6 semester credits

Literacy is essential for individual learning and is also a means by which an individual participates in the intellectual, social, and commercial life of the community. Students in this course examine language development within the context of culture, the value placed on literacy within the community, and diversity of learner ability. Topics include the developmental nature of literacy competencies from early childhood to the adult learner, potential barriers to literacy that learners of all ages must overcome, theoretical research, and approaches to curriculum and instruction that facilitate literacy across settings. Specific attention is given to the challenges second language learners face in school. Candidates will practice analyzing, evaluating, and applying research methods appropriate to data-driven planning and decision making.