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?
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.
To learn more about IDA’s Knowledge and Practice Standards (KPS) for Teachers of Reading click here.
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, science of reading, and structured literacy instruction.
If you would like to become a reviewer, check out our reviewer qualification
Note: If you want to fill the application out in your browser, please use either Chrome or Safari
Center for Effective Reading (CERI) Certification
Notice to EPP’s seeking candidates to apply for CERI certification
- CERI recognizes all the IDA accredited programs
- All candidates who want to apply for CERI certification must firs take and pass the KPEERI
- CERI has three levels of certification
For individuals who have questions regarding Center for Effective Reading Instruction (CERI) certification, please contact the Certification Administrator, at: admin@effectivereading.org