Accreditation Toolkit

Educator Preparation Program Accreditation

The IDA Accreditation is a rigorous and prestigious process that ensures educator preparation programs meet the highest standards in Structured Literacy instruction, particularly for teaching students with dyslexia. Programs undergo a comprehensive review and participate in one of three annual cohorts to demonstrate alignment with the IDA Knowledge and Practice Standards (KPS) for Teachers of Reading. This accreditation process was established to protect the interests of candidates, academic institutions, and employers by verifying that programs meet or exceed standards developed by experts in the Science of Reading and Structured Literacy. While accreditation does not guarantee that every graduate will be a successful professional, it ensures that candidates have completed a program grounded in evidence-based, explicit, and systematic reading instruction practices—reflecting a strong and verifiable commitment to excellence in literacy education.

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IDA’s Knowledge and Practice Standards for Teachers of Reading (KPS)

The KPS defines the knowledge and skills that all teachers of reading should possess to ensure that all students learn to read proficiently. The standards address:

  1. Content knowledge necessary to teach essential reading and writing skills and strategies to students in general education, intervention, and remedial contexts;
  2. Universal principles and practices of effective instruction grounded in evidence-based reading research;
  3. Ethical and professional conduct expected of educators and clinicians.

These standards explicitly outline the knowledge and skills that teachers, interventionists, and therapists need to apply a Structured Literacy approach effectively across classroom, remedial, and clinical settings to advance students’ reading and writing development.

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Structured Literacy Defined

Structured Literacy is a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to reading and writing instruction that systematically builds oral language skills while explicitly teaching the structure of written language. This approach integrates both foundational and higher-order skills essential for strong reading comprehension and written expression.

Structured Literacy is an instructional approach, not a program, although educators may use one or more programs to deliver it effectively. Instruction explicitly develops the oral language domains—phonology, morphology, semantics, syntax, and pragmatics—and their written counterparts in orthography. Through diagnostic, data-driven instruction and ample guided practice, students build the knowledge, skills, and fluency required for proficient reading and writing.

By integrating what is taught (language content) with how it is taught (explicit, systematic instruction), Structured Literacy benefits all learners and is especially critical for those who require additional support in reading and writing. To request permission to use IDA content in company or organizational materials, please contact Info@dyslexiaida.org.

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The Why, What, and How about IDA Accreditation

KPEERI & CERI

The Knowledge and Practice Exam for Effective Reading Instruction (KPEERI) was developed under the guidance of Applied Measurement with input from more than 1,200 educators. This standardized exam assesses an individual’s understanding of literacy development, literacy difficulties, and Structured Literacy principles as outlined in the Knowledge and Practice Standards (KPS). The computerized exam includes 110 multiple-choice questions and is administered by Meazure Learning (formerly Scantron). Candidates may take the exam either remotely with a proctor or in person at an approved testing site. More information about the KPEERI exam can be found at https://effectivereading.org/

To apply for the exam, candidates must submit an application to the Center for Effective Reading Instruction (CERI). CERI is the certifying body that oversees the application process, ensures candidates meet eligibility requirements, and supports educators in their preparation for the KPEERI exam. Once approved, applicants will receive a Notice to Schedule (NTS) email from Meazure Learning with instructions to access the online portal and select a testing time and location.

If you are interested in learning more about CERI certification, please contact – info@effectivereading.org .

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Free Training (preparation to take the KPEERI):