Graduate Course Description

Overview

This course is designed to support teachers in grades three though six with effective writing instruction across content areas. Created specifically for upper grade teachers, this course begins by focusing on direct writing instruction in a writing workshop. Participants will learn and practice specific craft and mechanics techniques that are tangible for students, supporting visible progress towards more general goals such as writing with detail, sentence fluency and voice. These sessions will also address how to support student independence within personal narrative and non-fiction units of study. The second half of this course looks at writing in the content areas, including math, science and social studies. Participants will learn a broad range of writing formats that can elevate the way students process information and engage with material learned. For each content area, participants will learn: effective writing skills; ways to model writing formats; ways to support below-grade level writers; and how to balance the expectations of writing and content in formal and informal assessments.

"Teaching writing skills can be challenging, but this class has made it easier for me. Now I know how to teach writing with powerful writing lesson plans."

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Target Audience: All K-16 educators; Prerequisite: entry-level technology skills.

Time Requirement: 6-8 hours per week

Course Format: Eight-week, facilitator-led with weekly assignments, and 24/7 online access

Graduate Credit: 3 semester hours or 4.5 quarter hours

Technology Requirements
In addition to a computer, Internet connection (high-speed preferable), and a working email account, PLS courses have the following technical requirements:

• Preferred Operating Systems: Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, or Mac OS X
• Preferred Browsers: For an optimal experience use Internet Explorer 7 or 8 (PC), or Mozilla Firefox 3 (PC or Mac).
  Updated versions of Web browsers are free from the following links:
  Internet Explorer , Firefox
• Required Software: Microsoft Word, google tools: mail, docs, presentations (free use), and Wikispaces account
• Required Web Browser Plug-In: Adobe® Acrobat® or Adobe® Reader™ This plug-in is required to view any of the PDFs within a course. Adobe® Reader™ may be downloaded for free using the following link: Adobe

Please note:

• If using Internet Explorer 6.0, security settings must be set to accept cookies.
• If using Internet Explorer 7 or 8, please add pls.rsmart.com to your list of trusted Web sites by going to: Tools > Internet Options > Privacy tab > Sites

The following applications will be used by the participants. These are freeware programs available via the Web or are free to download. Course instructions will include directions on how to install or use these applications.

• Google tools: mail, docs, presentations (free use)
• Wikispaces account