This course will focus on the development of knowledge and understanding of the roles that language and culture plan in the literacy development and learning of children and adolescents. Participants will explore theories and practices for literacy instruction, including reading skills and comprehension across grade levels and academic disciplines and for students with a range of learning needs. Particular attention will be paid to the role of discourse as a central component of teaching and learning, and participants will learn strategies for building on students' linguistic and cultural backgrounds as assets in the learning process. Participants will examine the types of instructional contexts, pedagogical approaches, and teacher talk moves that will support productive instructional interactions and deepen students' conceptual understanding about important curricular topics. In addition, participants will learn to use video recording and transcript analysis to reflect on their talk in lesson they plan and implement. 4cr, 1st sem.