Michael F. Opitz, Ph.D.
michael.opitz@unco.eduMichael Opitz is a former elementary school teacher and reading specialist. He is currently a Professor of Reading Education and is interested in a variety of topics related to reading instruction. These include word study, diagnosis of reading problems, writing, and grouping. His most recent book is Reaching Readers: Flexible and Innovative Strategies for Teaching Guided Reading. He serves on the editorial review board for The Reading Teacher and as editor of the Colorado Reading Council Journal.
Courses Recent Professional Activity
419-008612-012 Loveland642-011 Articles• Ford, M. & Opitz, M. (2002). Using centers to engage children during guided reading time: Intensifying learning experiences away from the teacher. The Reading Teacher, 55 (8): 710-717.• Opitz, M. (2002) Literature and Language Play. In Adventuring with Books. Jan Kristo and Amy McClure, (Eds.). National Council of Teachers of English. Urbana, IL. • Opitz, M. ( 2002) Assessment Interviews with Parents and Teachers. In American Encyclopedia of Literacy. Barbara Guzetti, (Ed.).• Opitz, M. (2002) Phonological and Phonemic Awareness. In American Encyclopedia of Literacy. Barbara Guzetti, (Ed.).• Opitz, M. (2002) Oral Reading. In American Encyclopedia of Literacy. Barbara Guzetti, (Ed.). • Opitz, M. Oral Reading: Let’s Keep it in Perspective. In Teaching Children to Read Informational Text. Linda Hoyt, (Ed.). In press.Presentations• February, 2003 Magazines for Guided Reading. Featured Speaker presentation presented at the Colorado Council of the International Reading Association, Denver, CO.• November, 2002 Reading Promotes Freedom of Knowledge Reconstruction in Search of Finding Common Ground. Symposium presented at the 46th Annual College Reading Association Conference, Philadelphia, PA. With others.• October, 2002 Reaching all Readers: Expanding our Vision of Guided Reading. Keynote address presented at the 36th Annual University of Wisconsin Oshkosh Reading Conference, Oshkosh, WI. Co- presenter.• October, 2002 “Yeah, but. . . Other Questions and Concerns about Guided Reading. Breakout session presented at the 36th Annual University of Wisconsin Oshkosh Reading Conference, Oshkosh, WI. Co-presenter.• October, 2002 Multilevel Texts for Guided Reading Experiences. Keynote address given at the 35th Annual Keystone State Reading Association Conference, Champion, PA. Invited.
Courses taught at UNC:
EDRD 511