SPED 741
Methods and Assessment: Literacy Interventions for Struggling Learners & Students with High-Incidence Disabilities
This course explores evidence-based instructional practices, interventions, assessments, and program planning to support the literacy development of students with reading and writing disabilities, with a strong emphasis on research skills and the evaluation of professional literature.
The overall purpose of this assignment is to help you gain an in-depth understanding of the reading needs of a particular student, develop an appropriate reading instructional and intervention plan, and present what you learned from implementing your case study.
In this reflection, I share how SPED 741 deepened my understanding of literacy development in early childhood and inspired me to integrate evidence-based literacy strategies into our play-based preschool environment through staff training and intentional classroom practices.
Professional Development Resources
Below is a collection of links to key resources referenced in this reflection, curated to support future professional development at Shalem Preschool. These tools provide evidence-based strategies for integrating literacy instruction into play-based learning environments and offer practical guidance on assessment and intervention for young children. They will serve as a foundation for upcoming staff training sessions focused on enhancing early literacy development in meaningful, developmentally appropriate ways.
Dyslexia is a neurological condition resulting from different brain wiring that is unrelated to intelligence. While it has no cure, individuals can succeed by learning coping strategies—sometimes even turning their unique thinking style into a strength. If you suspect that you or your child might have dyslexia, the International Dyslexia Association offers a screening tool to help assess the potential presence of the condition.
The National Literacy Institute (NLI) is dedicated to improving literacy and math achievement in K-12 education by providing professional development, coaching, and research-based instructional strategies for educators. NLI collaborates with schools and districts to implement effective literacy programs, offering workshops, on-site training, and online resources to support teachers and school leaders in fostering high student achievement.
This spreadsheet, titled Expanded Literacy Assessment Resource Guide, provides a comprehensive overview of literacy assessment tools. It includes details such as the type of literacy focus (e.g., phonological awareness, decoding), tool names, assessment types (e.g., universal screening), target age ranges, language availability, completion time, scoring and reporting options, publication dates, and direct links to the assessment resources. It's a helpful reference for educators selecting appropriate literacy tools for diverse learners across age groups. ​