Adolescent Literacy Grades 7-12 ((3 Credits))

Catalog description

This course is designed for classroom teachers in grades 7-12 as well as individuals interested in adolescent literacy. As the course progresses, students will take an in-depth look at what adolescent literacy looks like in the 21st century American classroom, including increased awareness of Common Core Standards as they apply to content area literacy instruction. The role literacy plays in how adolescents construct meaning of the world, and their place in it will forefront instruction, discussions, and assignments. Literacy is no longer the sole responsibility of the reading and English teacher. Research has shown that elevating literacy levels enhances the learning and performance of learners in all of the content areas. It is difficult for students to succeed in any content area if they cannot read instructions, interpret word problems, write up the results of a lab report, or interpret visual texts. Strategies and motivational techniques that encourage native English speakers and students who are learning English as a New Language to develop and refine their proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, listening, and viewing, both in school and in out of school settings, will be explored.