Course Syllabus

Course Information

ED 4355.501, MW 7-8:15
Reading II
2009 Spring

Professor Contact Information

Dr. Patricia Leek Office hours – (CBW 1.203)
(TDC) 972-883-2730 and ask to leave M/T/W/R - 4 PM to 5:00 PM, and
message or call cell phone (FN 3.206) by appointment
patricia.leek@utdallas.edu (UTD Email
only!)

Course Pre-requisites, Co-requisites, and/or Other Restrictions

Students taking teacher certification courses are expected to show above average skills in the
following areas:

Critical reading, writing, and thinking skills

Basic to mid-level computer skills (Internet, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, etc.)
Time-management skills
Effective study skills
Effective communication skills
Ability to reason and make sound judgments

Please contact the Teacher Development Center for specifics concerning eligibility for this
course.

Course Description

This course focuses on the crucial abilities of reading, writing, listening, talking, viewing,
visually representing, and thinking as tools for literacy and learning. Development of literacy and
learning within and across the content areas are stressed. Instructional strategies, thematic
teaching, writing to learn, concept development, and effective uses for literature, text, media, and
other resources to enhance student learning are explored. Using literacy for learning purposes,
designing classroom models of instruction, integrating technology, optimizing multimedia
learning, individualizing to meet the needs of all students, creating a positive classroom
environment, and utilizing resources effectively for "best practice" in teaching are the guiding
goals of the course.

Course Syllabus Page 1

Student Learning Objectives/Outcomes

The students will describe and discuss the synergistic role of the language arts and thinking in
literacy and learning in reflections, responses, essays, and classroom discourse, both written and
oral, in individual, small group, and whole class formats.

The students will be able to create an effective, positive classroom learning environment that
values the processes and the products of literacy as shown by successful completion of case
studies, creation of a unit of study that shows growth and strengths in their understanding of the
role of Language Arts in their future classrooms, and achieving passing scores on embedded
exams modeled on the Language Arts TExES Domain and Competencies.

The students will be able to teach the literacy skills of comprehension, fluency, and writing
utilizing research-based best practices as evidenced by the creation of unit and lesson plans that
demonstrate understanding of the concepts of the lesson cycle, insightful reflections on and
responses to video demonstrations of successful teaching practices, case studies designing
strategies for their future classrooms, and achieving passing scores on embedded exams modeled
on the Language Arts TExES Domain and Competencies.

Required Textbooks and Materials

English Language Learners: Doing What Works –

https://www.t2tweb.us/doingwhatworks/Workshop_01/index.html

Microsoft Office Suite (including Microsoft Word and PowerPoint) is available on campus for a
very small charge because of a campus-wide purchase agreement. Take advantage of
this opportunity! Your work must be in Microsoft Word and the final portfolio must be
in PowerPoint.

NWREL (2006). 6+1 Traits Scoring Guides. Download and print from
http://www.nwrel.org/assessment/pdfRubrics/6plus1traits.PDF

Tompkins, Gail E. (2009). Language Arts: Patterns of Practice, 7th Edition (with Pearson My
Education Lab). Columbus, Ohio: Pearson: Merrill Prentice Hall.

Children’s books as designated in the assignments…may be available at libraries.

TEKs for Language Arts and your content, if you are a 4-8 specialist.
http://www.tea.state.tx.us/teks/

Suggested Course Materials

The following publications are excellent resources, some available online without charge. They
are not required for class, but they might be helpful for the TExES exam or in your future
teaching.

Comprehension – Download and print from

http://www.tea.state.tx.us/reading/products/redbk2a.pdf or go to
http://www.tea.state.tx.us/reading/products/products.html then scroll through until you
find the title (all certifications)

Course Syllabus Page 2

Essential Reading Strategies for the Struggling Reader – Download and print from
http://www.tea.state.tx.us/reading/products/essential.pdf (All students, except those who plan to
teach middle school)
Nath, Janice L. & Ramsey, John. (2004) Preparing for the Texas Pre-K-4Teacher Certification.
New York: Pearson Education. ISBN: 0-321-07676-1 (All students who have not taken
and passed their content TExES exams – will help prepare for this course’s test, as
well.) – OR new edition

National Research Council. (2002). Starting Out Right: A Guide to Promoting Children’s
Reading Success. Washington, D.C.: National Academy Press. You can acquire this
book by buying it at the bookstore, reading it online at www.nap.edu or ordering it (call
1-800-624-6242). ISBN: 0-309-06410-4 (All students)

PREL (2006). A Focus on Vocabulary. The document is available online only and can be
accessed in HTML (116K), Color PDF (5.5M) or Black & White PDF (2.5M) format.
Users are asked to complete a survey to access this free, online document.
http://www.prel.org/programs/rel/vocabularyforum.asp.

