Gwynedd Mercy University
AY2020-2021 / Undergraduate Academic Catalog
Pennsylvania , and in those states , which carry reciprocity . Those seeking their Instructional I certificate must demonstrate that they have successfully completed a teacher preparation program and pass Pennsylvania Qualifying Exams ( PAPA / Core , Praxis , PECTs ).
Bachelor of Science in Education Studies The Education Studies major provides students the option of completing the requirements for the Bachelor of Science degree in education without completing the requirements for Pennsylvania Teacher Certification . Students in Education Studies must maintain a GPA of 2.0 or better . Any grade below a C in a course within the major must be repeated .
All education students entering the University will follow the curriculum for the Bachelor of Education Studies . For those students desiring Pennsylvania Teacher Certification , at the 48 credit mark students who have successfully passed a required Basic Skills Assessment Test * option will make formal application to the Certification Program to begin the Teacher Professional Core curriculum that leads to Pennsylvania Instructional I certification .
* As per Act 168 of 2014 , “ Candidates for certification must take and successfully pass a basic skills assessment option prior to entry into a baccalaureate teacher preparation program effective August 1 , 2015 .” Formal admission into a baccalaureate program after the initial minimum 48-60 credits as required by Chapter 354 and prior to enrollment in courses that satisfy the Professional Core competencies required in the program Framework Guidelines is required . The four ( 4 ) basic skills assessment options are described below :
REQUIREMENTS FOR THOSE ACCEPTED TO THE EDUCATION PROGRAM
TESTING REQUIREMENTS : The Basic Academic Skills test is required by Pennsylvania for all candidates to be officially enrolled in education programs . The Basic Skills requirement should be met as soon as possible upon entry to the university and must be passed prior to the 48 credit mark . The basic academic skills requirement may be met by any of the following assessment methods :
The Pre-service Academic Performance Assessment ( PAPA ) modules in Reading , Writing and Mathematics .
• Visit www . pa . nesinc . com to register for test codePA701 .
• Scores must be electronically submitted directly to the Pennsylvania Department of Education Bureau of School Leadership and Teacher Quality from the test vendor .
• A minimum score of 220 is required in reading and writing . A minimum score of 193 is required in Mathematics . A composite scoring option is available .
The Core Academic Skills for Educators ( CORE ) modules in Reading , Writing and Mathematics .
• Visit www . ets . org / praxis / pa to register for test codes 5712 , 5722 and5732 .
• Scores must be electronically submitted directly to the Pennsylvania Department of Education Bureau of School Leadership and Teacher Quality from the test vendor .
• A minimum score of 156 ( Reading ), 162 ( Writing ) and 142 ( Mathematics ) is required . A composite scoring option is available .
98