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DEPARTMENT OF CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
PITTSBURG STATE UNIVERSITY
Summer, 2010
Web-Based
Course Number: 869
Credit Hours: 3
Instructor: Dr. Susan Knell
Office: 112H Hughes Hall
E-Mail: sknell@pittstate.edu
Title: Literacy Topics and Trends
Course Time Schedule: June 7-July 1
Office Phone: 620-235-4506
Office Hours: By Appointment
COURSE DESCRIPTION (Catalog)
An advanced survey of major topics and trends of current significance to literacy
educators.
PREREQUISITES
Admission to Graduate School
PURPOSE
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The purpose of the course is to study topics and trends that directly effect
literacy teaching, including foundational topics to the challenges of an
educational atmosphere ruled by high-stakes testing. Students will have
the opportunity to read and discuss literacy programs, effective literacy
strategies, and the latest literacy information.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
KSDE Reading Specialist Standards
#1: The reading specialist demonstrates knowledge of the foundations of reading
and writing processes and instruction.
#5: The reading specialist demonstrates the importance and responsibility of
continuing professional development in increasing the knowledge and skills
required for teaching all students to read and write.
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PSU Graduate Knowledge Base
D. Instruction and Assessment: The educator will demonstrate specific attitudes,
values, beliefs and behaviors which reflect advocating, nurturing and sustaining best
practices and multiple assessments.
G. Research: The educator will demonstrate specific attitudes, values, beliefs and
behaviors which implements effective research within the educational environment.
COURSE TEXTS
Required Text: Issues and Trends in Literacy Education, 4th ed., Robinson & McKenna,
Pearson, ISBN# 978-0-205-52031-2
Recommended Text: Best Practices in Literacy Instruction, 3rd ed., Gambrell, Ed. The
Guilford Press, ISBN# 978-1-59385-391-4
Note: Candidates will also be required to purchase or borrow 2 books for the Book
Review assignment.
ACADEMIC HONESTY
Candidates are expected to follow the PSU Academic Honesty Policy, which speaks to
unethical acts associated with coursework or grades. The policy lists specifically, but is
not limited to, the following:

giving or receiving unauthorized aid on examinations, preparation of notebooks,
papers, and other assignments:
 handing in the same work for more than one course without instructor permission;
 plagiarism (examples of plagiarism will be discussed in class)
Full text of the policy can be found in the PSU University Catalog.
Violations of the policy will be presented by course instructor to the University
Academic Honesty Committee for review and action.
If the instructor finds evidence of cheating of any kind, such as plagiarism (copying
from internet or other sources), copying work from other candidates, etc. the
candidate will be notified of the charge and will be immediately dropped from the
class.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Discussion Forums
Each candidate will participate in eight (8) topics and also respond in kind to at least one
other candidate’s response. Candidates will be placed in small groups for discussion
forum topics. Each response should be thoughtful, in-depth, and reflect evidence that the
text has been read to assist in discussing the topics. In other words, your responses need
to include references to the text in some way. Responses should be grammatically
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correct with no spelling or punctuation errors. Responses should be more than just one or
two sentences. When responding to the other group members’ responses, discussions will
remain professional and thoughtful. Remember, Great Minds Don’t Think Alike! You
will not always agree with others’ responses. Keep discussions polite and professional in
tone. Note: All responses should be posted no later than 11:00 pm of the due date. 20 pts.
each for 160 points total. See rubric
Book Reviews (2)
Purpose: The purpose of the book reviews is to give each candidate the opportunity to
read other current professional books on the topic of literacy. Effective teachers are
lifelong readers and learners.
Description: Candidates will choose two (2) professional books on the topic of literacy.
Publication date must be at least in the year 2002. These books should be new to the
candidate (not previously read) and not ones used for other PSU literacy courses.
Candidates are expected to purchase or borrow each book and read critically. Books
chosen should be ones that would benefit candidate’s own teaching. You may choose to
include the recommened book for the course: Best Practices in Literacy Instruction. The
following websites may be helpful in choosing your books: See rubric. Due dates: June
14 & 21.
www.reading.org (publications)
www.ncte.org (publications)
www.heinemann.com
www.stenhouse.com
Individual Research Projects
Purpose: The purpose of this activity is to give each candidate the opportunity to
explore a topic or trend in literacy education that is of high interest to the student.
Description: Candidates will choose a topic from IRA’s “What’s Hot What’s Not” list.
Go to: http://www.reading.org/General/Publications/ReadingToday/RTY0912_HotList2010.aspx
Candidates are asked read the article, then identify a literacy topic on the list, study the
issues and trends affecting that topic and then report about this research in the form of a
PowerPoint presentation. The presentation should represent a variety of voices and genres
available in literacy education. It should include a statement of the problem, a discussion
of the literature, and a conclusion including implications for future research. Students
must include a bibliography. Because a PowerPoint is a visual presentation, please
include graphics and any other feature that will make your presentation appealing,
interesting, and informative. Keep in mind that you do NOT want it to look like a
research paper copied onto slides. Please note that this is not to be a presentation on a
commercial literacy program, it is to be an issue and/or trend in literacy. Please
remember that this presentation is to be submitted in your own words and any quotes
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must be cited. Copying directly from the Internet or other source is considered
plagiarism and result in the candidate receiving a failing grade. Please refer to section on
Academic Honesty. See rubric.
Assessment:
Literacy topic & Internet Search
5 points
Statement of the problem
5 points
Literature Review
5 points
Implications & Conclusions
5 points
Bibliography
5 points
Appeal & Interest
5 points
30 points
Due Dates
Individual Project-topic selection (e-mailed to Dr. Knell)
June 18
Due date of PowerPoint
June 30