READ 570: Classroom Assessment & Reading Instruction (3 cr)

COURSE
DESCRIPTION

This course provides teachers an understanding of issues related to reading instruction and assessment. Practicing educators will be provided research-validated strategies and assessment tools to inform instruction, meet the needs of individual learners, and develop an understanding of the issues related to effective reading instruction. A major focus of this course is the integral relationship between informal classroom assessments and effective instructional strategies within the context of a balanced reading approach.

PREREQUISITES

There are no required prerequisites for this course. However, learners are assumed to be teachers with access to students in the pk-12 grade level.

COURSE
STRUCTURE

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

STANDARDS

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

2.1	Use instructional grouping options (individual, small-group, whole-class, and computer-based) as appropriate for accomplishing given purposes.
2.2	Use a wide range of instructional practices, approaches and methods, including technology-based practices, for learners at different stages of development and from differing cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
2.3	Use a wide range of curriculum materials in effective reading instruction for learners at different stages of reading and writing development and from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
3.2	Place students along a developmental continuum and identify students' proficiencies and difficulties.
3.3	Use assessment information to plan, evaluate, and revise effective instruction that meets the needs of all students, including those at different developmental stages and those from differing cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
4.1	Use students' interests, reading abilities, and backgrounds as foundations for the reading and writing program.
5.1	Display positive dispositions related to reading and the teaching of reading.
5.2	Continue to pursue the development of professional knowledge and dispositions.

PRACTICAL
APPLICATIONS

Learners will be able to make informed and critical use of literacy assessments and their data that will inform their instructional practices. This course incorporates assignments that require practical application of ideas learned.

CORE/ELECTIVE

This 3-credit graduate course can be used to fulfill the 3-credit requirements in the Literacy Assessment thematic area in the 24-credit Reading Endorsement program, as 3 elective credits in the 12-credit Literary Education program, or for Individual professional development. Please consult an advisor at your home institution about adding this course to your program.

INSTRUCTOR

Heidi Olivadoti, Teacher education Instructor, Southern Oregon University. 7 years as elementary teacher; 3 years as Title I Language Arts and Math Specialist. (BA, Pacific Lutheran University; MS Ed., Southern Oregon University)

TARGET
AUDIENCE

pK-12 teachers and those seeking the Reading Specialist Endorsement.

TIME
COMMITMENT

Students should expect to spend a minimum of 9 hours per week in course-related activities (e.g., reading the text and course materials, posting to discussion forums, completing written and teacher's 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, for students in the ReadOregon program.

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 Heidi Olivadoti or Angela Huftill.