Education 43
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
• A completed application for admission including three letters of recommendation • Candidates applying for the M.Ed. in Reading must submit an official transcript showing completion of a Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university • Candidates applying for the Reading Specialist Certification only, must submit a copy of their valid Instructional I or II teaching certificate in addition to an official transcript (see above) • A graduate minimum cumulative grade point average of a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale • Evidence by previous academic record that the applicant has the general ability and preparation necessary to pursue graduate study successfully
CURRICULUM REQUIREMENTS
In order to ensure that all of our M. Ed. and certification candidates possess the most current, relevant knowledge at the time of their degree/certification completion and in keeping with University policy, we require that all coursework is no older than six years at the time of program completion. Transfer of credits: Transferring credits to a program is done at the discretion of the program coordinator. Minimum requirements are that they are graduate courses from an approved institution which have a grade of “B” or better and are recorded on an official transcript, and which are no older than six years at the time of program completion. Candidates must successfully pass the Reading Specialist K-12 Praxis Exam in order to be eligible for certification. Requirements for Reading Specialist Certification (27 credits total) GEDU 520 GEDU 626 GEDU 627 GEDU 631 GEDU 633 GEDU 640 GEDU 645 GEDU 647
ESL Teaching Methods (3 credits) Foundations of Literacy in Elementary Programs (3 credits) Foundations of Secondary and Content Area Literacy (3 credits) Diagnosis and Correction of Reading Difficulties (3 credits) Diverse Learner Competencies for Reading Specialists (3 credits) Young Adult Literature (3 credits) OR GEDU 641 Children’s Literature (3 credits) Leadership and Current Issues/Practicum and Seminar (3 credits) Assessment of Literacy Development/Clinical Application (6 credits)
Additional Requirements for the Master of Education in Reading (33 credits total) GEDU 643 Overview of Curriculum Design (3 credits) GEDU 644 Student-Centered Action Research (3 credits)
STEPS TO CERTIFICATION 1. Successfully complete all required coursework. 2. Pass required Praxis exam. 3. Apply for certification on the PA Teacher Information Management System (TIMS). 4. Gannon University recommends candidates for certification, and PDE approves and issues certification. Gainful Employment http://www.gannon.edu/gainfulemployment/ readingspecialist/gedt.html
English as a Second Language (ESL) Program SpecialistONLINE Program Coordinator: Robin L. Quick, D.Ed. Phone: (814) 871-5399, quick003@gannon.edu
MISSION STATEMENT OF THE ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE PROGRAM
The mission of the English as a Second Language Program at Gannon University is to prepare teachers with the knowledge of second language acquisition and cultural competencies necessary to provide standards-based instruction and assessment for English language learners so that they may acquire the level of English proficiency needed to be successful in society.
OVERVIEW
The English as a Second Language Program Specialist Certificate is designed to prepare candidates to become leaders in the field of second language acquisition. Candidates will be prepared to support students and other teachers using their expert knowledge and skills. Those who complete the program will gain an understanding and appreciation of various cultures as well as acquire a solid foundation in the theories and current research in second language acquisition. Coursework is delivered in an online format. Each course has a corresponding 15 hour 1 credit practicum which must be completed in the field. At least one placement must be in a K-12 classroom setting.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS • • •
A completed application for admission including three letters of recommendation A Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale A valid Pennsylvania Instructional I or II teaching certificate. Those applicants holding a teaching certification from another state should contact their issuing state Department of Education