This course will examine the fundamentals of literacy development. It focuses on landmark and current research (both qualitative and quantitative) related to the components of literacy acquisition process. Course content will include the strategic use of literacy levels across various contexts including the role of technology in literacy development. Topics also include the following: orality; phonemics and phonetics; word recognition, fluency, reading comprehension, visualization, vocabulary development; written language development, motivation, and other aspects of the developmental and socio-cultural experience. By the end of the course it is expected that students will be able to articulate a sound vision of a culture of literacy which is conducive to the unique needs of all students and is consistent with the classroom, school, district, and community expectations.

This introductory course examines the following: (a) current research and theory on what constitutes an effective culture of literacy including reading, writing listening, and speaking; (b) role of assessment/evaluation in written language development through instruction and differentiation, (c) written language development of English Language and English Only Learners.

This course provides candidates with an opportunity to plan, organize, and integrate differentiated literacy instruction for all students. Literacy materials, assessments, and instructional/ intervention models are examined and implemented. Candidates apply knowledge by designing and implementing a classroom literacy intervention in a small group format that addresses the unique needs of all students in the diverse classrooms. In addition, this course provides opportunities for candidates to learn methods to assist teachers in using grade level or school-wide assessment data to implement and revise instructional programs and to plan, implement, and evaluate school-wide professional development.

This course focuses on the place of comprehension as one of the most significant aspects of promoting a culture of literacy. Current theory and research on the relationship between comprehension and literacy acquisition/proficiency are explored. Instructional/intervention strategies and materials to support comprehension for all students, including English Learners and students with special needs at the early, intermediate, and fluent levels are studied. Specific topics include background knowledge, culturally responsive pedagogy, response to intervention, concept formation, vocabulary development, narrative and expository text structure analysis, independent reading, and cross-cultural practices.