EDUC 686R Teacher Preparation and Support for Early Grade Reading

This course will introduce you to the ways in which teachers can be prepared and supported to improve children’s acquisition of reading skills in early grades and apply key concepts to their own context. Covering the theories and research on how to support early grade reading teacher preparation and support in developing countries.

The goal is to prepare you to:

• Describe the background and context of early grade reading teachers in developing countries;
• Identify key skills needed to teach reading in developing countries;
• Understand the supports and motivations teachers need to change their behavior for successfully teaching reading skills in early grades;
• Learn about teachers’ beliefs about children and their acquisition of reading.
• Understand the relevant theories of adult learning and how they can be applied in early grade reading teacher preparation activities;
• Know the different models of teacher preparation for early grade reading such as coaching, job-embedded professional development, pre-service and in-service training and so on;
• Find, read and analyze teacher development programs/activities related to early grade reading initiatives that have happened in your country or region;
• Engage with practitioners from around the world who are or will be involved in developing teachers’ capacity for early grade reading;
• Design early grade reading teacher preparation programs/activities keeping in mind the contextual factors of developing countries.