Curriculum  |  Course Descriptions

EDUB 606 Research

Students will gain assistance in becoming better readers of and critical thinkers about both quantitative and qualitative educational research and testing. After an overview of fundamental educational statistics, students will examine research studies in education, assess their importance and apply resulting information to practical school situations, including curriculum and program development. In preparation for actually conducting an applied research study, students will identify accepted steps in qualitative and quantitative research methodologies.

EDUB 537 Diagnosis and Assessment in Reading

Students will develop the ability to create, administer, and interpret a wide variety of informal classroom assessments and standardized literacy assessments. The focus will be on using assessments to screen, diagnose and plan remediation for students who are struggling with literacy development. Students will practice test administration and diagnosis with developmental and remedial students, demonstrating the ethics of testing procedures and report preparation.

EDUB 541 Developmental and Remedial Materials and Resources in Reading

Students will develop a solid foundation for successful literacy instruction through investigation of current philosophies and practices. This foundation will be based on examination of developmental and remedial materials, including basal programs, leveling systems, scope and sequence, and supplementary sources and materials. Focusing on their own teaching situations, students will develop guidelines for evaluating and selecting materials for classroom and small group use. They will identify the characteristics of successful reading professionals and the resources they use, including: professional journals, national and state standards, professional organizations, and on-line resources. Attendance at a professional reading conference is a recommended field experience.

EDUB 661 Literacy Development for English Language Learners

Students will develop a better understanding of the developmental stages, skills, and processes of reading and writing acquisition for English language learners. This course explores how the teaching of reading and writing in both the first and second language provide the foundation for the full development of academic language proficiency in various content areas such as science, social studies, and math.

EDUB 533 Reading and Writing Instruction and Improvement

Students will begin development of skills related to the improvement and facilitation of developmental reading and writing instruction at the P–12 levels. Students will consider applicability of theoretical models and philosophies of reading and writing instruction to their classroom setting. Integration of listening, speaking and children’s literature also will be addressed. Students examine a variety of assessment and feedback practices, diverse instructional strategies, materials, software, and reading and writing in the content areas.

EDUB 535 Reading in the Content Areas for Middle Level and Secondary Teachers

Students will continue development of reading and writing instruction skills, especially focusing on how to facilitate and improve reading, writing, vocabulary, and study skills in the content areas. They will investigate research and classroom best practices and consider their applicability to expository text. Students will gain a better understanding of assessment practices, instructional methods and materials, and the use of media and technology while improving reading and other linguistic skills in the content areas. Students will become better able to assist learners with diverse abilities. To demonstrate their learning, students present a mock staff-development session.

EDUB 542 Developmental and Remedial Instruction and Support in Reading

Students will develop additional reading instruction methodologies by examining various individualized and group instructional interventions and programs, becoming familiar with and evaluating exemplary and controversial programs through a field experience visitation and considering current research, trends and issues in literacy instruction. In addition, students will gain expertise in techniques for facilitating staff development and support of other reading professionals.

EDUB 555 Reading Clinic

Students will have an opportunity to put into practice theories of reading diagnosis and remediation, and selection of materials and resources. In a real-world environment, students will determine strengths and needs of individual students who are experiencing difficulties in reading and then develop an intervention plan. Students will prepare professional case studies and collaborate with allied professionals.

EDUB 582 Children’s Literature

This course helps students become better able to evaluate, select and use quality children’s literature appropriate to the needs and interests of those in preschool to secondary levels. Students will investigate and consider the applicability of research in various areas of children’s literature to the classroom setting. Students will explore assessment practices, instructional methods, instructional materials, and media and technology in connection with children’s literature. Emphasis is placed on ways that literature may enhance children’s use of local libraries, museums, and educational institutions. Throughout, students will become increasingly aware of the importance of family involvement in supporting readers.

EDUB 754 Leadership and Coaching for Reading

In this course, students will focus on the development and facilitation of skill sets and resources at the P-12 levels relating to literacy coaching. Using a balanced perspective, students explore the existing theories and best practice of literacy assessment. How to coach successfully and how to coach in difficult situations will also be studied. This course addresses International Reading Association Standard 5.

SPEDB 656 Collaboration and Adaptation in General Education Settings

Students will study and practice several strategies necessary to integrate individuals with disabilities into general learning environments. Students will develop advanced skills for selecting appropriate strategies and materials based upon a better understanding of the learning environment, classroom demands and learning characteristics of the student. Theory and practice will focus on modifying instructional methods, curricular materials and the environment; modification of state and local assessments; effective collaboration and co-teaching; and fostering positive interactions between students with and without disabilities.

EDUB 755 Reading Practicum

This course provides an opportunity for students to put theory into practice. In a clinical or school setting, students will assist, support, coach, and evaluate teachers and paraprofessionals in their use of instructional grouping, in their use of a wide range of appropriate curriculum materials, and in their application of a wide range of instructional practices in reading. Students will also conduct professional study groups for teachers, paraprofessionals and parents.