University of Wisconsin - Whitewater

Department of Curriculum and Instruction

Research Related to the Teaching of Reading (READING 773)

Field Experience in Reading Programs (CIFLD 774)

Spring 2003, Thur 6:15-8:45

Instructor: Anne D'Antonio Stinson Office Phone: (262) 472-1973 (WH)

stinsona@uww.edu (262) 472-2636 (FR)

Office: Winther Hall 3042 Home Phone: (262) 473-7244

Fricker 102

Office Hours: Thur 8:30-11:30, 1:00-3:00

and by appointment

Required Texts⁽¹⁾

The following texts are required for the course:

Kamil, M., et al. (2000). Handbook of reading research, Vol III. Lawrence Erlbaum. (ISBN 0805823999)

MacLean, M. & Mohr, M. (1999). Teacher-Researchers at Work. Berkeley, CA: National Writing Project. (ISBN 1-883920-14-0)

Also, you will need to purchase and read one of the following:

Finders, M. (1997). Just girls: Hidden literacies and life in junior high. NCTE.

(ISBN 0-8077-3560-4)

Pressley, M., et al. (2001). Learning to read. Guilford Press. (ISBN 1572306491)

Smith, M. & Wilhelm, J. (2002). Reading don't fix no Chevys. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann.

(ISBN 0-86709-509-1)

Course Description

Comprehensive review and evaluation of the literature and research in reading. The influence of research studies upon teaching procedures and upon the selection and use of materials for reading instruction will be considered.

Objectives

This course is intended to help you meet the following standards for reading specialists established by the International Reading Association (IRA) and NCATE, which state that reading professionals will

•know relevant reading research from general education and how it has influenced literacy education
•know the instructional implications of research in special education, psychology, and other fields that deal with the treatment of students with reading and learning difficulties
•interpret research findings related to the improvement of instruction and communicate these to colleagues and the wider community
•apply research for improved literacy
•conduct research with a range of methodologies, e.g., ethnographic, descriptive, experimental, or historical)
•promote and facilitate teacher- and classroom-based research

Course Requirements

For Research Related to the Teaching of Reading: You must come to class prepared to discuss the announced reading (30%) PLUS

•With your research group, lead the class through the discussion of the articles in one section of the Handbook of Reading Research (30%)
•With your reading group, participate in literature circle discussions of one of the optional texts (Finders, Pressley, et al, or Smith & Wilhelm) and, as a group, make a final presentation to the class (40%). Discussion dates: 2/6, 2/27, 3/13, & 4/3. Presentations: 4/10

For Field Experience in Reading Programs: With your research group, design and complete an original research project. You must include

Research proposal, including IRB (20%) Due 2/20
Written report of research, including review of literature, results, and interpretation of data (50%) Due 5/1
Interactive presentation of results (30%) Due 5/1; presentations will take place on 5/1 & 5/8

Attendance Policy

Students are permitted two absences. The third absence will result in a reduction of one letter grade. The fourth absence may result in a failing grade.

Please note: Calling me to tell me you will be absent a third time does not excuse a third absence.

Reasonable Modifications Requests

Students in need of some reasonable modification of the instructional context should meet with me as soon as possible to discus the needed modification. If the modification requires the assistance of personnel, equipment, or materials that are beyond my control, please contact Disabled Student Services.

Class Schedule

1/23	Introduction to the course. Assign and practice literature circles. In-class reading: Kamil, Chapter 5
1/30	Introduction to classroom research. Guest speakers: Gina Neist and Deb Williams. Related reading: MacLean & Mohr, Part I
2/6	Literature circles (6:15-7:15) Research groups. IRB; finding funding. Guest speaker: Denise Ehlen, Research and Sponsored Programs. Related reading: MacLean & Mohr, Part IV; http://www.uww.edu/ORSP/findfund.html http://www.uww.edu/orsp/IRB_PROTOCOL.pdf
2/13	Reading day. No formal class meeting.
2/20	Guest speaker: Nancy Meister, Brookfiled Elementary School Methods of literacy research. Related reading: Kamil, Part II; MacLean & Mohr, Parts II & III
2/27	Literature circles (6:15-7:15) Research groups (7:30-8:30)
3/6	Reading day. No formal class meeting.
3/13	Literature circles (6:15-7:15) Research groups (7:30-8:30)
3/20	Literacy processes. Related reading: Kamil, Part III; Literacy practices. Related Reading: Kamil, Part IV
3/27	SPRING BREAK!
4/3	Literature circles (6:15-7:15) Research groups (7:30-8:30)
4/10	Literature Circle presentations.
4/17	Literacy policies. Related reading: Kamil, Part V
4/24	Writing day. Use this time to complete your manuscript and finalize plans for your presentation. No formal class meeting.
5/1	Research presentations.
5/8	Research presentations.
5/15	Final exam period: 6:00-8:00.

1. Members of IRA and NCTE should take advantage of member discounts by ordering texts through the organizations' websites.