Reading 518_501 Early Literacy Development

This is a Web-based course taught by Dr. Vi Alexander.

Instructor Contact Information

Vi Alexander, Ph.D. email: valexander@sfasu.edu (936) 468-2904

Course Description
This course is the study of literacy assessment and instruction designed for post baccalaureate candidate(s) seeking teacher certification in elementary education.

Course Prerequisites
Students must be classified as post-baccalaureate. Advanced certification program candidate(s) must have access to classrooms in order to be admitted to and complete course-embedded assessments. Candidate(s)' participation in school-based activities is a natural outgrowth of the intensive field work this program requires.

Course Format and Participation Requirements
This is an online, independent learning class designed for post baccalaureate candidate(s) seeking teacher certification in elementary education. In order to be successful in this class you must have:

• a computer with at least 133 megahertz Pentium processor or PowerMac equivalent
• adequate computer technology skills for web research
• convenient and reliable internet access
• an SFA email account
• *time to participate in a performance-based course requiring access to a small group of three to five children-- (1) presently enrolled in or just completed kindergarten, (2) first grade students, or (3) second grade students
• ability to work in an independent learning format

Textbooks and Reading Materials

Marie Clay
An Observational Survey
Heinemann 3rd
0325004846
30
Required

Thomas Gunning
Creating Literacy Instruction for all Children
Allyn/Bacon
0205356834
30
Required

In addition to reading chapters in the textbook, you will read packet materials designed for this course, view videos, teach reading and writing lessons to children, and go to specified web sites as well as participate in weekly discussions and written exercises. A variety of communication options are available, including email and discussion board, to allow you to communicate with the instructor and other students in the class.

On-campus or Face-to-Face Meeting Requirements
None.

Course Assessment
Assessments consists of discussions, projects, case study, and objective final examination.

Technical Requirements for the Course
Please comply with the minimum technical requirements for an online course.

Before the Course Begins

Complete the Getting Started area of sfaonline.

Register and pay for the course just as you would any other SFA course.

As soon as you are registered, please send an email message to the instructor.

Carefully read and complete all steps of Getting a myCourses Username and PIN.

F-1 Visa Holders
There are important federal regulations pertaining to distance education activity for F-1 Visa holders. All students with an F-1 Visa should follow the instructions at the following link to make sure they are in compliance.
http://www.oit.sfasu.edu/disted/facsup/f1visa.html

RESOURCE LINKS:
 

Prepare for an online course:	Getting Started
Order your textbooks online:	Textbooks Classrooms That Work: They Can All Read and Write, Patricia Cunningham & Richard L. Allington, 4th Edition, Allyn Bacon Publishers, ISBN 0-205-35541-2 An Observational Survey of Early Literacy Achievement, Marie Clay, 3rd Edition, Heinemann Publishers, ISBN 0-325-00484-6 RDG 518.501 course packets are available online. In addition, hard copies are available at Lasergraphics Printing, 230l North St, Nacogdoches, TX 75961. For mail order call 936 569-1997.
Log on to your course:	myCourses Logon
SFA has a mandatory email policy:	Enable your SFA email account