EDU 742A - Literacy Development and Processes

3 Credit(s) This course examines how skilled literacy develops including the cognitive, sociocultural, linguistic, and motivational influences on early literacy acquisition. Topics include the interrelationships of oral language and foundational skills; systematic phonics instruction; the importance of early writing; language-rich environments; and the role of vocabulary in decoding and comprehension. A focus of this course includes evaluating, selecting, and adapting lessons, instructional strategies, and materials (e.g., curricula, texts, and technology) to ensure foundational literacy instruction is engaging, culturally- and linguistically responsive, and evidence-based. Using research to inform instructional decisions and close the research-to-practice gap will also be addressed. Field-based assignments are required.