TERG 3700C 03: CE Phon Aware and Phonics < Youngstown State University

TERG 3700C - CE Phonological Awareness and Phonics

Fall 2026 Syllabus, Section 03, CRN 43972,
Credit hours: 3

Course Meeting Times

Instructor

Mary Ann Davis

Email: mdavis@ysu.edu

Kristen Italiano

Email: klitaliano01@ysu.edu

Public Instructor Information

Instructor Title: Dr. Kristen Italiano

Dept. of Teacher Education and Leadership Studies

Instructor Office Location: BCOE 2208

Instructor Office Phone: 330- 941- 3472

Ms. Mary Ann Davis

Dept. of Teacher Education and Leadership Studies

Part-time faculty

mdavis@ysu.edu

Dr. Kristen Italiano

Professional Qualifications:

Dr. Kristen Italiano is an accomplished educator and educational leader with more than 20 years of experience in teacher preparation, literacy education, and educational leadership. She earned a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education, followed by a Master's Degree in Education. She also holds an Ohio Principal License (PreK–12) and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership, demonstrating her expertise in instructional leadership, curriculum development, and educator preparation across all grade levels. Dr. Italiano is LETRS-trained and possesses extensive knowledge of the Science of Reading, with expertise in evidence-based literacy instruction, structured literacy practices, and the preparation of future educators to implement research-based reading instruction.

As the Director of Literacy Field Placements, Dr. Italiano has established and led several successful university–school district partnerships that provide high-quality clinical experiences for teacher candidates while addressing the literacy needs of local schools. Through these partnerships, she has strengthened connections between higher education and K–12 schools, fostering innovative approaches to teacher development and student achievement. Throughout her career, Dr. Italiano has remained committed to a student-centered philosophy of education, emphasizing authentic learning experiences, collaboration, and data-informed instructional decision-making. Her leadership in literacy education, educator preparation, and community partnerships reflects her dedication to advancing educational excellence and preparing highly effective teachers to meet the diverse needs of today's learners.

Email: klitaliano01@ysu.edu Office: BCOE 2208

Ms. Mary Ann Davis

Professional Qualifications and Background:

Ms. Mary Ann Davis brings more than 37 years of distinguished experience in public education, with extensive expertise in early childhood education, literacy instruction, and special education. She earned her bachelor's degree in General Education (K–8) from Youngstown State University and subsequently completed a K–12 Special Education degree. She also holds a Master of Arts in Teaching. Ms. Davis has demonstrated exceptional leadership in literacy education. She has served as president and committee member for numerous state-level reading initiatives and professional literacy organizations, contributing to the advancement of evidence-based reading instruction across Ohio. She is a National Board Certified Teacher, reflecting her commitment to the highest standards of teaching excellence. Additionally, she is LETRS-trained and possesses extensive expertise in the Science of Reading, with a deep understanding of evidence-based literacy instruction, structured literacy practices, and reading intervention strategies that support diverse learners.

Following her retirement from public education, Ms. Davis has continues to make a significant impact by serving as a part-time literacy faculty member and district literacy coach In these roles, she mentors teachers in implementing Science of Reading-aligned instructional practices, analyzes literacy data to inform instruction, and delivers targeted interventions to improve student reading achievement.

Fall 2026 Office Hours:
Tuesday 11:00-12:00, Thursday 11:00-12:00, M-F by appointment

Private Instructor Information

Course Description

3700C. CE Phonological Awareness and Phonics. Phonics subject matter, instructional strategies and applications, and planning for intensive, phonic-based word analysis in the early and middle stages of literacy acquisition. 20 field hours required. Prereq.: TERG 2605 with a minimum grade of "C". 3 s.h.

Course Readings

Group	Title	Author	ISBN
Required	Texts:

Required Texts:

Text/Resources:

Wiley Blevins. (2023). Phonics from A to Z: A practical guide (4th ed.). Scholastic Teaching Resources.

Core Literacy Library (2018). Teaching reading sourcebook: For all educators working to improve reading achievement. (3rd Edition). Berkeley, CA: Arena Press.

The course readings are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, research developments, current events, and/or to ensure better learning.

Course Learning Outcomes/Objectives/Goals

How to Succeed in This Course

Attendance Expectations

Late Work Submission Policy

Community-Engaged Learning

Additional Course Expectations

Artificial Intelligence Policy Statement

Assignments/Assessments

Grading and Grading Scale

University Policies

Schedule of Topics and Assignments

Week of	Reading(s)	Proposed Topic	Due/To Prepare for Class
8/24	introduction to the course, Ohio’s Plan to Raise Literacy review this Simple view read the Big Picture in the sourcebook and notes on brain video Overview of requirements, assignments, Project PASS Review: Simple View of Reading Scarborough's Rope Reader Profiles (Dyslexia) 5 Components of Reading	5 pillars essential components of reading instruction, Simple View of Reading, Brain proccesses	complete assigned reading, check BB announcment
8/31	continue with brain processes for reading, video notes, summary of Big Picture, Chapter 1 of Reading Sourcebook	ch 1 quiz compete assigned reading, summary paper, review Blevins Chapter 1 of Reading Sourcebook, phoneme classifications, The Fourth grade slump, review literacy assessment types from the Big Picture, essential components of reading instruction	complete assigned reading, check BB announcment
9/7	Ch. 2: The structure of Spanish, EL supports for literacy instruction, Vowel valley/ consonant chart	ch 2: The structure of Spanish, 4 dimensions of print and print referencing Print awareness assessments Letter characteristics Letter Knowledge activities Role of Handwriting	complete assigned reading, check BB announcment
9/14	Ch 3: Print Awarness	Phonological Awareness Routines Articulation of Sounds Explicit, Systematic Instruction Pick and Present phonological awareness activity with a partner or small group page 128-158 (CORE) Explain 4-part processor Ehri’s Phases (Carolyn Strom video) Orthographic Mapping	complete assigned reading, check BB announcment
9/21	ch 4 Letter Knowledge	Review/Model/Guided Practice Activities for Developing Alphabet Recognition Review/Model/Guided Practice Activities for Developing Phonemic Awareness
9/28	ch 5 Phonological Awareness	Review of Ehri’s Phases Systematic Explicit phonics instruction Blending Routines
10/5	reading and assignments will be posted once class starts and adjusted as needed: Please check back soon for updated calendar

The course schedule, policies, procedures, and assignments in this course are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, by mutual agreement, and/or to ensure better learning.

TERG 3700C 03: CE Phon Aware and Phonics