Southern Utah University

Course Syllabus

Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Fall Semester 2025

Foundations of Elementary Literacy Instruction (Online)

EDRG 2520-30I

Course: EDRG 2520-30I
Credits: 3
Term: Fall Semester 2025
Department: TED
CRN: 30510

Course Description

This foundational course utilizes a comprehensive approach to elementary literacy instruction. Methods, materials, and assessments for diverse populations are taught. Teacher candidates will acquire an understanding of phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary acquisition and comprehension, and corresponding instructional strategies. They will also learn and practice strategies related to writing, speaking, and listening. (Fall, Spring, Summer) [Graded (Standard Letter)]

Required Texts

  • Honig, B., Diamond, L., Gutlohn, L., (2018). Teaching Reading Sourcebook, Third Edition. Berkeley, CA.: CORE, Consortium on Reading Excellence
  • Diamond, L., Thorsnes, B.J., (2018). Assessing Reading: Multiple Measures, Revised Second Edition. Berkeley, CA.: CORE, Consortium on Reading Excellence

Learning Outcomes

  1. Know the components and development progression of oral language, concepts of print, alphabetic principle, phonological awareness, phonics and spelling, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, writing, motivation, and engagement and the interplay of environmental, cultural, and social factors that contribute to literacy development. (LAD.1)
  2. Understand the science of reading, including the four-part processor (orthographic, phonological, meaning, context). (LAD.2)
  3. Synthesize evidence on reading instruction and current federal, state, and local policies (LAD.3)
  4. Understand that learning to read requires explicit instruction (LAD.4)
  5. Identify and explain aspects of cognition and behavior that affect reading and writing development (LAD.5)
  6. Understand the relationship between writing and reading and the ability to write has a positive and reciprocal effect on students’ reading skills and that readers who understand how texts are composed can apply this knowledge to their own writing (LAD.6)
  7. Identify core components of Multi- Tiered System of Support, including high-quality core instruction (Tier 1), universal screening, student academic data, diagnostic assessment, continuous progress monitoring, research-based interventions (Tier 2 and Tier 3), and fidelity of instructional intervention (MTSS.1)
  8. Describe the differences among Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier 3, and special education instruction (MTSS.2)
  9. Understand the purposes and differences among and purposes for screening, diagnostic, progress-monitoring, curriculum-based measures (CBMs), and outcome assessments (e.g., formative, and summative assessment (MTSS.4)
  10. Be aware that oral language is the foundation for all literacy skills (FSOL.1)
  11. Understand the connection between oral language development and the acquisition of reading and writing skills, for all students (FSOL.2)
  12. Understand that speaking and listening are the primary means by which many children make sense of the world and communicate with others and that development of oral language supports further development in reading, writing, listening, and viewing (FSOL.3)
  13. Know, value, and teach oral language development, listening, and communication skills as essential components of literacy (FSOL.4)
  14. Know effective speaking involves such factors as fluency; clarity; appropriate volume and speed; and awareness of audience, purpose, and context. (FSOL.5)
  15. Understand that different cultures apply different conventions to verbal and nonverbal communication (FSOL.7)
  16. Correctly identify, pronounce, classify, and compare all the consonant phonemes and all the vowel phonemes of English (FSPA.1)
  17. Know how to obtain information and instructional support for second language learners in phonemic awareness (FSPA.6)
  18. Understand the alphabetic principle—that symbols represent sounds that are blended together to form printed words (FSP.1)
  19. Understand that phonics is the connection between graphemes and phonemes and how they form words (FSP.2) 
  20. Know the structure of English orthography patterns and rules that inform the teaching of single-and multisyllable regular word reading (FSP.4) 
  21. Define rate, accuracy, prosody, and explain the role each skill plays when teaching and assessing reading fluency (FSTF.1) 
  22. Explain the importance of adjusting reading rate based on text difficulty, purposes, and audience (FSTF.4) 
  23. Know the role of vocabulary breadth (i.e., knowing many words), depth, and levels of word knowledge (i.e., unknown, acquainted, established) (FSV.3)

  24. Understand the major skill domains that contribute to written expression (FSW.1)

Course Requirements

Quizzes


Quizzes are in each modules. They will test you on the module objectives. Quizzes are worth 100 points each. 

