Course Syllabus

Summer 2010

Course Information

ED 4363.581
Reading II/ELAR Methods

Professor Contact Information

Mrs. Laurie Pollock

(formerly Laurie Youngblood)
Teacher Development Center/School of Interdisciplinary Studies
(972) 883-2730

Course Pre-requisites, Co-requisites, and/or Other Restrictions

Students taking teacher certification courses are expected to show above average skills in the
following areas:

Critical reading, writing, and thinking skills

Basic to mid-level computer skills (Internet, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, etc.)
Time-management skills
Effective study skills
Effective communication skills
Ability to reason and make sound judgments

Please contact the Teacher Development Center for specifics concerning eligibility for this
course.

Course Description

This course focuses on the crucial abilities of reading, writing, listening, talking, viewing,
visually representing, and thinking as tools for literacy and learning. Development of literacy and
learning within and across the content areas are stressed. Instructional strategies, thematic
teaching, writing to learn, concept development, and effective uses for literature, text, media, and
other resources to enhance student learning are explored. Using literacy for learning purposes,
designing classroom models of instruction, integrating technology, optimizing multimedia
learning, individualizing to meet the needs of all students, creating a positive classroom
environment, and utilizing resources effectively for "best practice" in teaching are the guiding
goals of the course.

Course Syllabus Page 1

Student Learning Objectives/Outcomes

The students will describe and discuss the synergistic role of the language arts and thinking in
literacy and learning in reflections, responses, essays, and classroom discourse, both written and
oral, in individual, small group, and whole class formats.

The students will be able to create an effective, positive classroom learning environment that
values the processes and the products of literacy as shown by successful completion of case
studies, creation of a unit of study that shows growth and strengths in their understanding of the
role of Language Arts in their future classrooms, and achieving passing scores on embedded
exams modeled on the Language Arts TExES Domain and Competencies.

The students will be able to teach the literacy skills of comprehension, fluency, and writing
utilizing research-based best practices as evidenced by the creation of unit and lesson plans that
demonstrate understanding of the concepts of the lesson cycle, insightful reflections on and
responses to video demonstrations of successful teaching practices, case studies designing
strategies for their future classrooms, and achieving passing scores on embedded exams modeled
on the Language Arts TExES Domain and Competencies.

Required Textbooks and Materials

Gardiner, John Reynolds (1980). Stone Fox.

Minimum 2 GB flash drive (required for assignment submission).

Microsoft Office Suite (including Microsoft Word and PowerPoint) is available on campus for a
very small charge because of a campus-wide purchase agreement. Take advantage of
this opportunity! Your work must be in Microsoft Word.

Nath, Janice L. & Ramsey, John. Preparing to Teach Texas Content Areas: The TExES EC-6
Generalist and the ESL Supplement. New York: Pearson Education.

Tompkins, Gail E. (2009). Language Arts: Patterns of Practice, 7th Edition (with Pearson
MyEducation Lab access). Columbus, Ohio: Pearson: Merrill Prentice Hall.

Children’s books as designated in the assignments…may be available at libraries.

Suggested Course Materials

The following publications are excellent resources, some available online without charge. They
are not required for class, but they might be helpful for the TExES exam or in your future
teaching.

Comprehension – Download and print from

http://www.tea.state.tx.us/reading/products/redbk2a.pdf or go to
http://www.tea.state.tx.us/reading/products/products.html then scroll through until you
find the title.

Essential Reading Strategies for the Struggling Reader – Download and print from
http://www.tea.state.tx.us/reading/products/essential.pdf

Course Syllabus Page 2

National Research Council. (2002). Starting Out Right: A Guide to Promoting Children’s
Reading Success. Washington, D.C.: National Academy Press. You can acquire this
book by buying it at the bookstore, reading it online at www.nap.edu or ordering it (call
1-800-624-6242). ISBN: 0-309-06410-4 (All students)

PREL (2006). A Focus on Vocabulary. The document is available online only and can be
accessed in HTML (116K), Color PDF (5.5M) or Black & White PDF (2.5M) format.
Users are asked to complete a survey to access this free, online document.
http://www.prel.org/programs/rel/vocabularyforum.asp.

