Reading (RDG) - Graduate Courses

RDG 600 Cr.3

Research Methods in Literacy

Students design an action research study related to literacy and learn to analyze and interpret both qualitative and quantitative data collected. Students learn to be informed consumers of research literature. Prerequisite: taken concurrently with RDG 799; admission to a graduate Reading Program; completion of reading teacher (1316) coursework. Offered Fall, Spring, Summer.

RDG 601 Cr.3

Literacy and Language Development and Instruction

This course surveys theories of language acquisition and development in first and second languages and the role of language as a foundation for learning. Students examine theoretical perspectives, key concepts of language development and instruction, and major issues pertinent to teaching all learners. The course also focuses on understanding language and literacy development in second languages, as well as effective instructional strategies for supporting English language learners. Prerequisite: admission to a graduate Reading Program. Offered Fall, Spring, Summer.

RDG 702 Cr.3

Disciplinary Literacy

The purpose of this course is to explore reading, writing, speaking, and listening within discipline-specific contexts. Focuses are on examining the characteristics of content area texts and learning strategies for interacting with the types of texts encountered throughout a range of academic disciplines. Prerequisite: admission to a graduate Reading Program. Offered Fall, Spring, Summer.

RDG 703 Cr.3

Literacy Assessment and Instruction

This course introduces students to key theories in literacy assessment and instruction. Students will learn how to select assessment tools appropriate for a variety of situations, administer assessments accurately, interpret results, and design instruction based on assessment results. Instruction and practice will also be provided in designing effective intervention plans for students needing additional support in reading and writing. Prerequisite: admission to a graduate Reading Program. Offered Fall, Spring, Summer.

RDG 704 Cr.3

Emergent Literacy

This course delves into emergent literacy, emphasizing the multifaceted components vital for early reading and language development from pre-kindergarten through grade three, with implications extending through grade 12. Students explore the intricate realms of phonological awareness (including word awareness, rhyme recognition, repetition and creation of alliteration, syllable counting/identification, onset and rime manipulation), phonemic awareness (including phoneme identification, isolation, blending, segmentation, addition, substitution, and deletion), phonics (the relationship between sounds and words including alphabetic principle, decoding, orthographic knowledge, encoding, and fluency), building background knowledge, oral language development, vocabulary building, instruction in writing, comprehension, and reading fluency. Through theoretical insights and practical applications, students gain a comprehensive understanding of how these interconnected components shape literacy acquisition. By honing their skills in instructional strategies and assessment techniques, students are equipped to facilitate effective emergent literacy development in educational settings, fostering lifelong readers and proficient language users. The 3-cueing system is not included as an instructional strategy at any point within this program. Prerequisite: admission to a graduate Reading Program or graduate Special Education Program. Offered Fall, Spring, Summer.

RDG 711 Cr.3

Advanced Research Methods in Literacy

During this course, students will complete the action research they proposed in RDG 600. Key focus areas are on analyzing the data, summarizing the results, and discussing the implications of the action research study. Students will complete and submit the formal action research paper during this course. Prerequisite: RDG 600; taken concurrently with RDG 799; admission to the graduate Reading Program; completion of Reading Teacher (1316) coursework. Offered Fall, Spring, Summer.

RDG 714 Cr.3

Reading Teacher Practicum

The reading teacher practicum provides reading teacher candidates with the opportunity to implement literacy skills and strategies with two focus students with areas of struggle in literacy: one student in grades K-5 and one student in grades 6-12. Candidates will assess each student, diagnose instructional needs, develop and implement appropriate instructional strategies, and consistently monitor progress made. Candidates will compile a case study narrative reflecting on the growth of each student and suggesting next steps. This practicum experience is a minimum of 50 hours and is supervised by both a school-based supervisor and a university supervisor. Prerequisite: RDG 601, RDG 702, RDG 703, RDG 704; admission to a graduate Reading Program. Offered Fall, Spring, Summer.

RDG 715 Cr.3

Children's and Adolescent Literature

This course exposes students to a variety of literature genres published for children and young adults. There is a focus on using literature in ways that respond to students' own experiences and to provide insight into others' experiences. Additional focus is provided on strategies to use literature to engage and support students in their reading development. Prerequisite: admission to a graduate Reading Program. Offered Fall, Spring, Summer.

RDG 716 Cr.1-3

Special Topics Seminar in Reading Education

Special topics seminar in literacy is designed for the student to explore and study special topics of interest and their application in a reading program. The particular topic selected is to be determined by current need and interest. Repeatable for credit - maximum six. Prerequisite: admission to a graduate Reading Program. Offered Spring, Summer.

RDG 718 Cr.3

Guiding and Directing a Schoolwide Reading/Literacy Program

This course prepares licensed reading teachers to take on the administrative roles associated with a reading specialist licensure. Many different potential roles and responsibilities of reading specialists are covered. Special focus is on evaluating a district-wide literacy program from the viewpoint of curriculum, instruction, access, and assessment. Different models of developing staff in continuous improvement are discussed. Prerequisite: taken concurrently with RDG 780; admission to a graduate Reading Program; completion of Reading Teacher (1316) coursework; master's degree completed or in-progress. Offered Fall, Spring, Summer.

RDG 780 Cr.3

Reading Specialist Practicum

This course is an intensive and diverse professional experience of at least 40 hours providing collaborative leadership to the adults in a school system under supervision of an experienced reading specialist, or other person responsible for the school reading program, and a university supervisor. Experiences must span elementary and secondary schools and must show evidence of leadership in each of the following standards: curriculum and instruction, assessment and evaluation, meeting the needs of all learners, learners and the literacy environment, and professional learning and leadership. Prerequisite: taken concurrently with RDG 718; admission to a graduate Reading Program; completion of Reading Teacher (1316) coursework; master's degree completed or in-progress. Offered Fall, Spring, Summer.

RDG 799 Cr.3

Action Research in Literacy

Upon successful completion of required courses for the program, students examine issue(s), problems, and trend(s) related to literacy education and conduct action research. Research is designed and conducted under the supervision of a faculty mentor. Repeatable for credit - maximum six credits. Prerequisite: RDG 600 or taken concurrently; admission to a graduate Reading Program; completion of Reading Teacher (1316) coursework. Pass/Fail grading. Offered Fall, Spring, Summer.