The University Center at Cañada College was established in 2001 as a new model to provide four-year college degree programs, workplace certifications and graduate-level programs that are accessible and convenient for area residents. Through partnerships with San Francisco Bay Area universities, more students can receive an affordable college education and remain close to their community, eliminating the barriers that discourage many from pursuing an education.

These programs are designed to address the needs of those who juggle full-time jobs with the responsibilities of a family and who need or want to return to school either to advance their career or to redirect their career choices. The University Center's academic programs improve access to four-year and graduate programs for all Peninsula and South Bay residents who have an interest and simply can't add a commute to their already over-burdened schedules. There are currently eight different degree programs offered by three Bay Area universities in which you can enroll, the Certificate in Teaching Postsecondary .Reading being one of them.

English 701

Program Description

The Certificate in Teaching Post-Secondary Reading, which provides 12-units of coursework in the theory and practice of reading instruction, is designed to assist prospective and already practicing post secondary teachers in meeting specific individual professional needs in the areas of basic literacy and reading instruction. The Certificate meets requirements for teaching reading in the community colleges (Assembly Bill 1725) which specifies that new instructors must possess a masters degree in Education with a specialization in reading, or a masters in English or ESL with additional certification in the teaching of reading.

The 4 required core courses of the Certificate program, English 701, 702, 705 and 715, emphasize both theory and practice. While students receive theory primarily in English 701, coursework in English 702, 705 and 715 provide opportunities for immediate benefits in the practice of teaching. Each course carries three semester units of credit. English 701 is the prerequisite to English 702 and English 715 is prerequisite to 705. A cumulative GPA of 3.0 (B) is required, with at least a 2.7 GPA (B-) in each course, in order to be eligible for the Certificate.

For additional information, please contact the Coordinator, Patty Baldwin, or the SFSU Coordinator, Helen P. Gillotte-Tropp.

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Fall Semester

English 701: Theoretical Backgrounds in Community College and College Reading Instruction
(3 units)

This seminar explores the theoretical background and recent research influencing secondary and college-level reading instruction. Topics will include current observations concerning the role of prior knowledge and reader's "schema" in the reading process, general linguistic processes involved in developing reading and other basic literacy skills, and reading and writing relationships. Students participate in planning individual and group presentations as well as classroom lessons, which translate some aspect of research into effective teaching practice. This course can be taken concurrently with English 715. Although not a prerequisite, some prior or concurrent experience in teaching or tutoring is desirable.

Instructor: Baldwin 4:00-7:00 Monday

English 715: Projects in Teaching Reading (3 units)

This course combines an introduction to theory and specific techniques in reading instruction for low-level readers, ESL learners, and college students with "hands-on" experience and observation. Through tutoring assignments, students will learn to identify and diagnose specific reading/basic-literacy problems and develop effective strategies for attacking these problems. (With instructor approval, practicing teachers may substitute work with their own students for this requirement.) Although not a prerequisite, concurrent enrollment in English 701 is desirable.

Instructor: Baldwin 4:00-7:00 Wednesday

Spring Semester (Days and Times, TBA)

English 702: Reading-Writing Connections (3 units)

This seminar will explore the relationship beween the cognitive processes involved in learning to read and to write. . The "connections" between reading and writing will be a main topic of discussion, focusing on recently developed reading-writing programs which work, both in developmental and basic writing classes, with the goal being that of attempting to establish criteria for successful classroom curricula.

English 705: Issues in Teaching Post-Secondary Reading (3 units)

This seminar continues the practical applications of methods and practices by exploring five issues in post-secondary reading instruction: 1) assessment; 2) learning differences and disabilities; 3) ESL concerns; 4) technology; and 5) instructional and support resources. Prerequisite: 715