Promoting Vocabulary Development – Download and print from

http://www.tea.state.tx.us/reading/products/redbk5.pdf

Put Reading First – Order from the National Institute for Literacy at ED Pubs, PO Box 1398.
Jessup, MD 20794-1398 (Phone 1-800-228-8813) or download from
http://www.nifl.gov/partnershipforreading/publications/PFRbooklet.pdf

Research Guide to Content Area Reading Instruction – Download and print from
http://www.tea.state.tx.us/reading/products/redbk4.pdf

Assignments & Academic Calendar

Bring your Nath/Ramsey book to class each day!!! …always READ assigned material before
the class scheduled. Unless otherwise stated, assignments are due at the beginning of class on the
date listed

Week/date Topics Assignments

June 8, 2010 Syllabus NWREL (2006). 6+1 Traits Scoring Guides.

6+1 traits Preview literature focus unit (read chapter 14)
Tompkins Ch. 14, Preview learning log
ELAR learning log Preview DWW guided study
Doing What Works
Nath/Ramsey

June 10, 2010 Parent Teacher Conferences, Cooperation with professionals and parents
Language Systems,
Read Tompkins Chapter 1
Motivation,
LA skills
Patterns of Practice and
Assessment Read Tompkins Chapter 2
Nath/Ramsey

June 15, 2010 The Reading and Writing TEKS – bring your copy of the TEKS to class
Processes both days
Nath/Ramsey Read Chapter 3 in Tompkins
Oral Language Read Chapter 7 in Tompkins

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June 17, 2010 Oral Language TEKS – bring your copy of the TEKS to class
Nath/Ramsey Read Chapter 8 in Tompkins
Emergent Literacy Read Chapter 4 in Tompkins

June 22, 2010 Looking Closely at Words Read Chapter 5 in Tompkins

Nath/Ramsey
Comprehension framework…
Work on ELAR LL in class
in groups
June 24, 2010 TAKE HOME (Multiple choice) Test one 60 pts
(Essay) Test two 60 pts
DUE: June 29th

Work on Steps 1-7 of Literature Focus unit;

TEKS – bring your copy of the TEKS to class
Nath/Ramsey

25 points – First ELAR Learning Log assessment. Download to class

computer. Save your document as lastnameELARLL.doc or
lastnameELARLL.docx (e.g., leekELARLL.docx). Your learning log
must be submitted as a Word document file as described in the abstract of
the ELAR learning log. I will not accept your assignment in any other
manner

June 29, 2010 Personal Writing - Read Tompkins Chapter 6…

Spelling - Read Chapter 12 in Tompkins

TEKS – bring your copy of the TEKS to class
Nath/Ramsey
Sitton films

Doing What Works Guided Study – Due July 6th

July 1, 2010 Reading and Writing Stories
Reading and Writing Information
Reading and Writing poetry
Read Tompkins Chapters 9, 10 & 11
Read Stone Fox
Nath/Ramsey
25 points - Second ELAR Learning Log
July 6, 2010 Reading and Writing Stories
Reading and Writing Information
Reading and Writing poetry
Read Tompkins Chapters 9, 10 & 11
Read Stone Fox
Nath/Ramsey
50 points – DWW due today. Submit to class computer from you flash
drive. Save your file as lastnameDWW.doc or lastnameDWW.docx

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July 8, 2010 Grammar and Handwriting - Read Chapter 13 in Tompkins
Nath/Ramsey
15 points – Handwriting assessment
85 points – Literature Focus Unit steps 1-7 due today…turn in hard copy
at the beginning of class

July 13, 2010 Step 8 of your Literature Focus Unit is due when you come to be filmed. Bring
with you when you come for filming.
25 points – Schedule time to be filmed teaching your mini-lesson. …Each
student will be filmed for about 5 minutes
July 16, 2010 Mini-lessons continued
25 points – Schedule time to be filmed teaching your mini-lesson. (You will
likely have to schedule time outside of regular class time…Each student will be
filmed for about 5 minutes
July 20, 2010 50 points – Literacy Gallery Walk, Literacy Center due today
Let’s bring snacks to share while we view each others centers
TAKE Home
Multiple Choice Test 3 60 points
Essay Test 70 points
Due: July 22
July 22, 2010 Multiple Choice and Essay test are due
NO exceptions!!!

