ED 4352-501

Reading I-Learning to Read

Fall 2005

Mrs. Michelle Weiner

University of Texas at Dallas
Teacher Development Center
P.O. Box 830688
Richardson, Texas 75083-0688
972-883-2730
michelle.weiner@utdallas.edu
Cell- 214-729-0807

Course Description and Strategies of Instruction:

The intent of this course is to explore reading and writing in the Language
Arts program for the elementary grades. We will examine the historical
perspectives on the changing views of reading, literacy learning and
language acquisition. In addition, emphasis will be placed on the appropriate
roles of phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency and
comprehension.

This course will provide comprehensive coverage of topics important in

helping teachers develop a literacy program for their future classrooms.
Literature, teaching models, techniques and alternative assessment will be
addressed, allowing first hand experiences to help the transition from theory
to practice. Understandings gained and insights developed through class
participation and presentations will culminate into the creation of a teaching
portfolio.

Required Text:

Farris, Fuhler and Walther

Teaching Reading
A Balanced Approach For Today’s Classrooms

McGraw-Hill
Materials:

1 Pack of Markers
1 Pair of Scissors
1 Roll of Scotch Tape
1 Glue Stick
2 Packs of Multi-colored Construction Paper
1 Inexpensive Stop Watch
(These materials will be used in class activities and projects.)

Standards:

Language Arts Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS)

(http://www.tea.state.tx.us/rules/tac/ch110_128toc.html)

TexES Test Frameworks for English Language Arts & Reading (4-8),
Generalist (EC-4), and Generalist (4-8).
(http://www.sbec.state.tx.us/)

Professional Development and Appraisal System Manual (PDAS)

(http://www.tea.state.tx.us/PDAS/)

Course Requirements:

Group Reading Unit (10 Points) - You will be required to plan and teach
an interdisciplinary unit, focusing on reading and writing. Phonemic
awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency and comprehension must be
included in your five-day plans. The purpose, objectives, materials,
procedures and the evaluation must also be included. A culminating
evaluation of the unit is required as well as a list of at least 5 pieces of
literature that will be used or referenced during your unit. You will consult
the TEKS for the grade level assigned, to decide on the appropriate reading
and writing skills. Group members will meet throughout the semester to
organize and plan the unit. The completed unit should be bound, typed and
creatively displayed. Each group will provide one copy of the completed
unit to the instructor.
Literacy Bag Project (10 Points)-You will be required to read a children’s
book and prepare to “share” the story with the class by choosing 10 items.
These items must be significant to the story and must be able to help you
retell and summarize the story to the class. Your items must be placed inside
a bag or basket. Your project will be evaluated based on the following
criteria: decoration of the bag or basket, significance of items to the story,
storytelling ability and audience appeal. Pages 330-339 in your textbook will
assist you in preparing for this assignment. You will be telling the story from
memory rather than reading the book to the class. Please use a book listed on
pages 138-143 in your textbook.

Research Articles (5 Points)-You will be required to write a research

summary and personal reaction to 4 research articles on any of the following
topics: phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency or
comprehension. Each article should be copied and the summary/reaction
should be typed and stapled to that specific article. The articles must be
taken from four different sources.

Classroom Presentations (5 Points)-You will be participating in various

mini presentations during class sessions. The focus will be on building your
knowledge base and practicing teaching techniques and strategies.

Reading Board Games (5 Points) - Each student will be required to design

a reading board game that specifically teaches, reinforces or re-teaches a
TEKS skill. The game should contain directions, materials needed and
should be easy to understand and follow. The games will be graded on
creativity as well. The board games will be played in class. You will turn in
a photo of your game, the instructions and a brief description of how the
game was made. Please make a copy of the photo, instructions and
description for each class member so each person will have a collection at
the end of the class.
DIBELS (5 Points)-You will be required to log on to DIBELS website at
http://dibels.uoregon.edu/ and sign up for a user name and password. You
will be able to download all of the DIBELS Benchmark assessments for free.
You will be required to assess one child at any grade level and evaluate the
child’s needs in a classroom situation and at home. We will be practicing
these assessments in class and evaluating students before this assignment is
due.