Promoting Vocabulary Development – Download and print from

http://www.tea.state.tx.us/reading/products/redbk5.pdf (4-8 certifications)

Put Reading First – Order from the National Institute for Literacy at ED Pubs, PO Box 1398.
Jessup, MD 20794-1398 (Phone 1-800-228-8813) or download from
http://www.nifl.gov/partnershipforreading/publications/PFRbooklet.pdf (EC – 4
certification)

Research Guide to Content Area Reading Instruction – Download and print from
http://www.tea.state.tx.us/reading/products/redbk4.pdf (4-8 certifications)

Assignments & Academic Calendar…always read assigned material before the class scheduled.
Unless otherwise stated, assignments are due at the beginning of class on the date listed.

Assignments & Academic Calendar

Date Topic Assignment

Class 1, January 12
Class 2 – January 14
Course introduction;
introductory content
Chapter 14 – Putting It All
Together, Patterns of Practice
Read syllabus and
assignment handouts before
next class.
Read chapter before
class.

January 19 – No Class,
Martin Luther King Day

Class 3, January 21 Chapter 1 – Learning and Read chapter before

Language Arts class.

Course Syllabus Page 3

 Class 4, January 26 Chapter 2 – Teaching and Read chapter before
Assessing Language Arts class.

Class 5, January 28 Chapter 3 – The Reading and Read chapter before

Writing Processes class.

Class 6, February 2 Chapter 4 – Emerging into Read chapter before class.

Literacy; Visual Literacy

Class 7, February 4 Chapter 5 – Looking Closely Read chapter before class.

at Words

Class 8, February 9 Chapter 6 – Personal Writing Read chapter before

class.

Class 9, February 11 Chapter 7 – Listening to Read chapter before

Learn class.

Class 10, February 16 Chapter 8 – Sustaining Talk Read chapter before

in the Classroom class.

Class 11, February 18 Multiple Choice Test 25 Points

Class 12, February 23 Research Day for Unit plan

Class 13, February 25 Chapter 9 – Reading and Read chapter before
Writing Stories class.

Class 14, March 2 Chapter 10 – Reading and Read chapter before

Writing Information class.

Turn in Unit Plan – 20

points

Class 15, March 4 Snow Day - TBA

Class 16, March 9 Chapter 11 – Reading and Turn in DEJ for first
Writing Poetry assessment (20 points)

Pajama/sweats Day – Wear

pajamas or sweats today…be
prepared for a poetry slam Read Chapter before
class

Class 17, March 11 Multiple Choice Test 25 points

March 16 – No Class, Spring
Break

Course Syllabus Page 4

 March 18 – No Class, Spring
Break
Class 18, March 23
Class 19 , March 25
Class 20, March 30
Class 21, April 1
Class 22, April 6
Class 23, April 8
Class 24, April 13
Class 25, April 15
Class 26, April 20
Class 27, April 22
Class 28, April 27
Class 29, April 29
Class 30, May 4
May 6 – No Class, Reading
Day
Class 31, May 11, 7 PM
Embedded Tests
• 135 points – Five Tests – multiple choice, essay, and short answer, primarily based on
the TExES competencies (25 points, 25 points, 25 points, 25 points, and 35 points)
Learning Applications
Course Syllabus
Chapter 12 – Learning to
Spell Conventionally
Online Essay Test
Chapter 13 – Language Tools:
Grammar and Handwriting
Talent Day
Teach Minilessons (1/3 class)
Teach Minilessons (1/3 class)
Teach Minilessons (1/3 class)
Literacy Center Gallery Walk
(1/2 class)
Literacy Center Gallery Walk
(1/2 class)
Madeline Hunter Lesson Plan
Handwriting (board and
paper)
View videos
Online Essay test
In-class Multiple Choice
Test
Read chapter before
class.
25 points
Read chapter before class;
Spelling Instructional
Aide/activity – Create an
instructional aide/activity
that you could use to teach
spelling in your unit – 10
points
Share your talents today –
5 points – Bring an artifact
(or more than one) and a
brief typed statement about
the talents you will bring to
your classroom
20 points
20 points
10 points
10 points
Turn in DEJ for second
assessment (20
points)
25 points – Submit to
WebCT by 11:59 PM
35 points
Page 5
 • 40 points – Double Entry Journal – See Assignment handout and WebCT for
directions.