Embedded Tests

250 points – Four Tests – multiple choice, essay, and short answer, primarily based on
the TExES competencies (60 points, 60 points, 70 points, and 60 points)

Learning Applications

50 points – ELAR Learning Log – See Assignment handout for directions. (Two
assessments, 25/25)

50 points – Doing What Works Guided Study - See Assignment handout for
directions.

15 points – Handwriting Competency on board and paper.

85 points – Literature Focus Unit (Textbook Chapter 14 will serve as a guide, but more
specific instructions will be given in class)
o Developing a Literature Focus Unit Plan, Steps 1-7
o Madeline Hunter Lesson Plans, Step 8

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 25 Points – Five minute mini-lesson that employs an appropriate literacy strategy – You
will be videotaped “teaching” your lesson to a small group of classmates (chosen by the
instructor at random). Groups will be assigned to one of two dates. The content of your
lesson as well as your performance will be evaluated. Subsequently, the class will watch
the tapes and complete an evaluation form.

50 Points – Literacy Center to use with your Literature Focus Unit

Letter Grade/Points

Points <315 315- 336- 357- 367- 388- 409- 420- 441- 462- 472- 493-
Earned 335 356 366 387 408 419 440 461 471 492 525
Letter F D- D D+ C- C C+ B- B B+ A- A

Course & Instructor Policies

Attendance is essential.
You are expected to attend every class, arriving on time and staying until dismissed, because this
displays commitment to the class and respect for your professor and classmates. Doctor’s notes
and the like are not “excuses” for absences; however, the instructor appreciates being informed
about your reason for absence(s). Attendance will be tracked and absences (for any reason) as
well as tardiness or leaving early will impact your final grade.
Arriving more than a few minutes late or leaving more than a few minutes before
dismissal is considered missing half of a class. Absences are unacceptable, especially
during an 8 week summer session. ONE absence will result in a deduction of 50
points. A second absence will result in a deduction of 50 points of the possible 525
points. Although each individual situation will be considered, in general, missing
three classes will result in failing the course.
Policies
Assignments that are not turned in the prescribed format or are late for any reason
must be turned in as prescribed and will lose 25% of the earned value. (*See below
for exceptions related to illness or other serious situations.)
Read the assigned material and complete homework assignments BEFORE class.
Take part in discussions, in-class assignments, and group work. Be prepared to ask
questions about material you do not understand.
You are responsible for determining and making up any work that you miss due to an
absence. You should arrange to have a "class buddy" collect handouts, communicate
information, and inform you about the material covered. Exchange email addresses
and/or phone numbers.
The instructor will not “pre-grade” assignments. Pre-grading gives some students an
unfair advantage and should not be necessary for upper-level or post-graduate
students. The writing lab in the library can provide assistance. Also, peer review can
be very helpful.
Quality, neat work is expected. Work will be graded based upon the instructor’s
evaluation of the quality of the work as well as completion of the work. Average
work will result in average grades.
Assignments are due at the beginning of class on the days listed in the calendar,
unless stated otherwise. Assignments are to be completed and turned in on time; late

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 assignments will not be accepted. *If an assignment is not turned in on time due to
serious illness or another grave reason, contact the instructor, if possible, before class
to arrange for an extension. Depending on individual circumstances, the assignment
will either be accepted for credit, a 25% deduction will be taken, or all points will be
lost.
Exams will be taken only on the dates listed in the syllabus; make-up tests will not be
given except for extreme situations. The testing environment will be honored for the
good of all. Once an exam begins, the instructor will not converse with anyone for
any reason.
Professionalism, attendance, positive participation, and timely fulfillment of the
requirements are expected. A student’s grade could be raised or lowered based on the
instructor’s subjective evaluation of overall performance in the aforementioned areas.

Extra Credit. No extra credit is planned.

Technology.

You need a minimum 2 GB flash drive dedicated for Read II. Label it and don’t lose it!
You will turn in some of your assignments by downloading your files from your flash
drive to my computer. You will also download some assignments and shared resources to
it.

Laptops may not be used during class.

The course will use UTD email only. Be sure to have your accounts in order and your
computer working properly. You always have the option to come to campus and use the
computers here.

