Presents a scientifically based foundation in the cognitive, sociocultural, linguistic, and motivational influences on literacy and language development. Studies evidence-based research to demonstrate how reading and writing develop and effective methods and strategies to teach developing literacy. Emphasizes understanding the reading process, language development, and the sequence of learning to read and write. Covers skills and knowledge related to the essential components of reading and writing instruction, including oral language, phonemic and phonological awareness, systematic phonics instruction, reading fluency and reading comprehension, vocabulary development, morphology, and spelling instruction. Also presents the most effective approaches to teaching reading and writing across the grade bands. The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Gateway Task II occurs at the prepracticum site during this course.