Provide the building blocks for reading.
The content presented on this page is representative information for example purposes and is subject to change without notice as course and student needs change over time. For current course descriptions, please see the Online Academic Catalog.
Format: Online
Duration: 16 weeks
Credits: 3 credits
For students who have difficulty with reading, the Wilson Reading System® can be the ticket to a more successful academic career. In this course — the third of four courses to teach special education instructors how to use these methods in the classroom — you’ll focus on the practical application of reading research.
SPE 712 puts emphasis on Steps 4–6 of the Wilson Reading System® and concentrates on particular elements of words at the beginning levels of decoding and encoding, and more:
- Phonological awareness
- Phonics
- Spelling
- Vowel-consonant-e syllable pattern
- Open syllable pattern
- Consonant-le syllable pattern
- The ten critical points of the Wilson Reading System®
- Dyslexia
- Non-controlled text
- Handwriting
Assignments include five self-paced multiple-choice online assessments and three short papers in response to assigned passages from Dyslexia: Myths, Misconceptions, and Some Practical Applications, published by the International Dyslexia Association. Each paper will consist of quoted passages from the book, how you relate that passage to your experience, an evaluation of points made by the author and questions that the passage raised for you. In addition, throughout this course you’ll participate in reflective analysis of course content, and the sharing of ideas and experiences with your peers and instructor.
Sample Course Topics
In SPE 712, you’ll continue to improve your knowledge of WRS techniques by delving into Steps 4–6. Weekly topics may include:
- Topics for Wilson Reading System® Steps 4–6
- WRS Step 4
- WRS Step 5
- WRS Step 6
Examples of What You’ll Learn
Upon completing SPE 712, you will be able to:
- Critically analyze and synthesize readings on dyslexia.
- Understand the nature and causes of dysgraphia.
- Know the research base for multisensory structured language teaching.
- Appreciate the necessary principles on instruction used to teach students with a language-based learning disability.
- Demonstrate the ability to teach Steps 4-6 of the WRS.
- Incorporate non-controlled text reading into the WRS Lesson Plan.
To learn more about the online Master of Science in Education – Special Education curriculum from Saint Joseph’s University, including the Wilson Reading System®, call (610) 660-3400 to speak with a Program Manager or request more information.
The content presented on this page is representative information for example purposes and is subject to change without notice as course and student needs change over time. For current course descriptions, please see the Online Academic Catalog.