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Model Syllabi for a Four-Course Series

Preparing Pre-Service Educators to Teach Reading and Writing

Stephanie Stollar
Syllabi graphic 02 reading universe

These model syllabi, prepared by Dr. Stephanie Stollarare designed to support any higher ed faculty member who is engaged in working with preservice teachers. If you're in the early stages of your faculty career, these syllabi offer a comprehensive, up-to-date framework for structuring your courses and selecting assignments week-by-week. For established faculty, these four syllabi offer carefully-selected, timely resources you can deploy as you see fit, including PBS-quality classroom videos showing skilled, knowledgeable teachers at work. 

We invite and encourage you to adopt or adapt any or all of these syllabi and resources to use in your own courses. 

Course Sequence

Explore the Four-Course Syllabi

Course 01 foundations of evidence based reading instruction cover

Syllabus 1: Foundations of Evidence-Based Reading Instruction

Introduce teacher candidates to the research behind how students learn to read and why some students struggle. The syllabus also includes helpful resources, such as sample focus notes (opens in new window) and sample quiz questions (opens in new window).

Syllabus 02 teaching word recognition reading universe

Syllabus 2: Teaching Word Recognition

Provide your teacher candidates with an in-depth exploration of foundational literacy skills. Examine phonological and phonemic awareness, master explicit phonics instruction, and learn evidence-based practices to implement structured literacy. Coming Soon!

Syllabus 03 teaching language comprehension reading universe

Syllabus 3: Teaching Language Comprehension

Examine the essential components of language comprehension through the Simple View of Reading and explore how skilled readers develop through the explicitly teaching of fluency, morphology, vocabulary, and comprehension. Coming Soon!

Syllabus 04 linking reading assessment and instruction reading universe

Syllabus 4: Linking Reading Assessment and Instruction

Provide comprehensive training in literacy assessment, intervention, and collaboration within an MTSS framework. Develop expertise in selecting and implementing research-based assessments for screening, diagnostic, progress monitoring, and outcome assessments. Coming Soon!

About the Author

Dr. Stephanie Stollar brings experience as an Assistant Professor at Mount St. Joseph University, Vice President at Acadience Learning, and school psychologist. She founded the Reading Science Academy (opens in new window), co-created MTSS Collective, (opens in new window) and supports educator preparation through STARS in Higher Education (opens in new window) and the Evidence Advocacy Center (opens in new window).

Dr. Stephanie Stollar

Reading Universe is made possible by generous support from Jim & Donna Barksdale; the Hastings/Quillin Fund, an advised fund of the Silicon Valley Community Foundation (opens in new window); the AFT (opens in new window); the Emily Hall Tremaine Foundation (opens in new window); and three anonymous donors.