Assignment+4+-+Key+Issue+in+Literacy

**An “issue” is a topic about which evidence (or lack of evidence) allows for differing points of view and controversy. There are a number of reasons for these differing viewpoints including**
> == == > ===**Situations where there is incomplete or mixed information about a topic. This can allow for dispute until more complete evidence resolves an issue.**=== > == == > ===**Situation where there is conflict about goals. Though research is sometimes part of these discussions, political or value arguments tend to play a large role**=== > == == > ===**Situations where research data is interpreted from different theoretical or conceptual frameworks**===
 * ===**The success and/or failure of the Reading First Initiative**===
 * ===**English only as a pedagogical approach to teach children who are learning English as a new language**===
 * ===**The role of standard English as Global English**===
 * ===**The ideologies behind English only imposition**===
 * ===**Reading wars**===
 * ===**Perspectives on reading instruction**===

====**Prepare an 8-10 page (double space) paper that articulates a major issue/controversy in the field. Start with an inquiry question about the issue and //contrast two or more competing theoretical perspectives//. Use at least 5 sources (beyond those read in class) and create a brief annotated bibliography. It will be helpful if the articles/books/chapters that you use allow you to explore specific points of view and the evidence that supports at least two positions. Your goal is to inform us about differing perspectives and why it is possible for thoughtful people to hold alternative view on an issue. Your paper should include the following:**====
 * ====**Statement of controversy/issue/problem**====
 * ====**Set of questions guiding your inquiry**====
 * ====**Literature/Research analysis**====
 * ====**Concluding thoughts and new possible research directions**====
 * ====**Annotated bibliography**====

**In addition create a hand out to share in class with the following:**

 * ====**Statement of issue**====
 * ====**Point of evidence made by researchers in the field (bullet points)**====
 * ====**Brief annotated bibliography with 3-5 sentences explaining each article or chapter.**====