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April-May 2015
By Genya P. Devoe, M.Ed.
Q: Why did you participate in the IDA review process?
A: Antioch University Midwest participated in the IDA review during the second accreditation round in 2014 because of the status and high regard IDA has in the field. IDA had been a big part of the implementation of dyslexia standards for teacher training in Ohio, so we wanted the IDA affirmation of our alignment with its standards and best practices in the field.
Q: How was the experience of preparing for and participating in the review?
A: Preparing for the review was an opportunity for us to take a look at our coursework and how we prepare our candidates to work with students with dyslexia. The review was thorough and intensive, and it gave us the opportunity to strengthen our coursework and practicum experiences to give our students the best preparation possible.
Q: What does IDA Recognition (now accreditation) mean to your university?
A: The IDA accreditation is affirmation of the level of quality we strive for in our Dyslexia Certificate Program. The accreditation from IDA confirms that our program provides high quality instruction aligned with the IDA standards.
Q: Describe some of the innovative ideas you have implemented to give students a richer practicum experience.
A: To provide our students with valuable practicum experiences, we have recently cultivated partnerships with area school districts, educational service centers (offering professional development for in-service teachers), and other educational program providers. These partnerships are essential in providing rich experiences for our students during their practica. The educators and clinicians in the field not only serve as mentors to our students but also provide feedback to our program. They will also serve as adjunct faculty in the Dyslexia Certificate Program.
Q: How has your program leveraged outside partnerships to increase students’ learning experience?
A: Because Ohio has passed legislation to include dyslexia standards in teacher preparation programs, our program has been able to immediately move in to meet the needs of educators in the state. We are partnering with area districts who want an IDA-accredited program to provide professional development for their teachers and help meet the needs of students with dyslexia
Genya Devoe, M.Ed., is a member of the teaching faculty and Chair of the Reading Endorsement program in the School of Education at Antioch University Midwest. She can be reached at gdevoe@antioch.edu.
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