• 5 points – Talent Day – Artifact(s) and typed talent statement.

• 10 points – Spelling Instructional Aide/Activity

• 10 points – Handwriting Competency on board and paper.

• 70 points – Thematic Unit (Textbook Chapter 14 is a resource, but more specific

instructions will also be given in class)
o Developing a Thematic Unit Plan (20 points)
o Five minute mini-lesson that employs an appropriate literacy strategy (see the
Compendium for ideas) – You will be videotaped “teaching” your lesson to a
small group of classmates (chosen by the instructor at random). Groups will be
assigned to one of three dates. The content of your lesson as well as your
performance will be evaluated. Subsequently, the class will watch the tapes and
complete an evaluation form. (20 points)
o Madeline Hunter Lesson Plan (for one lesson of your thematic unit) (10 points)
o Literacy Center to use with your Thematic Unit (20 points)

Letter Grade/Points

Average 0% 60% 64% 68% 70% 74% 78% 80% 84% 88% 90% 94% 100%
Points 0 162 173 184 189 200 211 216 227 238 243 254 270
Letter F D- D D+ C- C C+ B- B B+ A- A A

Course and Instructor Policies

Attendance is essential.
You are expected to attend every class, arriving on time and staying until dismissed, because this
displays commitment to the class and respect for your instructor and your classmates. Doctor’s
notes and the like are not “excuses” for absences; however, the instructor appreciates being
informed about your absence(s). Attendance will be tracked and absences (for any reason) as well
as tardies or leaving early will impact your final grade.
• Arriving more than 15-20 minutes late or leaving more than 15-20 minutes early is an
absence, not a tardy.
• Four or more absences = You may be asked to withdraw from the course; you may
receive a failing grade; or you may be allowed to continue in class with a minimum
deduction of two letter grades.
Policies
• Read the assigned material and complete homework assignments BEFORE class.
Take part in discussions, in-class assignments, and group work. Be prepared to ask
questions about material you do not understand.
• You are responsible for determining and making up any work that you miss due to an
absence. You should arrange to have a "class buddy" collect handouts, communicate
information, and inform you about the material covered.
• The instructor will not “pre-grade” assignments. Pre-grading gives some students an
unfair advantage and should not be necessary for upper-level or post-graduate

Course Syllabus Page 6

 students. The writing lab in the library can provide assistance. Also, peer review can
be very helpful.
• Quality, neat work is expected. Work will be graded based upon the instructor’s
evaluation of the quality of the work as well as completion of the work. Average
work will result in average grades.
• Assignments are due at the beginning of class on the days listed in the calendar,
unless stated otherwise. Assignments are to be completed and turned in on time; late
assignments will not be accepted. If an assignment is not turned in on time due to
serious illness or another grave reason, contact the instructor before class (if at all
possible) to arrange for an extension. Depending on individual circumstances, the
assignment will either be accepted for credit, a 25% deduction will be taken, or all
points will be lost.
• Exams will be taken only on the dates listed in the syllabus; make-up tests will not be
given except for extreme situations. The testing environment will be honored for the
good of all. Once an exam begins, the instructor will not converse with anyone for
any reason.
• Professionalism, attendance, positive participation, and timely fulfillment of the
requirements are expected. A student’s grade could be raised or lowered based on the
instructor’s subjective evaluation of overall performance in the aforementioned areas.

Extra Credit.
• No extra credit is planned.

Technology.

• You need a minimum 2 GB flash drive dedicated for Reading II. Put your name on it in
permanent marker and don’t lose it.

• The course will use UTD WebCT and UTD email only. Be sure to have your accounts in
order and your computer working properly. You always have the option to come to
campus and use the computers here.

