This course explores quality K-8 childrens literature for modeling the reading and writing of varied genres, including fiction and nonfiction, technology and media-based information, and non-print materials. Research-based vocabulary and comprehension strategies, selecting quality literature, and engaging students through writing in response to literature will be emphasized.

This course explores quality adolescent literature for modeling the reading and writing of varied genres, including fiction and nonfiction. Research-based vocabulary and comprehension strategies, selecting quality literature, and engaging students through writing in response to literature will be emphasized. This course is designed to help the middle level educator expand his/her cultural horizons and be able to discuss the cultural themes of literature with their students.

The problem of bullies and victims is a universal problem in our schools. Often it is ignored with disastrous results. Many of the school shootings can be traced directly to this problem. Recent research of the problem shows that teachers and administrators ignore this problem. The same research also shows profile of children predisposed to be bullies and victims. Among children predisposed are children who witness aggressive behavior in the home and children who come from schools who do not take bullying seriously.

The focus of this course will be the development of an understanding of assessment materials that may be used to monitor students progress in reading skills and concepts. The literacy leader will learn options for assessment that are appropriate for the age, background, and needs of the child. This course will also center around the use of research and best practice as it applies to assessment and instruction.

This course focuses on the knowledge of oral language development and the knowledge of the unique needs and backgrounds of students with language differences and delays. Effective research-based strategies and instructional technology for faciliating the learning of Standard English by all learners, including English Language Learners, will be covered.

This course focuses on the development of effective reading strategies and skills in content areas for K-12 students. Text structure and the dimensions of content area vocabulary and comprehension, including literal, interpretive, critical, and evaluative are studied. A variety of research-based strategies and practices for effective instruction in reading and writing are reviewed and studied.

Educational Strategies for the Gifted will provide the opportunity to examine current trends in educational programming for the gifted and talented. Participants will examine curriculum design and development and compare effectiveness of various programming options: gifted and general education school improvement models, differentiation, collaboration, inclusion, cluster grouping, pullout and pull-in models. Classroom strategies to support qualitatively differentiated instruction will be examined, developed, and applied to current practices.

Internet-based course. May be repeated for credit.

This course includes a study of the role of the supervising teacher in the student teaching program. Attention will be given to the development of understandings and skills essential in working effectively with student teachers and in improvement of instruction.

This course will address the psychological, motivational, and linguistic foundations of the reading and writing process including language acquisition, and the histories of reading pedagogy. Students will understand the major components of reading including: comprehension, vocabulary, word identification/sight words, fluency, phonics, and phonemic awareness. Participants will develop and understanding that reading involves highly complex processes by which children learn to speak, read, and write.