READ 515: ECE Foundations of Literacy Development (3 cr)

COURSE
DESCRIPTION

This course examines the process of early language development and the emergence of literacy focusing on the first eight years of life. The course studies literacy development within diverse contexts and the influence of individual, cultural, linguistic, ethnic, and racial differences as well as abilities/disabilities. It considers ways of promoting language and literacy development, including the selection and use of activities and materials suitable for the facilitation of early literacy.

PREREQUISITES

There are no required prerequisites for this graduate level course. However, learners are assumed to be teachers with access to early childhood children.

COURSE
STRUCTURE

Textbook, library, and online readings with posted weekly reflections; posting to whole class discussion forums; providing feedback to other learners; practical, applied assignments plus an integrative capstone project.

STANDARDS

This course supports the following International Reading Association's 2003 Standards for Reading Professionals:

1.1	Demonstrate knowledge of psychological, sociological, and linguistic foundations of reading and writing processes and instruction.
1.3	Demonstrate knowledge of language development and reading acquisition and the variations related to cultural and linguistic diversity.
1.4	Demonstrate knowledge of the major components of reading (phonemic awareness, word identification and phonics, vocabulary and background knowledge, fluency, comprehension strategies, and motivation) and how they are integrated in fluent reading.
5.1	Display positive dispositions related to reading and the teaching of reading.

PRACTICAL
APPLICATIONS

This course in the Collaborative Reading Education and Distance Education program incorporates assignments that require practical application of ideas learned. "Kid watching" provides a necessary basis for understanding the emerging phenomena of language and literacy development and makes a critical contribution to curriculum planning in preschool and primary grade level settings.

CORE/ELECTIVE

This graduate course can be used as 3 core or elective credits in the Literacy Foundations thematic area in the 24-credit Reading Endorsement program, the 12-credit Literary Education program, or for individual professional development.

INSTRUCTOR

Rebecca Olien, SOU Instructor. Education program coordinator for museum of art and science museum. Educational materials author/developer. 15 years elementary school teaching. (BS, Michigan State University; MS, University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire)

TARGET
AUDIENCE

Early childhood and elementary teachers and those seeking a Reading Specialist endorsement.

TIME
COMMITMENT

Students should expect to spend 9 hours per week for 10 weeks in course-related activities for this 3-credit course (e.g., reading the text and course materials, posting to discussion forums, completing written and ECE classroom-based assignments). This course is online and does not require in-person attendance. Assignments are completed on the learner's time schedule and are due as posted.

TEXTBOOK

A textbook is required for this course. You will be sent the textbook title and suggested purchase locations when you register for the course.

COST

No course in the ReadOregon curriculum will cost more than $300 per credit, including all fees.

TECHNICAL
REQUIREMENTS

This online course requires access to the Internet with Word/WordPerfect for written assignments. Recommended minimum computer configuration is:

PC running Windows 95 or newer
Macintosh Quadra 700 or better or Power PC
Modem 28.8 or faster, or other network connection
Sound card and speakers (optional)
32 Megabytes or greater of system RAM
Adequate hard disk drive

CONTACT(S)

For more details on this course, please contact Angela Huftill at Southern Oregon University.