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Reading and Writing Across the Curriculum

Reading 4093 100

 

Implementation of Classroom Reading Instruction

Reading 4103 100

 

 

Dr. Deborah Jinkins

Office: Tarleton Center-124

Phone: 254-519-5474

e-mail: jinkins@tarleton.edu

 

 

Office Hours:

Varies by semester

                                                                                     

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                       

Program Goal:

Tarleton State University students upon completion of certification requirements will be reflective professional educators who make effective educational decisions that support the creation of dynamic learning environments.

 

Course Catalog Description:

            RDG 4093 – Theory and instructional strategies for teaching the writing process in elementary and middle schools.  Includes stages of the writing process, issues at the different grade levels, teaching with mini-lessons, early literacy, spelling handwriting, developing listening skills, TAAS writing, and the use of children’s literature to teach writing.

            RDG 4103 – A survey of approaches to teaching reading, procedures for organizing the elementary classroom for reading instruction, research on effective reading-writing instruction, and roles of school personnel and parents in the school reading program.

 

These two 3-hour courses are being taught as a six hour block using the reading/writing workshop approach.   The approach is slightly modified to accommodate the few students who have previously taken RDG 4093.

 

Textbooks:

Learning Media. (1992). Dancing with the Pen. Katonah, NY: R.C. Owen Publ.

Fountas and Pinnell, (1996). Guided Reading: Good First Teaching for All Children.

            Porstmouth, NH:Heineman.

Learning Media. (1997). Reading for Life: The Learner as Reader. Katonah, NY: R.C.

Owen, Publ.

Atwell, N. (1998). In the Middle.  Portsmouth, NH:Heinemann.

Allington, R. & Cunningham, P. (****). Classrooms That Work. Harper-Collins.

 

Other Required Materials:

Wren, S.  (2000). Cognitive Framework of Learning to Read. Austin, TX:SEDL.

TEA. (2000). Red Book Series. Austin, TX: TEA.

Grade Level TEKS (TEA website) and Teacher Competencies (SBEC website)

 

Recommended Texts:

Calkins, L. (1994). The Art of Teaching Writing. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann.

Gentry, R. (1987). Spel…is a Four-Letter Word.  Portsmouth, NH:Heinemann.

 

Course Goals: Students will:

  • demonstrate an understanding for the implementation of a writing process program for grades one through junior high.
  • demonstrate an ability to teach language arts skills with mini-lessons.
  • demonstrate a knowledge of the spelling stages as young children learn to write.
  • exhibit a knowledge base for the teaching of spelling.
  • demonstrate an understanding of the writing portion of the TAAS and strategies to prepare children to successfully pass the test.
  • investigate the TEKS as they relate to components of this course.
  • investigate the use of children’s literature for teaching writing and writing skills.
  • apply principles and strategies learned in RDG 3113, 3513, 3843 and ENGL 3503 to the content of this course.
  • identify current national and state initiatives in reading and develop strategies for addressing the Reading TAAS and Reading/Language Arts TEKS in the classroom.
  • characterize, analyze, and apply a variety of approaches to teaching reading including basal readers, reading workshop, and guided reading.
  • apply strategies for teaching decoding skills, reading strategies, and phonemic awareness.
  • develop a plan for implementing reading instruction (approaches, materials, classroom organization, schedule, assessment, integration of current reading “programs”).

 

  • define instructional adaptations to meet the needs of ESL students.
  • explore internet resources for teachers of reading and use technology to develop instructional materials and strategies.

 

Examination for the Certification of Educators in Texas (ExCET) Competencies:

Upon completion of this course student will be expected to successfully demonstrate an understanding of competencies:

 

ECE-4                                                                                                               4-8  

 

Standard I. Oral Language                                                                     Standard 1. Oral Language

Standard 2. Phonological/Phonemic Awareness                                     Standard 2. Foundations of Reading

Standard 3. Alphabetic Principle                                                            Standard 3. Word Analysis Skills and

Standard 4. Literacy Development and Practice                                                              Reading Fluency

Standard 5. Word Analysis and Decoding                                               Standard 4. Reading Comprehension

Standard 6. Reading Fluency                                                                 Standard 5. Written Language

Standard 7. Reading Comprehension                                                     Standard 6. Study and Inquiry Skills

Standard 8. Development of Written Language                                        Standard 7. Viewing and Representing

Standard 9. Writing Conventions                                                             Standard 8. Assessment of Developing

Standard 10. Assessment and Instruction of Developing Literacy                                                 Literacy

 

Technology: Content and assignments for this course reflect ISTE Standards including using terminology, operating computer systems, using productivity tools, collecting data and information, and practice of ethical and legal use of technology.

 

Course Expectations:

Students are expected to turn in assignments on time.  Failure to turn in an assignment on time results in receiving half credit if submitted by 5PM on the following day late.  Assignments will not be accepted after this one day extension. Extra credit and papers will not be accepted.

 

All written components for assignments (summaries, transparencies, etc.) must be generated with computer technology such as word processing or desktop publishing.  All assignments should be edited for correct punctuation, spelling, and grammar.  Failure to demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively may result in lowering the final grade.

 

Regular attendance, promptness, preparedness, and participation are essential to success in this class.  It is your responsibility to request handouts, etc. when you miss class. Attendance is a percentage of your grade.  More than three absences (10%), whether excused or unexcused, will result in loss of professionalism points. Contact me by e-mail (or writing) prior to an anticipated absence or immediately after an emergency.

