What is IDA Accreditation?
The IDA Accreditation is a rigorous and prestigious process that ensures educator preparation programs meet the highest standards in structured literacy, especially for students with dyslexia. Programs undergo a comprehensive review and participate in one of three annual cohorts to ensure alignment with IDA’s Knowledge and Practice Standards (KPS) for Teachers of Reading. Achieving IDA Accreditation signifies a program’s commitment to excellence and adherence to evidence-based practices in the science of reading through explicit and systematic approaches.
How does Structured Literacy Impact Accreditation?
Structured Literacy is an essential part of the accreditation process for universities and independent programs. Structured Literacy is a teaching approach that combines systematic, explicit, and diagnostic reading instructions with speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
Structured Literacy incorporates systematic, explicit, and diagnostic reading instructions that incorporate speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Teachers use explicit instruction to clearly explain each new concept, leaving no room for confusion. This method helps students develop a deep understanding of reading concepts.
What Is Pipeline?
A pathway for independent programs and universities to receive support during the accreditation process to ensure a successful review.
The following is a list of criteria while in Pipeline sessions:
- Five (5) 1-hour group coaching sessions
- Access to facilitator presentations and webinars
- Two (2- 3) additional group discussion chats
- Evaluation and feedback on uploaded material
- Graduates can take KPEERI during process
Comprehensive coaching during the monthly pipeline sessions covers one or more of the areas:
- Curriculum
- Faculty Qualifications
- Practicum Minimum Requirements
- Institutions Outcome Measures
What is Fast Track?
A pathway for programs or universities to have their program reviewed without IDA coaching support.
The following is a list of criteria an educational preparation program must meet to enter Fast Track:
- Familiar and/or has gone through the IDA accreditation process
- Curriculum is fully developed and aligned with KPS
- Faculty is knowledgeable in the science of reading and structured literacy
- *Practicum meets minimum requirements
- *Key Assessments fully developed
NOTE: Applications with missing information will be moved into the next Pipeline cohort
What Are The IDA’s Knowledge and Practice Standards for Teachers of Reading?
To learn more about IDA’s Knowledge and Practice Standards (KPS) for Teachers of Reading click here.
What is the Importance of KPS?
The KPS defines the knowledge and skills that all teachers of reading should possess to teach all students to read proficiently:
1. Content knowledge necessary to teach essential reading and writing skills and strategies to students in general, intervention, and remedial contexts;
2. Universal principles and practices of effective instruction; and
3. Ethical conduct expected of professional educators and clinicians.
These guidelines explicitly set forth the knowledge and skills a teacher, interventionist, or therapist needs to advance students’ reading and writing profiles from a Structured Literacy approach in classroom, remedial, and clinical settings.
Who Should Seek IDA Accreditation?
The International Dyslexia Association (IDA) offers accreditation to many stakeholders:
- Independent Dyslexia Training Programs
- State Departments of Education
- Universities and Colleges
- School Districts
- Public and Private Schools
Any Education Preparation Program – public or private program seeking alignment with KPS should pursue IDA Accreditation.
Who Benefits?
Multiple stakeholders benefit from the IDA’s accreditation:
- All students benefit from receiving instruction aligned with IDA’s standards, evidence-based practices, and structured literacy instruction.
- Educators gain from professional development opportunities that enhance their teaching skills and credentials, making them more effective in their instructional practices.
- Schools and educational institutions improve their instructional quality, which enhances their reputation and educational outcomes.
- Parents of students who struggle with reading including students with dyslexia can trust that accredited programs meet high standards of efficacy, ensuring their children receive the best possible support.
- The broader educational community, including policymakers and advocacy groups, benefits from the dissemination of best practices, contributing to long-term educational equity and improved literacy instruction
Who Reviews Programs?
Programs are reviewed by a team of independent experts in the field of reading who are knowledgeable about the IDA Knowledge and Practice Standards.
If you would like to become a reviewer, check out our reviewer qualification
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