Newman University’s MSED Reading Specialist-Dyslexia Emphasis program is the first university-based program in Kansas to earn IDA Accreditation PLUS, the highest recognition for educator preparation programs focused on structured literacy and dyslexia intervention.
— Newman University’s MSED Reading Specialist-Dyslexia Emphasis program has become the first and only university-based program in Kansas to earn Accreditation PLUS status from the International Dyslexia Association, the highest level of recognition available to educator preparation programs. This distinction confirms that the 30-credit master’s degree meets rigorous national Knowledge and Practice Standards and includes supervised, practical experience in structured literacy instruction-an explicit, systematic approach grounded in the science of reading. For teachers and aspiring educators across Kansas, the accreditation signals a new benchmark in dyslexia-focused graduate training, combining evidence-based coursework with hands-on application designed to improve outcomes for students with reading difficulties.
More information is available at https://newmanu.edu/academics/msed/msed-reading-specialist
Kansas legislation requires structured literacy and dyslexia training for educators, with reading specialists expected to demonstrate knowledge in this area through state-approved resources. Newman’s program exceeds these baseline requirements by aligning comprehensively with the International Dyslexia Association’s Knowledge and Practice Standards, which cover phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, and the broader language foundations essential for effective reading instruction. While state-approved resources provide foundational awareness, Accreditation PLUS ensures that graduates have mastered the full scope of structured literacy principles through both coursework and applied practice.
The program consists of 10 courses totaling 30 graduate credits, structured to accommodate full-time teachers seeking immediate classroom application. What distinguishes Accreditation PLUS from standard accreditation is the practicum requirement: candidates complete a minimum of 14 weeks of direct, one-on-one tutoring with a student-28 sessions of 45 minutes each-alongside at least three formal supervision sessions, accumulating a minimum of 50 practicum hours. This supervised clinical experience, evaluated by faculty trained in structured literacy, allows educators to refine their diagnostic and instructional skills under expert guidance, bridging the gap between theory and real-world intervention.
Graduates of Newman’s program are prepared to pursue Kansas Reading Specialist licensure through the Praxis examination and are eligible to sit for national dyslexia therapy certifications, including the Knowledge and Practice Examination for Effective Reading Instruction and the American Language Therapy Association exam. These credentials position educators for advanced roles in literacy intervention, reading specialist positions, and dyslexia therapy, offering professional pathways that extend beyond traditional classroom teaching. The combination of state licensure eligibility and national certification readiness gives Kansas educators a competitive advantage in a field where demand for qualified dyslexia specialists continues to grow.
Accreditation PLUS remains limited among university programs nationwide, with relatively few institutions in any given state achieving this status. Newman’s achievement is significant for Kansas educators who previously had limited access to locally available, IDA-recognized university graduate training. Research cited by the International Dyslexia Association indicates that many traditional teacher preparation programs have historically under-emphasized evidence-based reading instruction, contributing to persistent reading gaps among students. By earning Accreditation PLUS, Newman demonstrates a commitment to closing that preparation gap, ensuring that its graduates enter the field equipped with scientifically validated methods for identifying and supporting students with dyslexia and related reading difficulties. The accreditation benefits teachers-who gain credible, research-backed expertise-and ultimately the students they serve, who receive more effective, targeted instruction.
Teachers and aspiring educators interested in specializing in dyslexia education can learn more about Newman University’s MSED Reading Specialist-Dyslexia Emphasis program, including admission requirements, course structure, and the professional advantages of an IDA Accreditation PLUS credential. Additional information about Newman University is available at https://newmanu.edu/
Contact Info:
Name: Clark Schafer
Email: Send Email
Organization: Newman University
Address: 3100 McCormick , Wichita, Kansas 67213, United States
Website: https://newmanu.edu/
Source: PressCable
Release ID: 89199160
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