Discussions


Discussions are in each module and will ask in-depth questions. You will need to make a post of your own and respond to your peers. Discussions will be related to module objectives. Each discussion is worth 25 points. 

Module Assignments


There will be an assignment associated with each module. Assignments will be related to module objectives. Each assignment is worth 100 points. 

Midterm/Final


The Midterm will require you to submit your own lesson plan, video of you teaching the lesson, and a reflection of your teaching. You will be asked to decide on a ELA standard related to phonemic awareness. Your score will be based on how well you apply the information from the class into the lesson plans, instruction, and depth of reflection.


The final will be a response to an academic paper about reading instruction. Your score will be based in part on how well you relate the information in the article to the content of this course.  


The midterm and final are each worth 500 points. 


Course Outline


Module/Assignments Details
*These are subject to change and modification based on teacher discretion and student needs. 

Module 1: Brief History of Reading Instruction 


Assignment: Five Books Essay


Write an essay describing 5 books that have influenced your life in some way. You can discuss a favorite book from childhood, books you think are funny, books you've hated, etc. The essay should be 7 paragraphs long (but not limited to 7).


The first paragraph should include a list of each book titles and author. The 2nd-6th paragraphs should be one paragraph about each book. You can explain the significance of the book, how old you were when you read it, what was going on in your life at the time, or anything else you want to discuss about each book. The final paragraph should explain what your book list says about you. If you would like to mention those that did not make the cut and why, feel free. Finally, include a list of each book and author on a bibliography page.


Module 2: Introduction to the Science of Reading


Assignment: 4, 3, 2, 1 Response to "The Science of Reading: Evidence for a New Era of Reading Instruction"


As you read the white paper, The Science of Reading: Evidence for a New Era of Reading Instruction
(Links to an external site.) by Laura Stewart, write a response in the following 4, 3, 2, 1 format. Use this document
(Links to an external site.)
to respond to the following: 


Write 4 important things that you learned that you didn't know before. When applicable, include the page numbers from the article where the information was stated.  


Write 3 things from the article that were interesting to you and why. 


Write 2 reasons this information is important for teachers to know and understand. 


Write 1 question that you still have after reading. 


Module 3: Language Development and Comprehension


Assignment: Dialogic Read Aloud


Using a children's book, demonstrate a read-aloud applying the PEER model to create conversation as you read and interact with your listener(s). Include five dialogic reading prompts represented in the acronym CROWD as you read.Reflect on your experience. 


Module 4: How the Brain Reads and Print Awareness


Assignment: Print Referencing Lesson and Assessment


After reading the model lesson on pages 78-81 in the Teaching Reading Sourcebook, select an appropriate book to read to a 4-6 year old child. 


As you read the book to a 4-6 year old child, teach and model the conventions of books and print modeled in the example lesson (pp. 78-81).


Using page 82 as a guide, assess the student for Print Awareness by asking the questions listed.  


Submit the specified
 (Links to an external site.) form as a record of your experience. 


Module 5: Structure of English and Letter Knowledge


Assignment: Letter Knowledge Activity 


The purpose of this assignment is for you to have practice applying what you are learning and to develop a habit of reflecting on your practice. 


Choose one activity from pages 96-113 in the Teaching Reading Sourcebook to first teach to a peer in class and then to conduct with a kindergarten student or struggling 1st grader. You will record your activity but you can complete this assignment either in-person or remotely (e.g. via zoom) with your student as long as it is recorded.


 Module 6: Phonological and Phonemic Awareness


Assignment: Assessing Phonological Awareness


From the Assessing Reading Multiple Measures book, administer the CORE Phonological Segmentation Tests (pg. 19-23), the CORE Phoneme Deletion Tests (pg. 24-29), and the CORE Phoneme Segmentation Tests (pg. 30-33),  to a student in grades K-3. We will practice administering the test to peers in class. You will analyze and the score and include a narrative paragraph summarizing the student's performance. You will also make instructional recommendations based on the student's phonological awareness profile. 


