MED-Reading

MISSION STATEMENT OF THE READING AND READING SPECIALIST PROGRAM

The mission of the Master of Education in Reading/Reading Specialist Program at Gannon University is to prepare Reading professionals who have the skills and knowledge in literacy instruction, diagnostic analysis and assessment to ensure that all students have the opportunities and resources to develop the literacy skills they need to reach their full potential.

OVERVIEW

Preparation in Reading is a valuable area of specialization. The Master of Education in Reading provides a strong foundation in the pedagogical, curricular, and leadership dimensions of reading instruction required for key positions in literacy programs.

The MEd in Reading provides training to become a reading professional who can function collaboratively and in a variety of capacities. Preparation consists of theory, application, and implementation of research-based instruction and assessment practices. Candidates who complete the Master of Education in Reading are eligible to apply for Reading Specialist Certification in Pennsylvania upon successful completion of the degree requirements and passing the Reading Specialist Praxis Exam. The Reading Specialist is trained in instruction and assessment techniques and given leadership opportunities to support and advance literacy programs for students, parents, other educators, and the community.

Those who already hold a master’s degree in education can add the Reading Specialist Certification by completing the required 27 credits and passing the Reading Specialist Praxis Exam.

During a specified time in the summer, all candidates must complete 42 hours of clinical as part pf GEDU 639 (Reading Clinic) The summer clinical experience is completed at an approved site under the supervision of a site-based reading specialist and a university faculty supervisor.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

• A completed application for admission including three letters of recommendation from persons qualified to judge the applicant’s scholarly/professional abilities and character

• Candidates must submit an official transcript showing completion of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university

• 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

Transfer of credits:

Transferring credits to a program is done at the discretion of the program director. 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 five years at the time of submission for consideration. Generally, a maximum of six credits may be transferred in place of the core courses.

Candidates must successfully pass the Reading Specialist K-12 Praxis Exam to be eligible for certification.

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.

Important Note: Current Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) standards and regulations take precedence over any information described in this catalog. Should those standards and regulations change, Gannon University will change its requirements. Candidates will be responsible for meeting the new guidelines for certification. Please refer to the PDE website at https://www.education.pa.gov for changes in regulations.