Science of Reading Accreditations
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IDA & CERI Accreditation
How IDA Accreditation Impacts You
Get the Best Science of Reading Training for Your Students
The International Dyslexia Association (IDA) accreditation program rigorously reviews educator preparation programs based on an accreditation model that is uniquely aligned with The Knowledge and Practice Standards for Teachers of Reading.
Curriculum from programs awarded IDA Accreditation must align with a comprehensive standards-based reading preparation framework.
Programs awarded AccreditationPLUS have received IDA accreditation and also produce educators who have engaged in intensive supervised practicum experiences that were sufficiently designed and staffed to promote applied mastery of the principles and practices of structured literacy in the service of preventing reading failure and remediating off-track readers with profiles characteristic of dyslexia.
Connections: OG in 3D training, provided by The APPLE Group, has been examined by a committee of national science of reading experts and found to include all components of the science of reading. Our training was awarded the highest accreditation level, IDA Accredited ProgramPLUS
“I am thrilled that you have received IDA accreditation. Well deserved!”
Center for Effective Reading Instruction, Knowledge and Practice Standards, Committee Chair
How CERI Accreditation Impacts You
CERI recognizes IDA Accredited Programs, which have undergone a rigorous vetting process designed to ensure that program graduates have mastered core KPS-aligned competencies associated with preventing reading failure and remediating off track readers- including readers at-risk for, and identified with, Dyslexia. CERI issues certifications to those who possess the knowledge and skill necessary to implement Structured Literacy practices, and are able to pass the Knowledge and Practice Examination for Effective Reading Instruction (KPEERI). Our graduates have a 100% Pass Rate.
There are three levels of certification.
IDA AccreditedPLUS Programs are able to offer training for the highest certification, Structured Literacy Dyslexia Specialist (C-SLDS), awarded only to those educators who have demonstrated the ability to have a meaningful impact on the rate of improvement for students identified as “at risk” for reading failure or identified with a Specific Learning Disability, including dyslexia.
Every Foundation, Covered.
Science-based. Structured. Proven.
IDA accreditation is an intense process designed for a committee of carefully chosen reading experts in the nations, to evaluate the curriculum, documentation of instructor credentials, knowledge and skills. Committee members performed virtual site visits, interviewed graduates of the program, evaluated lesson plans, and watched lessons being taught. Every aspect of the training program was evaluated to insure that every standard in the Knowledge and Practice Standards were sufficiently taught and assessed.
The Knowledge and Practice Standards (KPS) focus on the structure of language and its component systems, their connections to design and delivery of instruction, and the complex nature of skilled reading. The KPS were developed by Louisa Moats, a well-known expert in the reading field and former member of the IDA Board of Directors, spearheaded the compilation of the Knowledge and Practice Standards, chairing a committee of experts.
The APPLE Group is proud to be one of only 13 accredited training programs whose curricula meets the highest standards of the Knowledge and Practice Standards for Teachers of Reading and one of only 9 teaching training programs in the country to earn IDA Accredited ProgramPLUS.
Take our in-person or virtual courses and earn certification in Structured Literacy.
Arkansas Department of Education & The APPLE Group
The APPLE Group works to support and advocate for the science of reading in Arkansas. Educators within the state can rely on The APPLE Group for leading science of reading solutions for their schools, classrooms, and teachers.
Arkansas R.I.S.E.
Arkansas Right to Read, Pathway T
Arkansas Approved Literacy Curriculum Programs
Arkansas K-12 Dyslexia Intervention Approved Programs
Arkansas Right To Read Pathway & CONNECTIONS®
Pathway T, Phase I & Phase II
As stated on Arkansas’ Division of Elementary & Secondary Education website:
By the beginning of the 2021-2022 school year: A) All teachers employed in a teaching position that requires an elementary education (K-6) license or special education (K-12) license shall demonstrate proficiency in knowledge and practices of scientific reading instruction; and B) All other teachers shall demonstrate awareness in knowledge and practices of scientific reading instruction.
The Arkansas Department of Education has established the following pathways for teachers who must demonstrate Proficiency or Awareness in scientific reading instruction. The Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) has identified 20 pathways for teachers to demonstrate proficiency and awareness in the science of reading across two phases.
Phase I outlines professional learning that meets the knowledge and practices in scientific reading instruction.
Phase II provides for demonstration of knowledge and practices in scientific reading instruction.
Connections: OG in 3D® from The APPLE Group has been approved by the Arkansas Department of Education as a Prescribed Pathway for Proficiency Credential.
Pathway T
Phase I - Connections: OG in 3D (Version 2017 or later)
Phase II - Successful Completion of The APPLE Group Dyslexia Therapist Course or *Observation by ADE Certified SoR Assessor (Begins 2019-2020) or passing score on Pearson Foundations of Reading Assessment
R.I.S.E. Arkansas & CONNECTIONS®
As stated on Arkansas’ Division of Elementary & Secondary Education website:
All teachers employed in a teaching position that requires an elementary education (K-6) license or special education (K-12) license shall demonstrate proficiency in knowledge and practices of scientific reading instruction by completing both phases of a prescribed pathway. This includes any teacher employed in grades K-6 teaching English Language Arts, Math, Science or Social Studies. Other academic areas in K-6 (e.g., Art, Music, PE, Library Media, Counselor, Administrators) must show awareness in the Science of Reading (SoR).
The Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) has identified 20 pathways for teachers to demonstrate proficiency and awareness in the science of reading across two phases.
Phase I outlines professional learning that meets the knowledge and practices in scientific reading instruction.
Phase II provides for demonstration of knowledge and practices in scientific reading instruction.
Connections: OG in 3D® from The APPLE Group has been approved by the Arkansas Department of Education as a Prescribed Pathway for Proficiency Credential.
Pathway S
Phase I - Connections: OG in 3D (Version 2016 or prior)
plus Connections RISE Follow-up Day
Phase II - Successful Completion of The APPLE Group Dyslexia Therapist Course or *Observation by ADE Certified SoR Assessor (Begins 2019-2020) or passing score on Pearson Foundations of Reading Assessment
Arkansas Approved Literacy Curriculum Programs & CONNECTIONS®
As stated on Arkansas’ Division of Elementary & Secondary Education website:
The Right to Read Act, amended by the Arkansas Legislature in 2019, requires “curriculum programs that are supported by the science of reading and based on instruction that is explicit, systematic, cumulative, and diagnostic, including without limitation: (1) dyslexia programs that are evidence based and aligned to structured literacy or grounded in the Orton-Gillingham methodology, (2) evidence-based reading intervention programs, and (3) evidence-based reading programs that are grounded in the science of reading.”
Connections: OG in 3D® from The APPLE Group has been approved by the Arkansas Department of Education as a Literacy Curriculum Program.
Arkansas K-12 Dyslexia Intervention Approved Programs & CONNECTIONS®
As stated on Arkansas’ Division of Elementary & Secondary Education website:
The Right to Read Act, amended by the Arkansas Legislature in 2019, requires “curriculum programs that are supported by the science of reading and based on instruction that is explicit, systematic, cumulative, and diagnostic, including without limitation: (1) dyslexia programs that are evidence based and aligned to structured literacy or grounded in the Orton-Gillingham methodology, (2) evidence-based reading intervention programs, and (3) evidence-based reading programs that are grounded in the science of reading.”
Connections: OG in 3D® from The APPLE Group has been approved by the Arkansas Department of Education as a K–12 Dyslexia Intervention Approved Program.