Frequently Asked Questions


What is Accreditation?

IDA’s Accreditation initiative is unique to other accrediting models in that it promotes the systematic evaluation and refinement of educator preparation programs against IDA’s research-based Knowledge and Practice Standards (KPS) for Teachers of Reading.

Programs looking to accredit just coursework does so under “Accreditation”. Programs seeking to accredit coursework and a practicum does so under “Accreditation Plus”. There are two different pathways: Fast Track and Pipeline.

 

How does Structured Literacy Impact Accreditation?

Structured Literacy incorporates systematic, explicit, and diagnostic reading instructions that incorporate speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
Implementation of Structured Literacy promotes more effective teacher preparation programs and is integral to the accreditation process.

 

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 a program should meet while in Pipeline:

  • Five (5) 1 ½ hour group coaching sessions
  • Access to facilitator presentations and webinars
  • Three (3) additional group discussion chats conducted by an experienced three-member team
  • Access to a newly developed private Facebook Group
  • Evaluation and feedback on uploaded material
  • Graduates take KPEERI during process

Comprehensive coaching for one or more of the areas below is available:

  • Curriculum
  • Faculty
  • Practicum
  • Candidate assessment
  • Coaching will be ongoing through this stage
  • Candidate assessment through KPEERI

 

What is Fast Track?

A pathway for programs or universities have their program moved into the review process without IDA support.   

The following is a list of criteria a program must meet to enter Fast Track:

  • Program has fully met criteria for Curriculum
  • Faculty
  • Practicum
  • Candidate assessment
  • Applications with missing information get moved into Pipeline

 

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.

These guidelines explicitly set forth the knowledge and skills toadvance students’ reading and writing profiles from a
Structured Literacy approach in classroom, remedial, and clinical settings.

 

Who Should Seek IDA Accreditation?

  • Independent Dyslexia Training Programs
  • State Departments of Education
  • Universities and Colleges
  • School Districts
  • Public and Private Schools
  • Any program – public or private – seeking alignment with KPS
    should pursue IDA Accreditation.

 

Who Benefits?

Although multiple stakeholders benefit from the IDA’s accreditation, a few are listed below:

  • Classroom teachers, particularly PreK-3 Pre-service teachers
  • Dyslexia practitioners and therapists Interventionists
  • Literacy Coaches
  • Clinicians
  • Pre-service and in-service providers
  • Parents and students

 

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 page: https://dyslexiaida.wpengine.com/educator-preparation-program-accreditation/