Course Syllabus

Kelsey Ligman
1. Early Elementary Education and Assessment
2. Course Description- This course is designed to introduce the subject of teaching early
elementary aged students. It discusses the main academic topics of reading, writing and
math and some common assessments associated with each subject.
3. Resource Requirements

Access to a computer and high speed internet. Students are expected to check their
email on a daily basis.
Access to an elementary school classroom to assess students
Fountas and Pinnell Assessment Application
Easy CBM assessment application

4. Introduction to the Textbook

Recommended, but not required:
Leveled Literacy Intervention Green System Program Guide- by Irene Foutas and
Gay Pinnell
Launch an Immediate Writing Workshop by Lucy Calkins
These books can assist you with interventions associated with your projects. They are not
required.
5. Student Learner Responsibilities Page

Students are expected to use Blackboard to turn in assignments, check

announcements and participate in discussions.
Students are expected to post an introduction of themselves on the Blackboard
discussion board
Students are responsible to complete all projects by the due date. Late projects will
not be accepted without prior contact with the professor.
Students are expected to share their assessment results with other students in the
class.
Students are required to check their email on a daily basis.

6. Instructor Information
Kelsey Ligman
Email: Ligma1ke@cmich.edu
Work Phone: 616-225-1000 ext. 8513
7. Online Office Hours
In person: By appointment only

I will be available during the week with notice. We can use Skype, Blackboard, the
telephone etc. to discuss any issues you may have.
I will respond to an email within 24 hours

8. Grading Policy and Scale

Discussion Board Introduction: 10 points
Reading Assessment: 60 points
Reading Intervention Project: 100 points
Writing Assessment: 60 points
Writing Intervention Project: 100 points
Math Assessment: 60 points
Math Intervention Project: 100 points
Ongoing Intervention Final Project: 500 points
Sharing of projects: 10 points
Total: 1000 points
With a scale of:
A= 90% or above
B= 80% - 89%
C= 70% - 79%
D= 60% - 69%
Failing= 59% or below
9. Lessons
Discussion Board Introduction
In Blackboards discussion board, introduce yourself. Tell about your educational
background, your educational experiences, any personal information you would like to
share with us and your experiences with academic assessments
Reading Assessment
After choosing an elementary aged student, assess the student using Fountas and Pinnells
leveled assessment system application. Find their reading level, fluency score,
comprehension score and rate.
Create a report explaining the process of the assessment, the results as well as areas that
are in need of improvement to advance as a reader.
Reading Intervention Project
You have two weeks to complete this assignment (progress monitoring happens in two
week increments). Choose and research an intervention to assist the student with their
reading. Create a report explaining the intervention that will take place with your student to
increase their scores

Writing Assessment
After choosing an elementary student, give them a cold write prompt and grade their writing
based on the Lucy Calkins writing rubric. Find their score as well as areas needed for
improvement.
Create a report explaining the assessment process, the results, as well as areas that are in
need of improvement.
Writing Intervention Project
You have two weeks to complete this assignment. Choose and research a writing
intervention to assist the student with their struggles in writing. Create a report explaining
the intervention that will take place with your student to increase their scores.
Math Assessment
After choosing an elementary student, give them the Easy CBM test at their grade level.
Find their score as well as areas needed for improvement
Math Intervention Project
You have two weeks to complete this assignment. Choose and research a math
intervention to assist the student with their struggles in math. Create a report explaining the
intervention that will take place with your student to increase their score.
Final Project
Throughout this class, you will choose one of the interventions that you have researched
and apply it with your elementary aged student. After 6 intervention sessions, assess the
student again to compare the before score and after score. Create a report explaining the
score, the results as well as areas of improvement or not.
Sharing your project
You will receive 10 points for just sharing your project on blackboard with your peers.
10. Course Outline

Week 1

Introduction; Blackboard discussion board

Week 2

Reading Assessment

Week 3

Reading Intervention Project; Begin Final Project

Week 4

Writing Assessment; Continue Final Project

Week 5

Writing Intervention Project; Continue Final Project

Week 6

Math Assessment; Continue Final Project

Week 7

Math Intervention Project; Continue Final Project

Week 8

Final Project, Share project on discussion board

11. Attendance Requirements

Attendance is required by turning in weekly projects in a timely manner.