Assists pre-service and in-service teachers in understanding the reading acquisition process through observation and analysis of reading and written language development. The course is organized around current, accepted, research-based theoretical models that account for individual differences in reading. Introduction to language structure including spoken syllables, phonemes, graphemes and morphemes is included. Using current research-based strategies, participants will apply knowledge of the core areas of language to reading acquisition in terms of first and second language acquisition, typical development, gifted and talented and other exceptionalities. Throughout the course, candidates will demonstrate their knowledge of concepts and skills through a variety of tasks such as assessing their ability to identify linguistic units, observations of students and analysis of student work, and presentations of research summaries. NOTE: Students cannot receive credit for both EDU-207 and EDU-357. [3 credits]