TCE 599: Reading for Gifted Learners

COURSE
DESCRIPTION

This course examines the theory and practice of curriculum development and pedagogy in reading instruction specific to talented and gifted learners (TAG).

PREREQUISITES

There are no required prerequisites for this course. However, learners are assumed to be teachers with access to K-12 students.

COURSE
STRUCTURE

This is a Blackboard-facilitated course.

Students are expected to read text assignments as scheduled and respond to the texts via web-based discussion boards.

Students will design and implement a reading program and/or lesson plans/literacy strategies for gifted learners.

Students will create a professional development presentation and deliver it to colleagues based on what they learned from this class.

STANDARDS

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

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.
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.
4.1	Use students' interests, reading abilities, and backgrounds as foundations for the reading and writing program.
4.2	Use a large supply of books, technology-based information, and non-print materials representing multiple levels, broad interests, and cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

PRACTICAL
APPLICATIONS

Gifted students have special needs in developing into good readers. This course is designed to help classroom teachers better serve both gifted readers and gifted students who need researched and differentiated reading support.

CORE/ELECTIVE

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

INSTRUCTOR

Kathy Austin, Ph.D. Dr. Austin has six years K-12 teaching experience and six years college/university teaching experience. Her areas of expertise include reading/literacy instruction for gifted learners, writing instruction, and reading for all learners. She is a certified Reading Specialist and has taught reading to all levels of students in various learning environments from elementary school to university settings. (BA, Portland State University; MS. Ed., Western Oregon University; Ph.D., Oregon State University)

TARGET
AUDIENCE

Those seeking a reading endorsement and K-12 classroom teachers wishing to increase their understanding of K-12 literacy and teaching reading for gifted learners.

TIME
COMMITMENT

Students should expect to spend approximately 90 hours total in course-related activities (e.g., reading the text and course materials, posting to discussion forums, completing written reports/papers and classroom-based assignments). This course is online and does not require in-person attendance. Assignments are due as posted. Late assignments will be marked down 1 point for each day late unless the student has extenuating circumstances and has negotiated with the instructor prior to the due date.

TEXTBOOK

Halsted, J.W. (2002). Some of my best friends are books: Guiding gifted readers from preschool to high school (2nd ed.). Scottsdale, AZ: Great Potential Press. Other readings as assigned will be posted on the course website.

COST

No course in the ReadOregon curriculum will cost more than $359 per credit, including fees, for students in the ReadOregon program.

CONTACT

For more details on this course, please contact Dr. Kathy Austin - austinka@onid.orst.edu