• Only emails that are signed with your name, class, and section number will be answered.
Put the course and section number in the subject line of your email to ensure that it gets
through and will be opened. Please address the recipient respectfully and use correct
grammar and spelling. Email correspondence should be appropriate and should not
contain requests for handouts, notes, grades, etc. to be sent or faxed to you, and should
NEVER be a request to treat your coursework and grade differently than what is outlined
in the syllabus. Additionally, you should not request special favors or expect special
consideration be given to you that is not afforded to other students in the class. Emails
containing such content will not be answered.

• Microsoft PowerPoint and Microsoft Word are required.

• NO emailed assignments will be accepted!

• Technology problems are NOT acceptable excuses for late work! Complete your
assignments enough in advance to make sure your computer, Internet provider, printer,
WebCT, etc. are in working order such that you can turn in your work on time. Save your

Course Syllabus Page 7

 work often and seek advice and resources from the campus technology help desks in JO
and the library, if necessary. (972-883-2991)

• Use of laptops during class is limited to note taking. Surfing the web, working on other
assignments, and reading emails is disrespectful to the instructor and your classmates.
You will be asked to forego the use of your laptop in class if it is used for anything but
note taking.

• Please turn your cell phone off during class.

Field Trip Policies

Off-campus Instruction and Course Activities – None planned at this time.

Student Conduct & Discipline

The University of Texas System and The University of Texas at Dallas have rules and regulations
for the orderly and efficient conduct of their business. It is the responsibility of each student and
each student organization to be knowledgeable about the rules and regulations which govern
student conduct and activities. General information on student conduct and discipline is
contained in the UTD publication, A to Z Guide, which is provided to all registered students each
academic year.

The University of Texas at Dallas administers student discipline within the procedures of
recognized and established due process. Procedures are defined and described in the
Rules and Regulations, Board of Regents, The University of Texas System, Part 1,
Chapter VI, Section 3, and in Title V, Rules on Student Services and Activities of the
university’s Handbook of Operating Procedures. Copies of these rules and regulations
are available to students in the Office of the Dean of Students, where staff members are
available to assist students in interpreting the rules and regulations (SU 1.602, 972/883-
6391).

A student at the university neither loses the rights nor escapes the responsibilities of
citizenship. He or she is expected to obey federal, state, and local laws as well as the
Regents’ Rules, university regulations, and administrative rules. Students are subject to
discipline for violating the standards of conduct whether such conduct takes place on or
off campus, or whether civil or criminal penalties are also imposed for such conduct.

Academic Integrity

The faculty expects from its students a high level of responsibility and academic honesty.
Because the value of an academic degree depends upon the absolute integrity of the work
done by the student for that degree, it is imperative that a student demonstrate a high
standard of individual honor in his or her scholastic work.

Scholastic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, statements, acts or omissions related
to applications for enrollment or the award of a degree, and/or the submission as one’s
own work or material that is not one’s own. As a general rule, scholastic dishonesty
involves one of the following acts: cheating, plagiarism, collusion and/or falsifying

Course Syllabus Page 8

 academic records. Students suspected of academic dishonesty are subject to disciplinary
proceedings.

Plagiarism, especially from the web, from portions of papers for other classes, and from
any other source is unacceptable and will be dealt with under the university’s policy on
plagiarism (see general catalog for details). This course will use the resources of
turnitin.com, which searches the web for possible plagiarism and is over 90% effective.

Email Use

The University of Texas at Dallas recognizes the value and efficiency of communication
between faculty/staff and students through electronic mail. At the same time, email raises
some issues concerning security and the identity of each individual in an email exchange.
The university encourages all official student email correspondence be sent only to a
student’s U.T. Dallas email address and that faculty and staff consider email from
students official only if it originates from a UTD student account. This allows the
university to maintain a high degree of confidence in the identity of all individual
corresponding and the security of the transmitted information. UTD furnishes each
student with a free email account that is to be used in all communication with university
personnel. The Department of Information Resources at U.T. Dallas provides a method
for students to have their U.T. Dallas mail forwarded to other accounts.

Withdrawal from Class

The administration of this institution has set deadlines for withdrawal of any college-level
courses. These dates and times are published in that semester's course catalog.
Administration procedures must be followed. It is the student's responsibility to handle
withdrawal requirements from any class. In other words, I cannot drop or withdraw any
student. You must do the proper paperwork to ensure that you will not receive a final
grade of "F" in a course if you choose not to attend the class once you are enrolled.

