Reading and Writing in the Content Area

Catalog description

A literacy methods course designed to prepare preservice teachers to integrate effective reading and writing instruction into content-area teaching at the middle and secondary levels. The course emphasizes the use of evidence-based strategies that strengthen student comprehension, vocabulary development, academic language, critical thinking, and written expression across disciplines such as science, social studies, and mathematics. Candidates will explore disciplinary literacy practices, analyze and implement High-Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM), and evaluate web-based instructional tools to enhance student engagement and learning. Through hands-on assignments—including read-aloud think-aloud video demonstrations, discussion boards, and the development of a cross-curricular thematic unit plan—candidates will learn how to diagnose diverse literacy needs and design differentiated instruction that supports all learners in accessing complex texts and producing meaningful writing in every content area. Prerequisite: READ 31003.