Module 7: Phonological and Phonemic Awareness (continued) MIDTERM


Assignment:


The purpose of this midterm assignment is for you to 1) apply what you have learned about phonological awareness instruction and assessment, 2) to develop the practice of standards-based teaching,  and 3) to practice lesson planning using the SUU lesson plan format. 


General Instructions  


This midterm will consist of planning, teaching, and reflecting on a lesson specific to phonological/phonemic awareness and submitting a video of your lesson. 


1. Start by reviewing the phonological awareness assessments you administered in the last module.  


2. From the Utah Core ELA Standards
 (Links to an external site.) locate a standard SPECIFIC TO PHONOLOGICAL/PHONEMIC AWARENESS (found in Foundational Skills ELA standards for grades K-1) that relates to the need of the student you tested OR that is listed for the grade level of the student you tested (e.g. a standard addressing phoneme blending and/or segmentation). If your student is in 2nd grade (or above), choose a 1st grade standard for the purposes of this assignment.


3. Choose an activity that aligns with the assessment data and corresponding standard. For example: if your student didn't do well with the final-phoneme deletion part of the assessment, your lesson plan will focus on final-phoneme deletion.  Reminder: There are plenty of activities that will address phonemic awareness described in the Teaching Reading Sourcebook (pages 128-158). 


4. Create a lesson plan following the ICAP format. NOTE: This part of the assignment will take the most amount of time. 


5. Teach the lesson. You can teach the student you tested or another student or group of students. Remember that phonemic awareness lessons are short in nature; usually no longer than 10-15 minutes. The lesson can be online via Zoom (or any other platform) or in person. You will be required to submit a recording so make sure to plan to record the lesson.


6. After the lesson, watch your video and complete the Reflection and Next Steps sections of the lesson plan. This reflection section is for you to reflect on your teaching, how the student responded to the lesson, and what you would do next instruction-wise if you were to continue to work with this student. 


7. Submit your lesson plan and video.  There is a place on the lesson plan template for you to include a link to your video. 


Module 8: Phonics (Part 1)


Assignment: CORE Phonics Survey


From the Assessing Reading Multiple Measures book, administer the CORE Phonics Survey(pg. 41-52), to a student in grades K-3.  We will practice administering the test to peers in class. You will analyze and the score and include a narrative paragraph summarizing the student's performance. You will also make instructional recommendations based on the student's performance.


Module 9: Phonics (Part 2)


Assignment: RISE Online Workshop


The purpose of this assignment is to give you exposure to, and experience with, one method of phonics instruction that is aligned with the science of reading and to teach you about the spelling structure of English. It will give you a good idea of what to look for when determining phonics instruction for your students. 


You will receive a link in an invitation to the workshop. You will be asked to create an account by entering your first and last name and by providing an email address and creating a password. Once you login, you will receive an introduction to the workshop. Follow the directions (including downloading the syllabus). FOR YOUR ASSIGNMENT, you will submit a copy of your completion certificate. You will be required to take an assessment in order to get your certificate so I STRONGLY recommend that you download the syllabus and follow it as you go through the course. You will also be required to "prove" 3 words at the end of each section of the workshop. This assignment can take anywhere from 4-6 hours (this assignment is made available two weeks before it is due) but you can start and stop throughout and your progress will be saved. 


Module 10: Fluency


Assignment: CORE Fluency Assessment MASI-R


From the Assessing Reading Multiple Measures book, administer the CORE MASI-R Reading Fluency Measure (pg. 77-81), to one student in grades 1-3. Pages 77-81 in the book Assessing Reading Multiple Measures explains how to administer and score each section of the assessment as well as how to analyze the assessment (under the section titled What it Means).   


For this assignment, you will submit your copy of each of the completed Teacher Record Forms (so there are 3 forms A-C) that you used to administer the assessment. In addition, submit this form
 (Links to an external site.) to answer the following questions. 


1) What is the percentile score for this student? (Using the Hasbrouk and Tindal norms on page 80).


2) Is the student meeting grade level expectations in reading fluency?


