use of technology when teaching literacy, growing gaps in literacy skills, and differentiating instruction when working with literacy

Assignment 1

For this assignment, you will select a topic related to critical issues in literacy/reading in the elementary classroom. Some examples for issues in literacy include the use of technology when teaching literacy, growing gaps in literacy skills, and differentiating instruction when working with literacy. Read a minimum of five reference sources (two of which may be the course textbooks) on the selected topic and write a report following these instructions:

· Introduction

· Review, summary, and analysis (making connection with course content) of the articles’ content

· Conclusion

· List of cited references, following APA format (7th ed.).

Rubric

Element	Not Met	Met	Exceeded
Understanding how to write an introduction (2 points)	Introduction does not describe the purpose of the assignment.	Introduction is not very clear when describing the purpose of the assignment.	Introduction clearly describes the purpose of the assignment.
Topic is related to critical issues in literacy/reading in the elementary classroom (3 points)	Topic is not related to critical issues in literacy/reading in the elementary classroom.	Topic is related to critical issues in literacy/reading in the elementary classroom and is well organized.	Topic is related to critical issues in literacy/reading in the elementary classroom. Topic is well organized, demonstrates logical sequencing and structure.
Understanding of the topic (3 points)	The depth of understanding is underdeveloped by a lack of citations from resources.	The depth of understanding was developed as demonstrated through the citation of a substantial number of resources available for the topic.	The depth of understanding was exemplary as demonstrated through the exhaustive citation of resources available for the topic.
Content/ Relevancy (3 points)	Major sections of pertinent content have been omitted or greatly run-on. The topic is of little significance to the course.	All major sections of the pertinent content are included. Sources are cited and significance to the course is evident.	The appropriate content in consideration is covered in depth without being redundant. Sources are cited when specific statements are made. Significance to the course is unquestionable.
Body of the Essay (summary, analysis) (4 points)	The summary and analysis appears to have no direction, with subtopics appearing disjointed.	The summary and analysis are included. Transitions tie sections together.	The summary and analysis goes from general ideas to specific conclusions. Transitions tie sections together, as well as adjacent paragraphs.
Conclusion (2 points)	There is no indication the student tried to synthesize the information or make a conclusion based on the literature under review.	The student was able to make conclusions based on the review. Conclusions are supported in the review.	The student was able to make precise conclusions based on the review. Conclusions are strongly supported in the review.
Citations/References: Proper APA format (3 points)	Citation for the review did not follow APA format and was missing essential information.	Citation for the review did follow APA format; however; a few (2) errors in essential information were evident.	Citation for the review did follow APA format. Essential information was accurate and complete.