UGA’s dyslexia endorsement, certificate program receives IDA accreditation

The Dyslexia Endorsement and Certificate program at the University of Georgia was recently accredited by the International Dyslexia Association (IDA).

Since its founding in 2016, UGA’s Dyslexia Endorsement and Certificate program—housed in the Mary Frances Early College of Education’s Department of Communication Sciences and Special Education—has attracted and prepared hundreds of teacher candidates and practicing teachers from a range of fields.

Accreditation from IDA is an external sign that the certificate program meets or exceeds the association’s expectation for the effective delivery of literacy-related instruction. UGA is one of only a handful of public universities accredited by IDA, and the only university in the state to offer an accredited program.

In accordance with the IDA’s Knowledge and Practice Standards for Teachers of Reading, the program works to provide the knowledge and skills that all reading teachers need to unlock every student’s reading potential.

“Program completers consistently comment on how powerful and impactful the training is in transforming their knowledge, confidence, and capacity to plan and deliver effective reading instruction,” said Kristin Sayeski, associate professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Special Education. “It has been a pleasure to provide that offering to so many students from across the college and university.”

During the 2023-24 academic year, 112 students enrolled in the program’s “Characteristics of Dyslexia” course, which—along with the broader program—attracts professionals and aspiring educators from elementary and special education, individuals who provide private tutoring, as well as individuals in related service personnel fields, such as school psychologists and speech-language pathologists.

According to Sayeski, IDA accreditation will likely increase the number of stakeholders interested in completing the Dyslexia Endorsement and Certificate program, while expanding the reach of the College’s fully online Certificate in Dyslexia program.

“This program was amazing,” said a recent graduate of the certificate program. “As a future general education teacher, I feel so confident in my ability to teach this now and have learned more than I could imagine.”