 

You are expected to demonstrate professionalism in all interactions with public school personnel.  This includes conferring with teachers, being prepared to teach, being punctual, and exhibiting a professional appearance and manner. Professionalism is an important component of this program.  Your demonstrated ability to accept feedback and make improvements in your performance, to engage fully in the processes required in the learning tasks, and to prepare quality products and responses to all tasks.  Problems in this area will result in significant reduction in the final grade.

 

 

Professional Standards for the Department of Curriculum and Instruction:

Candidates for teacher certification at Tarleton State University will demonstrate the following qualities and behaviors in pursuit of their goal of becoming a professional educator:

 

Communication

Communicate appropriately and effectively with colleagues, supervisors, students, parents, and members of the community. Uses good oral and written communication skills.

Collaboration

Work collaboratively with colleagues, mentors, and supervisors to achieve the local, state, and national goals of education. Shows courtesy to peers, public school students, cooperating teacher and the professor.

Commitment

Demonstrate commitment to the teaching profession and exercise leadership for the advancement of the profession and public education. Shows enthusiasm for learning in and out of class.  Be responsible, punctual, regular in attendance and prepared to participate in all aspects of professional development.

Professional Conduct

Assume responsibility for utilizing professional teaching practices and constantly strive to improve through professional growth.  Accepts constructive feedback and demonstrates a willingness to make improvements in attitude and performance if needed.

Ethical Conduct

Uphold the code of Ethics for Educators and abide by local, state, and federal rules, regulations, and policies. Demonstrate respect and maintain ethical conduct in relations with community. Exhibits honesty and personal integrity.   Violations of ethics code, including cheating and/or plagiarism, will result in automatic failure of this course.

 

Americans with Disabilities Act: If you have or believe you have a disability, you may wish to self-identify.  You can do so by providing documentation to the office of the Academic Dean of the Tarleton UniversityCentral Texas or to the Disability Services Director on the Stephenville campus. I encourage students with disabilities to speak with me about the accommodations they might need to help assure xuccess in this class, or contact on of the following:

Dr. Steve Vitucci                                                          Dr. Dwayne Snider

Academic Dean                                                            Director of Disabilities Services

Tarleton CenterCentral Texas                                      Box T-0010

1901 S. Clear Creek Road                                             Stephenville, TX 76402

Killeen, TX  76549                                                         (254) 968-9103

(254) 519 – 5494

 

Course Requirements:

Students must have a Tarleton e-mail address and internet access to complete this course. All written components of assignments (summaries, transparencies, etc.) must be generated with computer technology such as word processing and desktop publishing.

 

  1. Preparation/Participation:   (10 pts- Points may be deducted or awarded. Either may occur but neither should be expected.)

Read material and actively participate in discussions and class activities covering all sections of all texts/materials.

 

  1. Writing Process:  (200 points)

Complete one piece of reflexive writing with drafts. It is essential that parts of this assignment be brought to each class meeting.

 

  1. Handwriting: (50 points  X 2)

Demonstrate mastery of form through ‘consistent application’ of manuscript and cursive script in all journal entries or hand-written work.  Demonstration must include on paper, chalkboards, and whiteboard.

 

  1. Writing Mini-lesson:  (100 points)

Present a five to ten minute mini-lesson on one aspect or rule of English language, grammar, or writing.  Examples: nouns, verbs, adjectives, commas, periods, question marks, homonyms, phonics, adding –ing, descriptive writing, etc.

 

  1. Book Buddy Reading: (200 points)

This project is ‘under construction’ each semester.  Depending on our partnership school and their student needs, this work will be adapted to facilitate not only your understanding and practice of the reading/writing processes but also student achievement.

 

  1. Literature Response Project:  (100 points)

Work with your literature discussion group to develop a group response to the text.  This project often starts with a question.  It should focus on a key theme or address a critical issue in the book. After approval from the professor, complete your project and be prepared to share it with the class. Products from past classes have been songs, charts, letters, booklets, skits, timelines, graphs, etc.

 

  1. Book Analysis Project: (100 points)

Choose 3 pieces of children’s literature (1 must be a story from a basal reader). Level it using your knowledge of supports and challenges. Summarize you decision-making in a one-page report.

 

  1. Read Aloud and Book Publishing:  (100 points)

Develop and present a read-aloud activity to a group of children.  Then move into a writing project that will culminate with a published book (for the group or individuals). To be submitted: Lesson plan, copy of book, facsimile of published work, reflection summary.

 

  1. Test/Quizzes: (2/100 pts. each)

Complete tests on material covered in the texts, lectures, handouts, and presentations.

 

 

409/410 Grading Procedures

The following tasks assess mastery of the 409 content:

Reflexive Writing Piece                                                (200 Points)

Handwriting                                                                   (100 points)

Writing Mini-Lesson                                                       (100 points)                  

(400 points/ 4) = Assignment average

(Assignment Average + Test Average + Read Aloud) ÷ 3 = Final Grade

 

The following tasks assess mastery of the 410 content:

Book Analysis Project                                                   (100 points)

Literature Response Group Project                                (100 points)

Reading Mini-Lesson (Book Buddy)                               (200 points)      

(400 /4) = Assignment average

(Assignment Average + Test Average + Read Aloud) ÷ 3 = Final Grade