RDG 508 Diagnosis and Remediation of Reading Difficulties

Course Description

This course is designed to assist classroom teachers and reading specialists in diagnosing reading difficulties as demonstrated by the students in the classroom. It examines the definition of reading, problems exhibited by students, and the use of group and individual instruction methods for remediation. The course covers a variety of remediation activities and materials to meet the problems presented by students through their learning styles, as well as a variety of assessment procedures.

Topics and Objectives

History and Theories of Literacy Instruction

· Examine the evolution of less accomplished readers through a historical perspective.

· Define reading and the transactional model of reading.

· Identify reading theories and philosophies that other professionals advocate.

Physical and Cognitive Conditions that Create Differences in Literacy Achievement

· Examine the physical barriers that impede students' literacy progress.

· Identify procedures to diagnose and instruct students who face mental, visual, or auditory challenges.

· Determine ways to build readers' commitment to, interest in, and confidence for literacy.

· Explore what social and cultural variables affect literacy success.

Assessment to Inform Instruction

· Identify the principles of effective assessment and diagnosis.

· Examine formal and informal assessments of students with special literacy needs.

· Evaluate the use of portfolios as an assessment tool.

Instructional Adaptations in Reading and Language Arts

· Analyze literacy interventions for less accomplished emergent readers and writers.

· Compare and contrast various print knowledge activities that promote students' efforts to improve reading performance.

· Define diagnosis and intervention methods that assist readers in overcoming comprehension barriers and expand content vocabulary.

· Examine strategies that will increase the composition abilities of reluctant writers.

Communication and Incorporation of Assessment Information

· Analyze formats for communicating assessment information to students, parents, teachers, and professionals.

· Explain how to use multiple intelligences theory to overcome literacy barriers.

· Examine how to incorporate aspects of effective early intervention programs into the regular classroom.