Your midterm exam will consist of short answer questions about topics and terms we read about, write about, and discuss in class. You may use your books and your notes but not your classmates' books or notes. You may use a laptop computer or write by hand, but the exam will be conducted in our classroom, and you will need to verify that I have received the exam before you leave class if you submit it electronically. You will have one hour in class just before the mid-semester break in which to complete the exam.

Preparation: Do what you should be doing to become the best teacher of reading you can become in the time we have together. That is:

(1) Do the assigned readings and focus on the core question(s) as you do so; these are all provided in the course calendar.
(2) Regularly post your blog responses to the readings and other tasks and read what your classmates post.
(3) Download copies of the notes when they are posted on the calendar, review them to make sure you understand what we discuss in class.
(4) Take notes and ask questions in class. Contribute to class discussions.
(5) Do the various interactive and written tasks you are assigned.

A weekly update is provided of key terms and topics addressed in class throughout the semester. You will find it linked to the syllabus beneath the link to this rubric.

The exam accounts for 25% of your final grade in the course and will be graded A-F as follows:

A (90-100%)
Thoughtful, thorough, succinct responses to all questions.
Practical applications of information demonstrated where relevant (i.e., you not only provide a definition, but you also talk about the importance of concepts to real children, classrooms, and literacy instruction).
Your responses are those of a teacher in training.

B (80-89%)
Accurate responses occasionally less than thorough or succinct.
Practical applications often demonstrated where relevant.
Your responses are those of a good undergraduate student.

C (70-79%)
Usually accurate responses several of which are less than thorough or succinct.
Practical applications may be occasionally missing.
It's clear you attended class and did many of the readings.

D or below (0-69%)
Often inaccurate or missing responses which may also be less than thoughtful, thorough, or succinct.
Practical applications often missing.
It's not clear that you attended class, did the readings or other assignments, or that you prepared for the exam.