Literacy
Course Descriptions: EDL
EDL 550 Developmental Literacy: Emergence to Fluency
This course will explore the concept of a balanced reading program from the emergent reader to a fluent reader. The students will study the elements of balanced reading which include read alouds, shared reading, guided reading, independent reading, phonemic awareness, word recognition strategies, and comprehension strategies. Students will develop reading experiences for children based on the New York Language Arts Standards. After learning these strategies and developing materials the student will have an opportunity to engage children in literacy experiences.
EDL 555 Language/Literacy Development for the Young Child
Students will explore research on current understandings of language development and how young children learn literacy. Infant and toddler pre-reading skills will be studied. Classroom/instructional implications of an emergent literacy paradigm are outlined and studied as well as applied in designing projects and presentations. Personal learning styles, family involvement and cultural contexts are considered as influences on literacy development of the young child.
EDL 560 Literature for Children
This course explores the role of children’s literature in the elementary literacy program. Students will explore the various genre of literature both in the areas of fiction and nonfiction, narrative and expository. Students will read and develop activities using various types of trade books, to assist student in meeting the New York State English Language Arts Standards.
EDL 565 Content Area Literacy/Elementary
Students will explore methods and strategies for teaching and improving content area literacy. Using the New York State English Language Arts Standards, students will have an opportunity to develop materials that can be used to enable them to use various strategies for developing reading, writing, listening, and speaking. The student will also demonstrate the ability to design materials to enhance vocabulary, comprehension, and study skills in the content areas.
EDL 575 Literacy Development for English Language Learners
Students will explore various concepts such as second language development and literacy development for English language learner in the classroom. Students will focus on specific instructional strategies that promote language and literacy development.
EDL 610 Teacher/Leader in Literacy
Students will explore the characteristics of leadership through reflective study. They will examine the role of the teacher/leader in the area of professional development for his/her own practice as well as other professionals in his/her educational setting. Through the development of in-service workshops, students will further demonstrate the ability to communicate to various groups, including parents, caregivers, and school personnel, relevant information regarding literacy as it affects curriculum and assessment.
EDL 650 Assessment and Evaluation of Literacy
This course is designed to investigate current practices and procedures in the evaluation of New York State English Language Arts Standards (reading, writing, listening, and speaking). The course will include instruction in the administration and analysis of running records, assessment of listening and speaking, concepts of print, word recognition, spelling development, phonemic awareness, comprehension, writing development, and modes of responding to literature. Students will also investigate the role of standardized test and testing programs in the assessment of reading and the other language arts areas.
EDL 660 Early Intervention Strategies
In this course the students will investigate the history, philosophy and research basis of early intervention reading programs. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the pedagogy of early intervention programs, the assessment strategies for instructing children who exhibit reading difficulties.
EDL 670 Early Intervention Practicum
In this course the students will have an opportunity to apply their knowledge of the history of philosophy and pedagogy of early intervention reading programs. A review of the research on early intervention and specific programs will provide a framework for instructional practices. Students will have an opportunity to apply their knowledge of an early intervention format and instructional strategies with an individual child in a lab practicum.
EDL 675 Elementary Reading Practicum
The students will demonstrate the ability to assess children at the elementary level. By using these assessments, literacy instruction will be provided. During the seminars, cases will be discussed in light of appropriate materials and strategies. Through their research and teaching, the students will experience the importance of networking with other school professionals.
Course Descriptions: ECI
ECI 510 Research in Education
This course affords the graduate student an overview of the methods used in educational research. Students will study and apply different methods of quantitative and qualitative research. The course will further increase a student’s understanding of research methodology and design. The central focus will be on Action Research which will lead to the culminating project within the Master’s program. At the completion of this course, the student will have identified their thematic concern and will have begun the cycle of Action Research.
ECI 695 Teacher as Researcher
This directed project requires that students become involved in the internal workings of an educational institution. In light of action research and using appropriate technology, the student will not only identify an educational problem or concern within the arena of education, but they will also reflect upon and research some of the solutions to that problem. The problem/concern will be identified early in the graduate program and carried to its required completion in this culminating activity as it is researched appropriately in lieu of the knowledge gained within the various required/selected courses throughout this graduate program. Students will design lesson plans and assessments that align with the New York State Learning Standards.
