Literacy Instruction for Diverse Learners.

The primary emphasis of this course is to familiarize teacher candidates about the historical, sociological, and psychological issues related to education of all learners including English Language Learners and students with disabilities in secondary education. English Language Learners and disability issues highlighted within this course include laws and legal mandates; types of disabilities; characteristics of English Language Learners and students with specific disabilities; assessment, diagnosis, and intervention; individualized education and transition planning; curriculum adaptation; assistive technologies; and research-based instructional methods and strategies for English Language Learners and students with disabilities. Teacher candidates develop an understanding of the linguistic and cognitive capabilities of English Language Learners and students with various disabilities and acquire the expertise to adapt instruction for advancing literacy as well as content learning of English Language Learners and students with disabilities. Twenty-five hours of fieldwork focused on English Language Learners and students with disabilities are required.