LITR 500 New Literacies for New Learning 3 Credits

As we consider the rapid expansion of information and text it is timely to take a critical view of what literacy means and how it is influencing children’s literacy development and the work of educators. Many argue that the rapidly evolving use of technology is potentially shifting the ways in which we construct and comprehend information, or is it? In this hybrid/online course, we aim to explore these sometimes competing conceptions of text as we consider what these new literacies mean for children’s literacy development as well our own work as educators.

LITR 501 Theories and Processes of Literacy and Language Development Across Disciplines 3 Credits

Advanced study of foundational theories, current research trends, and evidenced based practices for working with diverse literacy learners in pre-k -12 settings across disciplines. Course participants will study how theoretical models and research evidence inform the practices of supporting the foundational reading and writing skills of children and adolescents with various learning and language needs.

LITR 502 Curriculum, Instruction and Supervision in Literacy 3 Credits

Reading and literacy pedagogy for ALL learners, gifted, average, and diverse learners is the course content. Current strategies for teaching comprehension, composition, vocabulary, language study, and independence skills are learned in a workshop setting. How to manage literacy instruction through content areas for all aged children in mainstream classrooms is studied. Parent education and inservice training are also included in course content.

LITR 504 Advanced Study of Literacy Across the Disciplines 3 Credits

Advanced study of reading and structured literacy, including phonics, phonemic, awareness, vocabulary, reading comprehension, fluency, and concepts of print. Course participants will examine research based strategies for supporting the literacy development and learning of diverse children and adolescents across the disciplines. Opportunities to consider how the diverse communities within and outside of schools support literacy development across the pre-k - 12 continuum will be included. Initial assessment and screening methods for understanding the specific needs of children and adolescents with diverse linguistic and learning needs will be studied. The role of the Reading/Literacy Specialist as teacher leader who communicates these needs to classroom teachers, administration, families and community partners will be examined.

LITR 505 Study of Literacy Assessment, Intervention, and Program Implementation (Practicum) 3 Credits

The study of methods for assessing and supporting developing literacy learners with varying abilities, cultural and linguistic backgrounds and needs. Opportunities to examine the role of the literacy leader as interventionist and coach are studied. Culturally responsive strategies for supporting striving readers and writers are examined. Strategies for working with multilingual learners in class and in small group experiences are explored. The role of the Reading/Literacy Specialist as teacher leader who communicates these needs to classroom teachers, administration, families and community partners will be examined. This course includes a supervised clinical experience where course participants apply these methods and frameworks to a practicum setting (30 hours).

Prerequisite(s): LITR 504.

LITR 508 Literacy and the Bilingual/Bicultural Child 3 Credits

Presents multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary perspectives on bilingual/bicultural children and their reading process. Strategies and materials for second language reading instruction are suggested and discussed.

LITR 510 Research and Survey of Texts for Children and Adolescents 3 Credits

This course surveys developmental trends in texts for children and adolescents. Students will become knowledgeable about the theoretical and practical aspects of the study of the texts (both digital and print) available for youth and adolescents. Candidates will explore their own assumptions about text and the relationship to literacy development. Course participants will explore strategies for integrating diverse print and non-print texts into the school curricula in ways that support youth and adolescent literacy development.

LITR 520 Curriculum, Instruction and Supervision in Literacy 3 Credits

An examination of the role of the literacy teacher leader as coach, professional learning resource and curriculum developer. This includes study of the development of school and district wide literacy programs and initiatives and an investigation of the protocols used when identifying and implementing pre-k - 12 literacy frameworks and programs. Investigation of the role of the literacy leader in developing and supporting effective and sustained evidence based professional development initiatives. Examination of the role diverse communities play in supporting these school and district based initiatives. Participants develop and implement as part of the Reading/Literacy Specialist practicum a series of actionable plans to apply to school and community contexts. Capstone course for Reading Specialist candidates.

Prerequisite(s): LITR 501, LITR 504, LITR 505, LITR 510.

LITR 560 Writing Project at Rider 3 Credits

Examines theory, research, and practices in the teaching of writing K-12, with emphasis on improved practices in teaching writing as well as the personal writing of participants. Students investigate relevant local and national standards and curriculum, design, present, and respond to peer demonstration lessons in writing, and publish to the National Writing Project e-anthology. Further participation in NWP activities is encouraged and supported. This Invitational Summer Institute is part of the National Writing Project network. Project participants, called Summer Fellows, become Teacher Consultants upon completion of the Institute and are expected to maintain affiliation with the Project and to participate in the dissemination of professional development in writing instruction K-12 for all subject areas.

LITR 600 Independent Research and Study in Literacy Education 1-3 Credits

Course content is designed specifically to meet specific academic needs or interests of students who wish to engage in independent study related to literacy education.