SPED 577 - Language Development and Methods of Literacy Instruction for Deaf and Hard of Hearing

3 credit hours
Materials and methods for language development and literacy instruction for deaf/hard-of-hearing students at P-12 grade levels. This course is designed to enhance the student’s knowledge, abilities, and dispositions regarding methods of teaching language and literacy to students who are deaf and hard of hearing through an in-depth study of language development, methods of assessment, and methods of language/literacy instruction currently used by teachers in classrooms for students with hearing losses. Students will develop an understanding of the impact of language on cognition and learning for students who are deaf or hard of hearing. Students will develop an understanding of the concept that DHH students are similar to ELL students except that they frequently are learning their first language in a spoken/signed format while simultaneously learning print literacy. Students will develop an understanding of their roles in the decision-making process in determining assessment and instructional strategies for language/literacy instruction for students who are deaf and hard of hearing. Students will apply theory to practice by developing a professional portfolio evidencing skills in assessment and instruction. (Cross-listed with SPED 477.)