3) What is the student's median accuracy score?


4) According to the What it Means section on page 79, is the student reading at grade level specific to accuracy?


5) What did you notice about the student's prosody?


6) As a teacher and based on the results of this assessment, what would you do next for this student?


Module 11: Vocabulary


Assignment: Frayer Model


Choose five words or concepts from the assigned readings for this module that you feel are essential for you to remember about vocabulary instruction. Using Google Slides, create a Frayer Model diagram for each word. Click on the link below to access the templates. Be sure to click the SUBMIT button when you are finished. 


This assignment is worth a total of 100 points. Point values for this assignment will be as follows: 20 points for each slide; 4 points for a relevant word or concept, 4 points for an accurate definition, 4 points for listing an adequate number of facts or characteristics, 4 points for a clear example, and 4 points for a correct non-example. 


Module 12: Dyslexia 101


Assignment: ABC Summary of Dyslexia Handbook


For this assignment you will use the Utah Dyslexia Handbook   and information from the video included in the Resources section of this module (Titled Dyslexia 101). Read the handbook before completing the assignment. 


For each letter of the alphabet choose one concept or vocabulary word pertaining to dyslexia that starts with that letter. Write it on the first Google Slide (link is in this assignment; you will be asked to make a copy). 


On the next slide choose 3 words from your ABC Summary paper and write one sentence about each of the 3 words you choose (e.g. If you wrote the word ‘dyscalculia’ for ‘D’ you could write, “Sometimes students with dyslexia also have dyscalculia; but not always.”)


Module 13: Comprehension


Assignment: Story Structure


The purpose of this assignment is for you to apply one strategy that will enhance your students' comprehension of literary text by recording elements of story structure represented in the books they read. 


After reviewing the ppt for this module and pages 651-658 in the Teaching Reading Sourcebook, watch the video of the book One Green Apple
(Links to an external site.)
by Eve Bunting and fill out the graphic organizer included below. Click on each section of the graphic organizer to type your responses. 


Note: The last section of the graphic organizer is where you will state the theme of the book. Your theme will be addressed again in this week's discussion board.


Module 14: Final


Assignment: Course Synthesis: Academic Article Teaching Reading IS Rocket Science by Louisa Moats


This final activity will help you synthesize the information that we have covered in class this semester and hopefully leave you with a reminder of how valued your expertise in teaching reading will be to the lives of your future students. You will read the article and document your thoughts throughout. 


 As you read the article, use this form
 (Links to an external site.)
 to record your thoughts and reactions to what you read throughout the article as well as how what is addressed in the article relates to what we have learned in class this semester. Submit the completed form for your assignment. 

Instructor's policies on late assignments and/or makeup work


Assignments
: All assignments are expected to be submitted on time and to be prepared by the student. AI-generated submissions are not permitted and will be treated as plagiarism.


Late Policy:
No late submissions are allowed for Discussions and Quizzes. Late Assignments will earn half credit and will only be accepted for two weeks after the assignment due date. 


Make-Up Work/Extra Credit
: There are no extra credit opportunities for this course. However, I have been known to award extra points for work that exceeds expectations outlined in the assignment. 

Attendance Policy

Attendance: Attendance is not graded in an online course. However, it is in your best interest to stay consistently engaged in coursework as each module is published. 

ADA Statement

Students with medical, psychological, learning, or other disabilities desiring academic adjustments, accommodations, or auxiliary aids will need to contact the Disability Resource Center, located in Room 206F of the Sharwan Smith Center or by phone at (435) 865-8042. The Disability Resource Center determines eligibility for and authorizes the provision of services.

If your instructor requires attendance, you may need to seek an ADA accommodation to request an exception to this attendance policy. Please contact the Disability Resource Center to determine what, if any, ADA accommodations are reasonable and appropriate.

Academic Credit

According to the federal definition of a Carnegie credit hour: A credit hour of work is the equivalent of approximately 60 minutes of class time or independent study work. A minimum of 45 hours of work by each student is required for each unit of credit. Credit is earned only when course requirements are met. One (1) credit hour is equivalent to 15 contact hours of lecture, discussion, testing, evaluation, or seminar, as well as 30 hours of student homework. An equivalent amount of work is expected for laboratory work, internships, practica, studio, and other academic work leading to the awarding of credit hours. Credit granted for individual courses, labs, or studio classes ranges from 0.5 to 15 credit hours per semester.

