Accreditation Process

IDA Accreditation

IDA Accreditation recognizes Educator Preparation Programs (EPPs) that prepare teachers to use Structured Literacy, a research-based approach proven to help all learners, including students with dyslexia. When a program earns IDA Accreditation, the public can trust that its graduates are well-prepared to teach reading effectively.

Accreditation Process

Programs go through a multi-step review to show they meet the Knowledge and Practice Standards (KPS) for Teachers of Reading.

The process includes:

  • Joining an accreditation cohort
  • Receiving guided support if joining the pipeline session (not Fast track)
  • Submitting coursework, assessments, and practicum materials
  • A final review by trained IDA reviewers
  • Approved programs earn accreditation for five years.

To begin the process, contact accreditation@dyslexiaida.org .

Accreditation Handbook

The IDA Accreditation Handbook explains:

  • Requirements and expectations
  • Steps in the review process
  • How programs demonstrate alignment with IDA Standards

Click here for a copy of the  2025 Handbook

Accreditation vs. Accreditation Plus

Accreditation

For programs preparing general education teachers who will teach:

  • Whole-class reading
  • Small-group instruction
  • Early support for students who struggle

Coursework requirements: at least 45 hours or 2 courses of KPS-aligned coursework covering:

  1. Foundational Reading Skills – oral language, phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency
  2. Language Comprehension & Written Expression – vocabulary, comprehension, writing
  3. Assessment/MTSS/Intervention – evaluation, monitoring, and support strategies

Programs also prepare candidates to pass the KPEERI exam

Accreditation Plus

For programs preparing educators to provide intensive, specialized reading intervention, including support for students with dyslexia.

These programs also include:

  • A supervised Structured Literacy practicum
  • Opportunities for candidates to demonstrate teaching competencies with real students

KPEERI vs. Key Assessments

KPEERI – Knowledge and Practice Exam for Effective Reading Instruction

  • A national exam aligned to IDA Standards
  • Taken by individual educators
  • Measures Structured Literacy knowledge

For more information about KPEERI, click here

Key Assessments

  • Evaluations within the educator preparation program
  • Show how well candidates apply reading instruction skills
  • Reviewed by IDA as part of program accreditation

Accreditation Calendar

IDA accepts programs into three annual cohorts:

Spring

Summer

Fall

Welcome: December

Session 1 (January) – Session 7 (June)

Completed Application by:

July

Welcome: April

Session 1 (May) – Session 7 (October)

Completed Application by:

November

Welcome: August

Session 1 (September) – Session 7 (February)

Completed Application by:

March

Accreditation is granted for five years.

Accreditation Pipeline

The Pipeline gives programs up to 12 months with structured support, including:

  • Group coaching sessions
  • Webinars and presentations
  • Discussion chats
  • Feedback on uploaded materials during coaching sessions

This option is ideal for programs new to the process – Pipeline

Accreditation Fast Track

The Fast Track is for experienced programs, often those seeking reaccreditation, that are fully prepared and ready to submit with minimal coaching.

Programs may request Fast Track approval by emailing accreditation@dyslexiaida.org  – Fast track