RDG 519.501 - Upper Level Literacy

This is a Web-based course taught by Lysa Mize Hagan.

Instructor Contact Information

Lysa Mize Hagan email: lhagan@sfasu.edu (936) 468-2904 Instructor's home page

Course Goals
Preservice teachers will leave this class with understandings regarding literacy development in three major areas:
1.Foundations of literacy instruction, including the processes of oral and written language development.
2.Literacy assessment, including formal and informal methods appropriate for readers beyond the emergent level.
3.Literacy instruction, including multiple instructional models and strategies appropriate for readers beyond the emergent level.

Course Description
A study of upper level literacy assessment and instruction.

Course Prerequisites
RDG 318. If you are concurrently enrolled, let me know.

Course Format and Participation Requirements
1.Children’s Literature Circle Group
The candidate will be expected to choose, check out, and read one paperback children’s literature book from choices presented. The candidate will read the assigned chapters, making various response entries in your Reading Log. The candidate will discuss the book with a group of  peers by the assigned deadline. The group will plan and complete a web page presentation representing the book as detailed on the rubric or scoring guide. Assessment will involve self and instructor evaluations.

2.Independent Reading Project
The candidate will be expected to choose, purchase, and read one children's literature book from appropriate level. The candidate will read on his/her own, making various response entries in your Reading Log.These will be shared in Grand Conversation.  A project will be created to represent the book upon completion.Assessment will involve self and instructor evaluations.

3.Reading Log
The reading log should consist of reflections on the chosen children’s literature.The candidate should have the required entries from the children's literature book read.At the top of the page, should be theTitle, Author, Chapter(s), Date, and response type.Each entry should be based on a different one of the various "Possible Response" ideas and should be from 1/2 to 1 page in length. These will be read during the semester. 

4.Thematic Unit
The candidate will plan a Thematic Unit that integrates literacy activities with content areas. The Tompkins text, Chapter 14, will guide with some ideas of what may be involved. Units will be evaluated according to a rubric. .Assessment will involve self and instructor evaluations.The Thematic Unit web page will be posted  for the class to view.

5.Midterm
The midterm exam will cover chapters of the Tompkins text. A significant portion of the exam will be drawn from the textbook, assigned readings, and content common to all sections of this course.The candidate should expect multiple choice items that assess text-specific information, as well as items that require you to synthesize and apply knowledge to case scenarios much like items that will be encountered in the certification exam.

6.Final
The final exam will be similar to the midterm. It will be comprehensive with a focus on the remainder of the chapters from the Tompkins text listed on the course calendar. It will be given during Finals Week.

7.Professional development
Each candidate  will be expected to review and summarize 2 articles from professional journals. These articles should be related to the content and topics of this course. Criteria for journal selection and a format for the summaries can be found on the assignment page.

8.  Guided Reading Lesson
Each Candidate will be expected to plan a guided reading lesson for this course.  Separate readings will be provided along with a format for the lesson.

9.  Writing Lesson
The Candidate will be expected to plan a writing mini lesson for this course. Separate readings will be provided along with a format for the lesson.

10.  Reading Inventory
Candidates will complete Flynt Cooter readings and conduct a reading  inventory.  Upon completion of the inventory a write up and chat will be completed.

11.  Daily grades, participation, professionalism
Students will be given numerous opportunities to demonstrate knowledge of reading assignments, engage in self-reflections, etc. during the semester. Failure to complete these activities during class due to absence or other reasons will result in a deduction of points. Students are expected to participate actively with group members and demonstrate a professional demeanor toward your colleagues. These points are subjectively decided by the instructor.

On-campus or Face-to-Face Meeting Requirements
Contact instructor for information.

Course Assessment
See above in "Course Format" section.

Technical Requirements for the Course
Students should have the minimum technical requirements for any 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 Tompkins, G. E. (2001). Literacy for the 21st century: A balanced approach (3rd ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Merrill/Prentice Hall. Flynt, E. and Cooter, R. (2001). Reading Inventory for the Classroom, 4th ed.   Upper Saddle River, NJ: Merrill/Prentice Hall. You will be expected to purchase or borrow two children’s literature books to be determined later.
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