Student Grievance Procedures

Procedures for student grievances are found in Title V, Rules on Student Services and
Activities, of the university’s Handbook of Operating Procedures.

In attempting to resolve any student grievance regarding grades, evaluations, or other

fulfillments of academic responsibility, it is the obligation of the student first to make a
serious effort to resolve the matter with the instructor, supervisor, administrator, or
committee with whom the grievance originates (hereafter called “the respondent”).
Individual faculty members retain primary responsibility for assigning grades and
evaluations. If the matter cannot be resolved at that level, the grievance must be
submitted in writing to the respondent with a copy of the respondent’s School Dean. If
the matter is not resolved by the written response provided by the respondent, the student
may submit a written appeal to the School Dean. If the grievance is not resolved by the
School Dean’s decision, the student may make a written appeal to the Dean of Graduate
or Undergraduate Education, and the deal will appoint and convene an Academic
Appeals Panel. The decision of the Academic Appeals Panel is final. The results of the
academic appeals process will be distributed to all involved parties.

Course Syllabus Page 9

 Copies of these rules and regulations are available to students in the Office of the Dean of
Students, where staff members are available to assist students in interpreting the rules and
regulations.

Incomplete Grade Policy

As per university policy, incomplete grades will be granted only for work unavoidably
missed at the semester’s end and only if 70% of the course work has been completed. An
incomplete grade must be resolved within eight (8) weeks from the first day of the
subsequent long semester. If the required work to complete the course and to remove the
incomplete grade is not submitted by the specified deadline, the incomplete grade is
changed automatically to a grade of F.

Disability Services

The goal of Disability Services is to provide students with disabilities educational

opportunities equal to those of their non-disabled peers. Disability Services is located in
room 1.610 in the Student Union. Office hours are Monday and Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to
6:30 p.m.; Tuesday and Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.; and Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30
p.m.

The contact information for the Office of Disability Services is:

The University of Texas at Dallas, SU 22
PO Box 830688
Richardson, Texas 75083-0688
(972) 883-2098 (voice or TTY)

Essentially, the law requires that colleges and universities make those reasonable
adjustments necessary to eliminate discrimination on the basis of disability. For example,
it may be necessary to remove classroom prohibitions against tape recorders or animals
(in the case of dog guides) for students who are blind. Occasionally an assignment
requirement may be substituted (for example, a research paper versus an oral presentation
for a student who is hearing impaired). Classes enrolled students with mobility
impairments may have to be rescheduled in accessible facilities. The college or
university may need to provide special services such as registration, note-taking, or
mobility assistance.

It is the student’s responsibility to notify his or her professors of the need for such an
accommodation. Disability Services provides students with letters to present to faculty
members to verify that the student has a disability and needs accommodations.
Individuals requiring special accommodation should contact the professor after class or
during office hours.

Religious Holy Days

The University of Texas at Dallas will excuse a student from class or other required
activities for the travel to and observance of a religious holy day for a religion whose
places of worship are exempt from property tax under Section 11.20, Tax Code, Texas
Code Annotated.
The student is encouraged to notify the instructor or activity sponsor as soon as possible
regarding the absence, preferably in advance of the assignment. The student, so excused,
will be allowed to take the exam or complete the assignment within a reasonable time

Course Syllabus Page 10

 after the absence: a period equal to the length of the absence, up to a maximum of one
week. A student who notifies the instructor and completes any missed exam or
assignment may not be penalized for the absence. A student who fails to complete the
exam or assignment within the prescribed period may receive a failing grade for that
exam or assignment.
If a student or an instructor disagrees about the nature of the absence [i.e., for the purpose
of observing a religious holy day] or if there is similar disagreement about whether the
student has been given a reasonable time to complete any missed assignments or
examinations, either the student or the instructor may request a ruling from the chief
executive officer of the institution, or his or her designee. The chief executive officer or
designee must take into account the legislative intent of TEC 51.911(b), and the student
and instructor will abide by the decision of the chief executive officer or designee.

These descriptions and timelines are subject to change at the discretion of the Professor.

Course Syllabus Page 11