5.2: An Advocation for Best Practices in Emergent Literacy

The course paper, Advocating for Best Practices in Emergent Literacy, facilitates the candidate’s understanding of evidence-based components of reading and language and the research surrounding these components including the influence of the theory of the simple view of reading on the emergent literacy practices addressed in this course. Candidates will detail their understandings of these concepts by writing a position paper. Candidates will additionally demonstrate their ability to be “critical consumers of research” (ILA, 2017) as they engage in reflection on the theory and practices for teaching emergent literacy learners introduced in this course.

This assessment aligns with the following International Literacy Association (ILA) 2017 Standards:

STANDARD 1: FOUNDATIONAL KNOWLEDGE Candidates demonstrate knowledge of major theoretical, conceptual, historical, and evidence-based foundations of literacy and language, the ways in which they interrelate, and the role of the reading/literacy specialist in schools.
STANDARD 4: DIVERSITY AND EQUITY Candidates demonstrate knowledge of research, relevant theories, pedagogies, and essential concepts of diversity and equity; demonstrate an understanding of themselves and others as cultural beings; create classrooms and schools that are inclusive and affirming; advocate for equity at school, district, and community levels.
STANDARD 6: PROFESSIONAL LEARNING AND LEADERSHIP Candidates demonstrate the ability to be reflective literacy professionals, who apply their knowledge of adult learning to work collaboratively with colleagues; demonstrate their leadership and facilitation skills; advocate on behalf of teachers, students, families, and communities.

The candidate will write a five (5) to seven (7) page position paper supporting emergent literacy for all learners as a priority for instruction for early literacy development. This paper must be written in APA format and APA in-text citations must consistently be used throughout the paper. Thus, the paper must include all of the required headings included at the end of this document. A minimum of four course readings must be cited within your paper. Because this paper is considered a synthesis of learning, all sources used within the paper must be readings completed within this course. You may use no more than three direct quotes in this paper. No exceptions. Beyond the three direct quotes, all other references to readings must be in the form of summaries and paraphrases with the original author cited each time. A reference page listing your cited works must be also included.

In this position paper, evidence of the emergent literacy practices addressed in this course must be derived from the readings including:

1) the development of evidence-based components of the structure of language which includes language acquisition/linguistics (the Moats 2010 text)- this would include phonological awareness, phonics, and word recognition

2) the development of evidence-based components of reading instruction to include the development of vocabulary and language comprehension (the Oakhill, Cain, and Elbro 2015 text)

3) understanding the theory of the simple view of reading as it applies to evidence-based practices for teaching reading and language

4) nationally recognized position statements from organizations such as the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the International Literacy Association (ILA), and Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) regarding best practices in emergent literacy regarding language acquisition and instruction for English language learners.

The candidate’s position paper MUST address the following (in general, this is your writing prompt):

What should be the priorities for evidence-based teaching practices in reading and language so that all young learners get the support they need for emergent literacy development?

READINGS FOR THE PAPER BELOW
https://www.naeyc.org/sites/default/files/globally-shared/downloads/PDFs/resources/position-statements/WWSSLearningToReadAndWriteEnglish.pdf

https://www.tesol.org/docs/pdf/371.pdf?sfvrsn=2&sfvrsn=2

https://literacyworldwide.org/docs/default-source/where-we-stand/ila-what-effective-pre-k-literacy-instruction-looks-like.pdf