Academic Freedom

SUU is operated for the common good of the greater community it serves. The common good depends upon the free search for truth and its free exposition. Academic Freedom is the right of faculty to study, discuss, investigate, teach, and publish. Academic Freedom is essential to these purposes and applies to both teaching and research.

Academic Freedom in the realm of teaching is fundamental for the protection of the rights of the faculty member and of you, the student, with respect to the free pursuit of learning and discovery. Faculty members possess the right to full freedom in the classroom in discussing their subjects. They may present any controversial material relevant to their courses and their intended learning outcomes, but they shall take care not to introduce into their teaching controversial materials which have no relation to the subject being taught or the intended learning outcomes for the course.

As such, students enrolled in any course at SUU may encounter topics, perspectives, and ideas that are unfamiliar or controversial, with the educational intent of providing a meaningful learning environment that fosters your growth and development. These parameters related to Academic Freedom are included in SUU Policy 6.6.

Academic Misconduct

Scholastic honesty is expected of all students. Dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent (see SUU Policy 6.33). You are expected to have read and understood the current SUU student conduct code (SUU Policy 11.2) regarding student responsibilities and rights, the intellectual property policy (SUU Policy 5.52), information about procedures, and what constitutes acceptable behavior.

Please Note: The use of websites or services that sell essays is a violation of these policies; likewise, the use of websites or services that provide answers to assignments, quizzes, or tests is also a violation of these policies. Regarding the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), you should check with your individual course instructor.

Emergency Management Statement

In case of an emergency, the University's Emergency Notification System (ENS) will be activated. Students are encouraged to maintain updated contact information using the link on the homepage of the mySUU portal. In addition, students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Emergency Response Protocols posted in each classroom. Detailed information about the University's emergency management plan can be found at https://www.suu.edu/emergency.

HEOA Compliance Statement

For a full set of Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) compliance statements, please visit https://www.suu.edu/heoa. The sharing of copyrighted material through peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing, except as provided under U.S. copyright law, is prohibited by law; additional information can be found at https://my.suu.edu/help/article/1096/heoa-compliance-plan.

You are also expected to comply with policies regarding intellectual property (SUU Policy 5.52) and copyright (SUU Policy 5.54).

Mandatory Reporting

University policy (SUU Policy 5.60) requires instructors to report disclosures received from students that indicate they have been subjected to sexual misconduct/harassment. The University defines sexual harassment consistent with Federal Regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106, Subpart D) to include quid pro quo, hostile environment harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. When students communicate this information to an instructor in-person, by email, or within writing assignments, the instructor will report that to the Title IX Coordinator to ensure students receive support from the Title IX Office. A reporting form is available at https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?SouthernUtahUniv

Non-Discrimination Statement

SUU is committed to fostering an inclusive community of lifelong learners and believes our university's encompassing of different views, beliefs, and identities makes us stronger, more innovative, and better prepared for the global society.

SUU does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex (including sex discrimination and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, disability status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or other bases protected by applicable law in employment, treatment, admission, access to educational programs and activities, or other University benefits or services.

SUU strives to cultivate a campus environment that encourages freedom of expression from diverse viewpoints. We encourage all to dialogue within a spirit of respect, civility, and decency.

For additional information on non-discrimination, please see SUU Policy 5.27 and/or visit https://www.suu.edu/nondiscrimination.

Pregnancy

Students who are or become pregnant during this course may receive reasonable modifications to facilitate continued access and participation in the course. Pregnancy and related conditions are broadly defined to include pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, related medical conditions, and recovery. To obtain reasonable modifications, please make a request to title9@suu.edu. To learn more visit: https://www.suu.edu/titleix/pregnancy.html.

Disclaimer Statement

Information contained in this syllabus, other than the grading, late assignments, makeup work, and attendance policies, may be subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.