This course provides an understanding of the principles of scientifically based reading research as the foundation of comprehensive instruction that synchronizes and scaffolds each of the major components of the reading process to assist students in mastering this process. The course will address effective research-based instruction methodology to prevent reading difficulties and promote the acceleration of reading progress for struggling students, including students with disabilities, and students from diverse populations. Guided early field experience (15 hours) provides pre-professional educators with the experience of observation and interaction with pk12 students. This course is aligned with competency 1 (foundations of reading instruction) and competency 2 (application of research-based instructional practices) of the Florida reading endorsement. This course requires a minimum of 15 hours of field experience. Therefore, students must complete a background check that meets the school district’s requirements which may have additional expenses.