K-12 Reading Endorsement

Mission and Vision Statement

As a regional education center that empowers excellence in students, schools, and communi­ties, the Heidelberg University School of Education is committed to empowering innovation and fostering equity through cutting-edge teaching and community relationships.

Application and Admission Requirements

Applications for admission to the endorsements programs will be sent to the Admissions Of­fice. Applications are processed on a rolling basis.

Steps for Completing an Endorsement Program:

In order to be considered for admission into a program, an applicant must submit all of the following to the Admissions Office:

1. The completed Graduate Studies Application for Admission.
2. Transcripts will be accepted from a college or university accredited by the Higher Learning Commission or other regional accrediting commissions which have been recognized by the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Official (sealed) transcripts sent directly from a college or university reflecting:
   1. A Bachelor’s degree.
   2. A minimum GPA of 2.75 on a 4-point scale.*Cases where a student attended multiple undergraduate institutions may be required to submit additional transcripts from those institutions.
   3. A copy of the applicant’s current teaching license
3. International applicants must complete the above requirements in addition to the International applicant requirements explained in the Graduate Catalog.

Following receipt and approval of all application materials, the student will receive a written decision regarding their admission status. Once admitted, the applicant becomes eligible to register for courses.

Admission as a “Coursework Only” Student

Prospective students having no desire to pursue an endorsement may enroll as Coursework Only for any course or workshop/professional development.

Applicants seeking non-degree or coursework only must apply as a coursework only student and directly send all official college or university transcripts. Additionally, applicants seeking endorsements must submit a copy of their current teaching license.

Transcripts must show at least a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. If admitted in non-degree status, students who wish to seek an endorsement must complete the formal application process.

There is no limit to the total cumulative credits hours as a non-degree student. However, if a formal application into the endorsement program is requested, those who wish to use the credits towards renewal of a teaching license will be limited to twelve graduate credit hours taken prior to admission to the endorsement program.

Maximum Course Load

The maximum course load for a graduate student is twelve semester hours in a spring or fall semester, or six semester hours in an eight-week or summer session. A student may petition the Director/Dean to take additional hours during the regular academic year. The Director’s decision will be based on a combination of factors such as advice from the student’s advisor, past grade history and past record of academic performance.

Leave of Absence

A student that is not enrolled for one calendar year will have his or her student account categorized as inactive. To register for courses, the student must reactivate his or her student account by contacting the Office of Admission.

Extended Leave of Absence

A student may for whatever reason choose not to enroll in classes for up to two full calendar years and remain on the catalog with which he or she entered the program. Any student not enrolled in classes for a time period longer than two full calendar years must apply for readmission to the endorsement program. If readmitted, requirements that must be fulfilled will be those of the new catalog that is in force at the time of readmission.

Transfer Credit

Heidelberg University will grant up to six hours of transfer credit for coursework from other colleges and universities with approval of the Director of the School of Education. A student may apply for transfer of credit using a Transient Student Request form. The Director will communi­cate the recommendation to the Registrar by completing this form. Transfer credit does not affect the cumulative GPA of the student.

Transfer decisions are based on the following criteria:

1. All transfer coursework credit must have been completed within six calendar years of the first Heidelberg class taken.
2. All graduate credits requested for transfer must carry a grade of A, A-, B+, or B. Credit for an S grade may be transferred only if the grading institution verifies, in writing, that the S translates into a grade of B or higher. Credits earned at another University as part of a completed degree are not transferable.

K-12 Reading Endorsement

The K-12 reading endorsement permits teachers who hold an active Ohio teaching license or certificate to teach reading to all students at any grade level (fulfilling the requirements of SB316), including Title II reading programs as compared to the undergraduate reading endorsement which is attached to grade band license only.

The endorsement consists of a series of four 3-semester hour courses, for a total of 12 semester hours. All courses are offered online, powered by UThink©. The courses may be completed as coursework only (non-degree student) or as additional coursework for those already holding a Master’s degree.

Ohio teachers seeking the Ohio Reading Endorsement must have completed the 12-hour reading core (including a course in phonics) as mandated by Ohio licensure PRIOR to taking the reading endorsement courses. A 3-hour course in the teaching of phonics is required; this requirement may have been completed in an undergraduate program. Most certified classroom teachers in the last ten years have taken this coursework as an undergraduate. The endorsement will help teachers determine which courses are needed if they do not currently have 12 hours of reading coursework.