Only emails that are signed with your name, class, and section number will be answered.
Put the course and section number in the subject line of your email to ensure that it gets
through and will be opened. Please address the recipient respectfully and use correct
grammar and spelling. Email correspondence should be appropriate and should not
contain requests for handouts, notes, grades, etc. to be sent or faxed to you, and should
NEVER be a request to treat your coursework and grade differently than what is outlined
in the syllabus. Additionally, you should not request special favors or expect special
consideration be given to you that is not afforded to other students in the class. Emails
containing such content will not be answered.

Microsoft PowerPoint and Microsoft Word are required. I cannot open Microsoft Works.
Also, if you have a Mac, make sure that you save your work in a Word compatible
format. If I can’t open your document, it will be considered late and will lose points.

Technology problems are NOT acceptable excuses for late work! Complete your work
enough ahead of time to make sure that your computer, printer, elearning, etc. are in
working order such that you can turn in your work on time. Save your work often and
seek advice and resources from the campus technology help desks in JO and the library,
if necessary. (972-883-2991)

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 Please turn your cell phone off during class. Other than in emergency situations,
emailing, texting, twittering, IMing, surfing, and all the other “electronic”ing are not
acceptable in class!

Field Trip Policies

Off-campus Instruction and Course Activities – None planned at this time.

Student Conduct & Discipline

The University of Texas System and The University of Texas at Dallas have rules and regulations
for the orderly and efficient conduct of their business. It is the responsibility of each student and
each student organization to be knowledgeable about the rules and regulations which govern
student conduct and activities. General information on student conduct and discipline is
contained in the UTD publication, A to Z Guide, which is provided to all registered students each
academic year.

The University of Texas at Dallas administers student discipline within the procedures of
recognized and established due process. Procedures are defined and described in the
Rules and Regulations, Board of Regents, The University of Texas System, Part 1,
Chapter VI, Section 3, and in Title V, Rules on Student Services and Activities of the
university’s Handbook of Operating Procedures. Copies of these rules and regulations
are available to students in the Office of the Dean of Students, where staff members are
available to assist students in interpreting the rules and regulations (SU 1.602, 972/883-
6391).

A student at the university neither loses the rights nor escapes the responsibilities of
citizenship. He or she is expected to obey federal, state, and local laws as well as the
Regents’ Rules, university regulations, and administrative rules. Students are subject to
discipline for violating the standards of conduct whether such conduct takes place on or
off campus, or whether civil or criminal penalties are also imposed for such conduct.

Academic Integrity

The faculty expects from its students a high level of responsibility and academic honesty.
Because the value of an academic degree depends upon the absolute integrity of the work
done by the student for that degree, it is imperative that a student demonstrate a high
standard of individual honor in his or her scholastic work.

Scholastic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, statements, acts or omissions related
to applications for enrollment or the award of a degree, and/or the submission as one’s
own work or material that is not one’s own. As a general rule, scholastic dishonesty
involves one of the following acts: cheating, plagiarism, collusion and/or falsifying
academic records. Students suspected of academic dishonesty are subject to disciplinary
proceedings.

Plagiarism, especially from the web, from portions of papers for other classes, and from
any other source is unacceptable and will be dealt with under the university’s policy on

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 plagiarism (see general catalog for details). This course will use the resources of
turnitin.com, which searches the web for possible plagiarism and is over 90% effective.

Email Use

The University of Texas at Dallas recognizes the value and efficiency of communication
between faculty/staff and students through electronic mail. At the same time, email raises
some issues concerning security and the identity of each individual in an email exchange.
The university encourages all official student email correspondence be sent only to a
student’s U.T. Dallas email address and that faculty and staff consider email from
students official only if it originates from a UTD student account. This allows the
university to maintain a high degree of confidence in the identity of all individual
corresponding and the security of the transmitted information. UTD furnishes each
student with a free email account that is to be used in all communication with university
personnel. The Department of Information Resources at U.T. Dallas provides a method
for students to have their U.T. Dallas mail forwarded to other accounts.

Withdrawal from Class

The administration of this institution has set deadlines for withdrawal of any college-level
courses. These dates and times are published in that semester's course catalog.
Administration procedures must be followed. It is the student's responsibility to handle
withdrawal requirements from any class. In other words, I cannot drop or withdraw any
student. You must do the proper paperwork to ensure that you will not receive a final
grade of "F" in a course if you choose not to attend the class once you are enrolled.

