Candidates will compose a 5-page paper on the major theories and research of the

Candidates will compose a 5-page paper on the major theories and research of the foundations of
language development and the role of professional judgment and practical knowledge for
improving emergent and elementary learners’ development and achievement.
In the first half of the paper, candidates will describe and critique (look at from a critical,
questioning lens) three theoretical approaches to language acquisition (see Gleason & Ratner,
Chapter 7).
In the second half of the paper, candidates will discuss how they would apply their professional
judgment and practical knowledge to improve emergent and elementary learners’ development
and achievement as a reading specialist.
Candidates should also discuss how they would apply their professional judgment and practical
knowledge to create and develop a positive learning and work environment as a reading
specialist. This may or may not be a separate section of the draft.
_________________________________________________
Papers must be at least 5 double-spaced pages in length, must include citations, and a list of
references. Be sure to use APA formatting. Candidates may supplement the information from
Chapter 7 in Gleason & Ratner as needed.
NOTE THIS PAPER IS A CRITIQUE — NOT A RETELLING OR SUMMARY OF THE
READINGS. Candidates must take a critical stance or position and support that position with
evidence. Review the rubric on the following page for additional information.