ED 562: Literacy in the Elementary Grades (3 credits)

COURSE
DESCRIPTION

A survey of elementary literacy programs as well as principles of motivation in literacy learning, major reading strategies and their variants, guided reading, reading/writing connections, the role of basal programs.

PREREQUISITES

Graduate standing. Completing a foundations course prior to this course is recommended. Learners are assumed to be teachers with access to elementary 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 complete classroom observations and reflections and develop a portfolio of literacy strategy lessons. One-page written statements on specified literacy topics are also required.

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.

PRACTICAL
APPLICATIONS

Learners will conduct classroom observations and connect them to best practices. Learners will develop a portfolio of literacy strategy lessons (reading, writing, listening, speaking) appropriate for a range of ages/developmental levels.

CORE/ELECTIVE

This graduate-level course can be used as 3 core credits in the Literacy Foundations or the Literacy Strategies & Methods thematic areas in the 24-credit Reading Endorsement program, 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

Dr. M. Ruth Davenport, Professor, College of Education, Eastern Oregon University. Literacy consultant and teacher for 14 years. Miscue analysis expert and textbook author. (BS, MS, SW Missouri State University; Ph.D., University of Missouri)

TARGET
AUDIENCE

Those seeking a reading endorsement and pK-6 classroom teachers wishing to increase their understanding of elementary literacy and literacy teaching.

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 completed on the learner's time schedule and are due as posted.

TEXTBOOK

A textbook is required for this course. EOU's Division of Distance Education posts textbook information in the course syllabus. Click on "Search" and search under "Education." Then click on the course title to find the syllabus.

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

For more details on this course, please contact Dr. M. Ruth Davenport, Eastern Oregon University.