Student Perspectives

I feel this program opened my eyes to the meaning of literacy. I use my knowledge of literacy when talking to colleagues and other professionals.

This program helped me to secure a teaching position within my district. The interview committee was very impressed with my knowledge about literacy.

The faculty of the Literacy Studies Department are exceedingly knowledgeable, dedicated to the professional and educational growth of their students, and always willing to provide support, encouragement and direction.

My beliefs have changed by understanding the value of becoming a kid watcher. I have also learned how important it is to know (get to know) your students. I have also changed my view of assessments and evaluations.

My classes have shown me that literacy is more than reading books. I have learned to respect dialects and cultures as part of literacy and appreciate the literacy around us.

Literacy Studies has taught me what literacy (print, reading, writing) encompasses. Literacy is all around us and in everything we do. Before the program I thought that it was just reading and writing practices.

Through literacy walks, literacy interviews, and literacy digs, I have helped my students see the value and meaning of literacy in their lives. These are only a sampling of the authentic learning experiences that I experienced.

Using readings from my classes, I've had the opportunity to study young children's reading and writing habits, multicultural family life and community literacy. These studies have helped me establish my new views about literacy.

My experiences in miscue were the most powerful. They completely changed my teaching style.

I have learned that multicultural literature brings awareness into the classroom and is something that every child needs to "see" themselves.

I think now that I realize how much community and family are involved with literacy learning. I will never forget or fail to see just how different a person's thoughts or thinking can be.

Faculty members have talked about good teaching approaches and have had us implement them in our classrooms. This helped us understand and learn how to teach literacy in an exciting meaningful way.