already experienced and how to foster a smooth transition for students into a full teaming structure. Course work focuses on the philosophy and practice of interdisciplinary and thematic integrated curriculum and the skills that need to be taught and infused into all subjects taught on these levels within the K-12 scope and sequence to provide continuity and articulation. The interdisciplinary nature of the New York state standards and assessments is stressed.

Applications for admission to this advanced certificate program in the Department of Teaching, Learning and Technology are made to the Graduate Admission Office. Admission is based on a comprehensive review of multiple criteria. The department understands that any single criterion may not reliably predict a student’s potential for success in the program. Students may consider applying even if they fail to meet one of the criteria listed below but feel that other aspects of their experience might compensate. All individual cases will be reviewed by an Admissions Counselor before being referred to the graduate program for further review.

1. Initial or professional certification (or in progress) in Grades 7-12 for those seeking the 5-6 extension; Initial or professional certification (or in progress) in Grades 1-6 for those seeking the 7-9 extension
2. A minimum overall GPA of 3.0 on all undergraduate course work, or it’s equivalent (e.g., a 3.0 in a completed graduate program). We encourage you to submit all transcripts from your undergraduate work and any graduate work for consideration.
3. An interview with the middle childhood education program director.

The 7-9 program leads to an extension of certification into grades 5 and 6 for the subject area of the original certification. These areas include English, foreign language, mathematics, social studies, and science (biology, chemistry, earth science, or physics). 

The 5-6 program leads to an extension of the teaching of a subject in grades 7-9. Applicable subject areas, each requiring completion of 30 s.h. in the content area. These areas include English, foreign language, mathematics, social studies, and science (biology, chemistry, earth science, or physics). 

Students who hold provisional rather than initial certification are required to demonstrate completion of 6 s.h. elective credit, of which 3 s.h. must be in the teaching of literature/language arts. The program director must approve electives.

Dr. Sandra Stacki’s work at the young adolescent level includes co-editing The Handbook of Research in Middle Level Education: Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment. Dr. Stacki’s teaching interests include Middle Curriculum,  Curriculum and Foundations of Education, Qualitative Research, Gender and Multicultural issues and Comparative and International Education, and has long been a professor of Hofstra’s Teaching, learning and Technology department contributing to the development of future educators!