Dyslexia Specialist Certificate

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Program Description

The Dyslexia Specialist certificate program is designed to meet the growing need for trained professionals to work with the high number of students diagnosed with dyslexia or who have dyslexia tendencies. The program is not just for educators, but also for parents and other professionals who want to learn more about dyslexia and how to support individual learning needs. Satisfactory completion of the program gives candidates training in identifying the key characteristics of dyslexia, how the dyslexic brain process information, how to assess, diagnose and implement school-wide plans that support students with dyslexia, and how advocate on behalf of such individuals. The program is 12 credit hours. Most courses are offered synchronously, online.

Admission Requirements

• A minimum of 60 semester hours of completed undergraduate work at an accredited institution
• A minimum 2.75 GPA
• A Phonics course

Program Learning Outcomes

Student learning outcomes align with the International Dyslexia Association’s Knowledge and Practice Standards for Teachers of Reading and are as follows:

• Standard I: Foundations of Literacy Acquisition
• Standard 2: Knowledge of Diverse Reading Profiles, Including Dyslexia
• Standard 3: Assessment
• Standard 4: Structured Literacy Instruction

• Standard 5: Professional Dispositions and Practices

For More Information

• Dyslexia Specialist Certificate
• School of Education and Leadership
• College of Health, Education, and Human Services

Dyslexia Core

Candidates must complete all of the following with a “C” or better for courses with a standard grading scale and a “P” for the two practicum courses.

• EDS 4080 - Dyslexia and Multi-Sensory Instruction Credit Hour(s): 3
• EDS 4090 - Dyslexia Methods & Assessment Credit Hour(s): 3
• EDS 4095 - Practicum I: Dyslexia Methods and Assessment Credit Hour(s): 1
• EDS 4190 - Dyslexia Interventions Methods Credit Hour(s): 3
• EDS 4195 - Practicum II: Dyslexia Methods and Interventions Credit Hour(s): 1

Elective

Candidates also have a one-credit hour elective. The elective can be any 3000-level or above course that focuses on working with children (e.g., reading courses, education, field experience, etc.). Candidates must earn a grade of “C” or better in the course or earn a “P” if the course is a field experience.

Credit Hours

Total: 12 Credit Hours