ED 560: Foundations for Literacy Learning (3 cr)

COURSE
DESCRIPTION

An introductory graduate course exploring the theory and research on which literacy learning is based. Upon completion of the course, students will be able to: 1) identify and discuss foundational issues within the Vygotskian theory of literacy learning; 2) identify and discuss the connections between this theory and classroom practices; 3) identify and discuss core understandings from research about learning to read.

PREREQUISITES

There are no required prerequisites for this course. However, learners are assumed to be teachers with access to elementary and/or secondary students.

COURSE
STRUCTURE

Textbook reading assignments, discussion board entries, summary of Vygotskian theory, reflections on Braunger & Lewis Core Understandings about Learning to Read, application project.

STANDARDS

This course supports the following International Reading Association's 2010 revised Standards for Reading Professionals:

1.1	Candidates understand major theories and empirical research that describe the cognitive, linguistic, motivational, and sociocultural foundations of reading and writing development, processes, and components, including word recognition, language comprehension, strategic knowledge, and reading-writing connections.
1.2	Candidates understand the historically shared knowledge of the profession and changes over time in the perceptions of reading and writing development, processes, and components.
1.3	Candidates understand the role of professional judgment and practical knowledge for improving all students' reading development and achievement.

PRACTICAL
APPLICATIONS

Students will apply what they have learned about the foundations of literacy learning by developing a creative project/product to be used with fellow teachers/staff, parents, administration, school board members, community or legislators. Projects may include a brochure, newsletter, in-service, etc.

CORE/ELECTIVE

This graduate course can be used as 2 core credits in the Literacy Foundations thematic area in the 24-credit Reading Endorsement program, as 2 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.

INSTRUCTORS

Dr. Aimee Alexander-Shea, Assistant Professor, College of Education, Eastern Oregon University. K-12 teaching: 2 years as elementary teacher, 1 year as reading resource specialist. College-level teaching: 12 years. (BA and M.Ed., University of Florida; Ph.D., University of South Florida.)

TARGET
AUDIENCE

Appropriate for all pK-12 practitioners.

TIME
COMMITMENT

Students should expect to spend 9 hours per week for 10 weeks 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 completed on the learner's time schedule and are due as posted.

TEXTBOOK

Textbook(s) are required for this course. You will find the textbook listed in the syllabus that is posted online at the EOU website or you may contact the instructor. For most classes, the EOU Bookstore will be a source for the textbook.

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. Alexander-Shea