Specialists for Reading/Math Programs – EDUC 650

Course Description

An investigation of research-based intervention for reading or math programs. The role of the reading or math specialist to the total school program is also examined. Field experience required.

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

Rationale

Leadership in literacy and math are vital in every school.  The focus of this course is to develop program specialists who lead the way through demonstrating multiple leadership roles and guiding stakeholders to ensure all students will reach their potential in literacy and math development.

Course Assignment

Textbook readings, presentations, and specialist standards

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in Module/Week 1.

Course Overview Quiz

A short quiz is presented to establish the expectations of this course. A list of overview questions will be provided.

Group Discussion Board Forums (3)

For this collaborative discussion board, each candidate will participate in 3 Group Discussion Board Forums according to his/her specialty. Each thread must be 250–300 words in 3 paragraphs, and the 2 replies must be at least 100 words each. (CLO: A, B, C, E,

Essays (4)

Each candidate will write 4 essays of 2–3 pages each in current APA format. There will be 1 essay for each of the 4 reading assignments. The essays for math specialists focus on the frameworks of math, math standards for Pre-K-2 with manipulatives and technology, professional development for students in 3-8 focusing on graphing utilities, dynamic software, spreadsheets and virtual manipulative, and leading through partnerships. The essays for reading focus on the roles and best practices of reading specialists, connecting foundational knowledge and instructional strategies for diverse learners, evidence-based literacy learning in professional development, and leading through partnerships. (CLO: A, B, C, E, F)

Projects (4)

There are 4 projects to complete, 1 for each of the 4 reading assignments. The projects for the math specialist candidate are creating a professional development plan for the year for the candidate’s school, creating math games or manipulatives for PreK-2 students, development of professional development to teach new technology, and a planning chart using Excel or Google Sheets compiling strategies or resources to connect administrators, teachers, and families. The projects for the reading specialist candidates are yearly plan of professional development for teachers, two games or resources focusing on components of communication/writing, phonological awareness skills presentation for teaching teachers, and a plan for Family Literacy Night to include all stakeholders.  (CLO: A, B, C, E, F)

Field Experience Module (2 five-hour different placements)

Field Experience Plan – The candidate will create a plan for interviewing two different program specialists, depending on the program of study, math or reading. Each placement will be five hours in length and include an interview, observation, and curricula analysis. The plan will identify all of the information of the field placement.

Interview with Question and Answers & Curricula Analysis – Each candidate will conduct an interview using the questions program for two different program specialists, reading or math, and record the interview in writing. Each candidate will also analyze one or two curricula used by the program specialist at each placement. A full analysis of the interviews will be a part of the final essay. (CLO: A, C, D, E)

Specialist Competency Reflection

The candidate will complete a two-paragraph essay reflection on the competencies and standards utilized in the course which demonstrate professional expectations. The reflection must answer the questions posed in the Assignment Instructions folder.  (CLO: A, B)

Synthesis Essay: The Roles of the Reading Specialists

Each candidate will synthesize the readings, interviews, curricula, and personal applications through the lens of effective, evidence-based leadership roles of a math or reading specialist. These findings will be presented in a professionally, written paper. (CLO: A, B, C, D, E, F)