Reading and Language Acquisition – EDUC 554

Course Description

This course is designed to impart a thorough understanding of the complex nature of language acquisition and the reading process. Emphasis will be placed on language acquisition, foundations of reading and writing, and the development of language use within and across different social and cultural contexts and developmentally appropriate levels.

For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog.

Rationale

Candidates will explore the diverse experiences and the impact of those experiences on literacy learning. A vast knowledge of literacy development (phonemic and phonological awareness, concept of print, phonics, fluency, vocabulary development, and comprehension), writing skills and spelling, teaching strategies, and appropriate assessment techniques for 21 century learners is needed for classroom teachers today.

Course Assignment

Textbook readings and lecture presentations

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussions (3)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. There will be three Discussions throughout the course. The purpose of Discussions is to generate interaction among the candidates in regards to relevant and current course topics. The candidate is required to submit 1 thread of 450–500 words. If the candidate chooses to use journal articles (within past five years), quotes, text references, and Bible passages to support his/her opinion, the resources must be cited using current APA format. The candidate must submit two replies of 150-200 words each. In each reply, there must be at least 2 well-developed paragraphs. The Discussions must be done in current APA format. (CLO: B, D, G)

Lesson Plan Assignments (3)

The candidate will create 3 lesson plans that contain a reading or writing focus. Each lesson will be on a separate topic: reading skills, writing skills, and literature. The candidate must use the edTPA approved Lesson Plan Template to submit this assignment. All instructional materials will be attached to the template. For each lesson plan submission, a new template is used. (CLO: A, C, F, G)

Early Literacy Foundation Blocks Assignment

The candidate will review the foundation blocks (literacy section only) from Virginia’s Foundation Blocks for Early Literacy document: http://www.doe.virginia.gov/early-childhood/curriculum/foundation-blocks.pdf. For each of the six foundation blocks for literacy (oral language, vocabulary, phonological awareness, letter recognition, print awareness and writing) the candidate will create a chart to include the following columns: label all six blocks, describe block, identify a sample activity, and make a connection with the activities to provide a context for meaningful learning necessary for all children, but especially critical for English Language Learners or children with special needs.

Literacy Assessment Toolbox Assignment

The candidate will create an assessment toolbox for the practicum course and/or specific grade level. The toolbox will include three literacy assessments: 1) informal reading inventory, 2) diagnostic tool, and 3) progress monitoring. Each assessment tool will be supported by two research-based articles relating to the assessment tool. All articles should be current within the past five years. (CLO: A, D, G)

EdTPA Literacy Instruction Task 1 Assignment

The candidate will complete Literacy Instruction Task 1 providing details in a Livetext template for the following categories: literacy context for learning information, lessons plans for the learning segment, instructional materials, literacy assessment, and literacy planning commentary. (CLO: A, B)

Differentiating Literacy Lesson Plan Assignment

Candidate will select one lesson plan written in the course and differentiate specific literacy components for a distinct student population: student with a disability (dyslexia, reading difficulty, or learning disability) or English language learner. The differentiate literacy lesson will include lesson plans component and written evaluation explaining how it supports a distinct student population. (CLO: B, E, F)

Dyslexia Training Module Assignment

The candidate will complete the dyslexia training module as required by Virginia Department of Education requirements. Passing score will be scanned into Canvas and Livetext. (CLO: E)

Reading for Virginia Educators Exam Documentation Assignment

The candidate must submit registration or passing scores on the Reading for Virginia Educators Exam. Middle level education candidate must show appropriate Praxis II documentation only. (CLO: A, B, C, D, F, G)

Course-Embedded Practicum

For candidates who began their licensure program prior to Fall 2019: You must complete the 30-hour course-embedded practicum of reading instruction in this course.

For candidates who began their licensure program in Fall 2019 or thereafter: You do not need to complete the course-embedded practicum in this course. You must complete the assignments listed below instead of the course-embedded practicum; however, you will have an alternative question to answer on the quiz. 

1. Quiz: Practicum Proposal

The candidate will identify the setting and method for fulfilling a minimum of 30 hours of field experience in elementary or remedial classrooms during literacy instruction in FEM through LiveText.

2. Quiz: Field Experience Management (FEM) and Time Log

While completing the required hours, the candidate must complete the Field Experience Time Log provided in LiveText.

3. Quiz: Field Experience Assessment (FEA)

The candidate will have the host teacher complete this assessment and submit the Pre-CPAST in LiveText.

Quizzes (6)

Each quiz will cover the Learn material for the assigned modules. Each quiz will be open-book/open-notes, contain 25 multiple-choice questions, and have a 2-hour time limit. The quizzes can be taken multiple times during the 2-hour time limit; automatically close at end of due date. (CLO: A, B, C, D, E, F, G)