Portfolio (10 Points) - Students will be required to maintain a notebook that

will contain the results of all efforts in class. The portfolio will contain
sections that should be clearly marked with dividers that identify the 8
teacher appraisal domains adopted by the Texas Education Agency referred
to as the Professional Development and Appraisal System. The 8 domains
are listed below.

Domain I: Active, successful student participation in the learning

process

Domain II: Learner-centered instruction

Domain III: Evaluation and feedback on student progress

Domain IV: Management of student discipline, instructional strategies,

time and materials

Domain V: Professional communication

Domain VI: Professional development

Domain VII: Compliance with policies, operating procedures and

requirements

Domain VIII: Improvement of academic performance of all students on

the campus
Each assignment will be evaluated as it is submitted. However, growth on a
broader scale will be done at the end of the course. This will allow self-
evaluation and personal growth of the class. Each student will be required to
participate in a group portfolio conference with the instructor. These
conferences will be held at the end of the semester. Portfolios will be
discussed in detail.

Exams- There will be a mid-term and a final exam worth 25 points each.
The exams will be multiple-choice. No make-up exams will be given.

Professionalism-Class members are expected to demonstrate a professional

attitude at all times. An educator demonstrates his/her professionalism in
ways such as being on time for class, participating in and contributing to
class activities, accepting responsibility, interacting appropriately with the
instructor and other students, exhibiting self-control, using mature judgment,
being reliable and responsible, and maintaining personal and professional
integrity.

Final Reflection-You will be required to write a detailed reflection of your

learning during this course. The reflection should be 2-3 type written pages
in length. Include in your discussion an evaluation of the textbook, class
discussions and experiences, assignments and discoveries made during this
course. Please respond to the following questions:

1. Which of the experiences in this class had the greatest impact on your
learning?
2. How did this course contribute to changes in your thinking about
reading?
3. What grade do you believe you earned in this class and why? Please
include issues of professionalism, attitude, effort, participation and
attendance.
Written assignments:

All written assignments are expected to exhibit professional quality. You

should demonstrate mastery of organizing, structuring and editing your
writing. Grammar, spelling and vocabulary errors will result in a reduction
of your score. All assignments are to be turned into the instructor on the due
date. No late assignments will be accepted .

Final Grades

In order to receive a passing grade in this course, students must do all of the
following:

♦ Attend all classes with a maximum of 2 absences

♦ Complete and turn in all assignments
♦ Make a score of 70% or better on the midterm and final exams

Evaluation Methods and Grading Considerations:

Total Points= 100

A=90-100
B=80-89
C=70-79
D=60-69
F=Below 60

Attendance:

DO NOT MISS CLASS! Attendance at all class meetings is required and

essential to your success in this class. Many class objectives are met during
active participation in class, therefore your attendance is vital to your
learning and success in this course. Failure to attend class will impact your
grade. If you must be absent, you are expected to contact a class member to
obtain notes, announcements and any other important information. Frequent
tardiness and leaving early will also negatively impact you grade.
Course Outline:

Aug. 23- Introductions, Syllabus, Put Reading First

Aug. 30- Chapters 1 and 2, Phonemes, Pronunciation Guide,
Essential Elements of Reading
Sept. 6- Research Articles Assignment Due, Chapter 4-Classroom
Environment, Teaching Tools and Techniques
Sept. 13 - DIBELS practice and analysis, Chapter 5-Assessing and
Evaluating
Sept.20 - Mini Class Presentation/Models Practice
Sept. 27- Mid-Term Review/Reading Board Games Due
Oct. 4- Work Day for Group Reading Units and DIBELS
Oct. 11- Midterm Exam
Oct. 18- A Model Classroom View
Oct. 25- DIBELS Assignment Due
Nov. 1- Literacy Bag Project Due
Nov. 8- Review for Final-Chapters 6-12/ Mini Class Presentation
Nov. 15- Group Reading Units Presentations
Nov. 22- Portfolio Conferences-Scheduled
Nov. 29- Final Exam and Reflections Due