CONT937: Reading and Literacy in the Middle Grades

Course Schedule

Course Description

Are you ready to delve into evidence-based literacy practices that will empower your students to progress significantly in their reading and writing skills? Have you ever wondered about how theoretical models of skilled reading can help shape your teaching approach? Join us as we uncover insights from research and explore effective literacy instruction in the middle years.

The middle grades mark a critical stage in students’ literacy development. They must develop the complex literacy, language, and thinking skills they will carry into high school and beyond. Teachers of Grades 4–8 want all students to grow their skills in ways that ensure success, inspiring confidence and competence.

In this course, you’ll explore evidence-based literacy instruction that supports your students in making gains with reading and writing development. You will explore the role of scientifically based reading instruction through theoretical models of skilled reading, focusing on vocabulary development, morphology and multisyllabic word reading; comprehension-building practices; academic conversations about text, motivation and engagement in literacy learning, and disciplinary and culturally informed literacy instruction. You will also investigate what the research has to say about writing instruction for students in the middle grades, including writing strategies, reading–writing connections, sentence building, writing for different purposes, and more.

What You Will Learn and Do

In this course you’ll have the opportunity to

• discuss the role of scientific studies of reading and writing in informing the design and delivery of effective literacy instruction
• articulate contemporary theories, research, and practices informing literacy instruction
• identify current issues and challenges in literacy education for students in the middle grades
• participate in a professional community of practice with colleagues around and outside BC
• examine ways to enhance your literacy instruction and assessment practices inclusive of diverse learners
• engage as a discerning consumer of literacy research and evaluator of literacy practices and programs

Application Requirements

Course Materials

Accommodations

Applicants who require accommodations for a specific learning need (e.g., learning disability) within their AQ/ABQ course, should click here for further information and support.

Have a question? Contact us!

Refund Schedule

If you drop a course:

1. by the midpoint of the course, you will receive 100% of your course fee.
2. after the midpoint, before the end of the course, you will receive 50% of your course fee.

For more about our refund policies, visit our Fees & Refunds page.