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, 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.

So why did IDA create a process for education preparation (EPP) to receive IDA’s Accreditation review and seal?  It was to protect the interests of the candidates, the academic institutions themselves, and potential employers, by ensuring that the EPP attained a level that meets or exceeds standards that were developed by experts in the science of reading and structured literacy. While accreditation does not ensure that every graduating candidate will become a successful professional, it does guarantee that the candidate has attended a program that has demonstrated a certain set of skills and abilities that are reflected in the accreditation criteria.

Programs that are interested in learning more about the IDA accreditation process are encouraged to contact accreditation@dyslexiaida.org and request initial information and begin the process to sign-up for accreditation.
 

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

The International Dyslexia Association’s (IDA) Knowledge and Practice Standards (KPS) outline the essential knowledge and skills that educators and specialists need to effectively teach reading and writing. These standards serve as a comprehensive guide for teacher preparation and professional development programs. Here’s why these standards are important:

1. Establishing a Benchmark for Educators

• Consistency in Education: IDA standards provide a consistent framework for what educators should know and be able to do when teaching reading, writing, and spelling. This consistency ensures that all educators, regardless of their location or background, have a common understanding of effective literacy instruction.
• Competence in Teaching: The standards outline the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively teach all students, ensuring that educators are well-prepared to address the diverse needs of their students.

2. Improving Student Outcomes

• Evidence-Based Practices: The IDA standards are grounded in research and evidence-based practices. By following these standards, educators can implement instructional strategies that are proven to be effective in improving reading, spelling and writing skills, particularly for students with dyslexia.
• Focus on Structured Literacy: The standards emphasize structured literacy, an approach that is systematic, explicit, and cumulative, which is essential for all students to learn to read and write.

3. Guiding Professional Development

• Teacher Training: The IDA standards guide the development of professional training programs, ensuring that teachers and specialists receive high-quality education and are equipped with the necessary tools to support students with dyslexia.
• Certification and Accreditation: These standards are also used as a benchmark for certifying professionals and accrediting programs, ensuring that those who are certified have met rigorous standards of knowledge and practice.

4. Advocating for Students with Dyslexia

• Raising Awareness: The standards help in raising awareness about the specific needs of students with dyslexia and the importance of using effective, research-based teaching methods.
• Empowering Educators and Parents: By providing clear guidelines, the standards empower educators and parents to advocate for appropriate instruction and interventions for students with dyslexia.

5. Shaping Policy and Practice

• Influence on Educational Policy: The IDA KPS standards can influence educational policies at the district, state, and national levels, promoting evidence-based practices that are aligned with the science of reading and structured literacy.
• Support for Literacy Initiatives: These standards support broader literacy initiatives by providing a foundation for high-quality instruction that can be adopted across various educational settings.

In summary, the IDA standards are critical for ensuring that educators are well-prepared to teach reading and writing effectively, particularly for students with dyslexia. They play a vital role in improving educational outcomes, guiding professional development, advocating for student needs, and shaping educational policies.

IDA Accreditation Handbook and Application-EXAMPLE
 

Cohort Information