Artifact #7: Reading Instruction This artifact contains the midterm and final exams from Teaching Beginning Readers and Writers.
Context: The issues addressed in RE 5100 Teaching Beginning Readers and Writers are evident in responses contained in this artifact.
These exam questions demonstrate my knowledge of
· literacy understandings that should be mastered in the primary grades,
· the history of basal readers, predictable books, and phonics and decodable books, and how these materials can be integrated to create an ideal reading program at the primary level,
· whole language theory versus traditional,
· analyzing spelling samples to determine an appropriate level of word study,
· phonics instruction,
· the writing process.
Alignment:
Standard A: Instructional Expertise
The candidate demonstrates instructional expertise by applying the theoretical, philosophical, and research bases for educational practice in P-12 settings to improve student learning.
This artifact demonstrates my knowledge of past and present reading research. The information I obtained throughout this course is pertinent in planning reading instruction for early readers. In being a reflective teacher, it is essential to learn about and attempt to use different strategies. By discovering the strengths and weaknesses of various strategies, I can use the stronger elements of several strategies in order to design a curriculum that best meets the needs of my learners.
Standard C: Research
The candidate uses research to examine and improve instructional effectiveness and student achievement.
As part of this course, the history of beginning reading instruction was explored. By examining the research on basal readers, predictable books and phonics instruction, I feel more competent in evaluating reading materials and choosing the materials that are best suited for beginning readers.
Standard D: Content Knowledge
The candidate demonstrates advanced depth and breadth of knowledge and skills in the academic discipline and in education.
This artifact clearly demonstrates my knowledge of the foundations of reading and writing processes and instruction. This knowledge equips me with the information needed to appropriately plan instruction.