Student Grievance Procedures

Procedures for student grievances are found in Title V, Rules on Student Services and
Activities, of the university’s Handbook of Operating Procedures.

In attempting to resolve any student grievance regarding grades, evaluations, or other

fulfillments of academic responsibility, it is the obligation of the student first to make a
serious effort to resolve the matter with the instructor, supervisor, administrator, or
committee with whom the grievance originates (hereafter called “the respondent”).
Individual faculty members retain primary responsibility for assigning grades and
evaluations. If the matter cannot be resolved at that level, the grievance must be
submitted in writing to the respondent with a copy of the respondent’s School Dean. If
the matter is not resolved by the written response provided by the respondent, the student
may submit a written appeal to the School Dean. If the grievance is not resolved by the
School Dean’s decision, the student may make a written appeal to the Dean of Graduate
or Undergraduate Education, and the deal will appoint and convene an Academic
Appeals Panel. The decision of the Academic Appeals Panel is final. The results of the
academic appeals process will be distributed to all involved parties.

Copies of these rules and regulations are available to students in the Office of the Dean of
Students, where staff members are available to assist students in interpreting the rules and
regulations.

Incomplete Grade Policy

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 As per university policy, incomplete grades will be granted only for work unavoidably
missed at the semester’s end and only if 70% of the course work has been completed. An
incomplete grade must be resolved within eight (8) weeks from the first day of the
subsequent long semester. If the required work to complete the course and to remove the
incomplete grade is not submitted by the specified deadline, the incomplete grade is
changed automatically to a grade of F.

Disability Services

The goal of Disability Services is to provide students with disabilities educational

opportunities equal to those of their non-disabled peers. Disability Services is located in
room 1.610 in the Student Union. Office hours are Monday and Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to
6:30 p.m.; Tuesday and Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.; and Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30
p.m.

The contact information for the Office of Disability Services is:

The University of Texas at Dallas, SU 22
PO Box 830688
Richardson, Texas 75083-0688
(972) 883-2098 (voice or TTY)

Essentially, the law requires that colleges and universities make those reasonable
adjustments necessary to eliminate discrimination on the basis of disability. For example,
it may be necessary to remove classroom prohibitions against tape recorders or animals
(in the case of dog guides) for students who are blind. Occasionally an assignment
requirement may be substituted (for example, a research paper versus an oral presentation
for a student who is hearing impaired). Classes enrolled students with mobility
impairments may have to be rescheduled in accessible facilities. The college or
university may need to provide special services such as registration, note-taking, or
mobility assistance.

It is the student’s responsibility to notify his or her professors of the need for such an
accommodation. Disability Services provides students with letters to present to faculty
members to verify that the student has a disability and needs accommodations.
Individuals requiring special accommodation should contact the professor after class or
during office hours.

Religious Holy Days

The University of Texas at Dallas will excuse a student from class or other required
activities for the travel to and observance of a religious holy day for a religion whose
places of worship are exempt from property tax under Section 11.20, Tax Code, Texas
Code Annotated.
The student is encouraged to notify the instructor or activity sponsor as soon as possible
regarding the absence, preferably in advance of the assignment. The student, so excused,
will be allowed to take the exam or complete the assignment within a reasonable time
after the absence: a period equal to the length of the absence, up to a maximum of one
week. A student who notifies the instructor and completes any missed exam or
assignment may not be penalized for the absence. A student who fails to complete the
exam or assignment within the prescribed period may receive a failing grade for that
exam or assignment.

Course Syllabus Page 10

 If a student or an instructor disagrees about the nature of the absence [i.e., for the purpose
of observing a religious holy day] or if there is similar disagreement about whether the
student has been given a reasonable time to complete any missed assignments or
examinations, either the student or the instructor may request a ruling from the chief
executive officer of the institution, or his or her designee. The chief executive officer or
designee must take into account the legislative intent of TEC 51.911(b), and the student
and instructor will abide by the decision of the chief executive officer or designee.

These descriptions and timelines are subject to change at the discretion of the Professor.

Course Syllabus Page 11