Key Takeaways
- Newman University is the first in Kansas to achieve International Dyslexia Association (IDA) Accreditation PLUS status for its Master of Science in Education Reading Specialist program with Dyslexia Emphasis.
- New Kansas legislation requires educators to demonstrate science of reading knowledge, creating increased demand for qualified professionals.
- IDA Accreditation PLUS signifies intensive supervised practicum experiences and applied mastery of structured literacy principles that directly impact student outcomes.
- Kansas teachers face urgent deadlines – veteran educators must demonstrate science of reading knowledge by July 2028 for license renewal.
- The program offers dual certification paths for both Kansas Reading Specialist licensure and national dyslexia therapy credentials through CERI partnerships.
Kansas teachers are at a critical juncture. With dyslexia affecting approximately 20% of students and new state mandates requiring specialized reading instruction, the demand for qualified reading specialists has never been higher. This convergence of need and opportunity has positioned one university program as the gold standard for educator preparation in the state.
Newman University’s MSEd Program Earns IDA Accreditation PLUS Status
Newman University’s Master of Science in Education (MSEd) Reading Specialist program with Dyslexia Emphasis has achieved the International Dyslexia Association’s highest distinction – Accreditation PLUS status. This recognition makes Newman the first university in Kansas to receive this elite designation, setting a new benchmark for reading specialist preparation in the state.
The IDA Accreditation PLUS status represents more than institutional recognition. It validates that Newman’s program produces educators who have completed intensive supervised practicum experiences, demonstrating applied mastery of structured literacy principles needed for preventing reading failure and supporting students with dyslexia profiles. Newman University’s MSEd Reading Specialist program underwent rigorous peer review evaluation to ensure alignment with IDA’s Knowledge and Practice Standards for Teachers of Reading.
R.E.A.D. Redefined instructors Amy Taylor and Jane Hayes, who serve as adjunct professors with Newman University, facilitated the program through IDA’s demanding accreditation process. Their expertise bridges the gap between academic research and practical classroom application, ensuring graduates can immediately implement evidence-based strategies with struggling readers.
What IDA Accreditation PLUS Means for Kansas Teachers
The IDA Accreditation PLUS designation distinguishes programs that go beyond theoretical knowledge to require hands-on, supervised practice with real students. This elevated standard ensures graduates develop competencies that translate directly into improved reading outcomes.
1. Intensive Supervised Practicum Requirements
Students in Newman’s program complete extensive practicum experiences under expert supervision. Teachers apply learned strategies in their classrooms, document student progress, and receive ongoing coaching from program instructors. This mentoring approach prevents the isolation many educators feel when implementing new methodologies, providing continuous support throughout the learning process.
2. Applied Mastery of Structured Literacy Principles
Structured literacy represents decades of brain-based reading research translated into systematic, explicit instruction methods. Newman’s curriculum emphasizes multisensory teaching approaches, phonological awareness development, and evidence-based interventions that benefit all students, particularly those with dyslexia. Teachers learn to recognize early warning signs, administer diagnostic assessments, and adapt instruction to meet individual student needs.
3. CERI Professional Certification Opportunities
The program’s partnership with the Center for Effective Reading Instruction (CERI) provides pathways to nationally recognized certifications, including Structured Literacy Dyslexia Interventionist and Specialist credentials. These certifications validate educator expertise and often command higher salaries and expanded career opportunities within school districts.
Perfect Timing: New Kansas Legislation Creates Reading Specialist Demand
Recent Kansas legislation has transformed the landscape for reading specialists in Kansas. This legislation directly addresses the need for qualified reading professionals and literacy support within school districts, creating new opportunities for trained educators.
Science of Reading Requirements Drive Professional Development
Kansas has implemented new requirements for educators to demonstrate knowledge of the science of reading. This mandate creates immediate opportunities for educators with proper credentials and specialized training in dyslexia intervention. Districts are actively seeking qualified candidates who can implement evidence-based literacy practices and support struggling readers effectively.
2028 License Renewal Requirements for Veteran Educators
Beginning July 1, 2028, Kansas veteran educators in elementary positions, including reading specialists, must demonstrate knowledge of the science of reading to renew their professional licenses. This requirement affects thousands of current teachers who need additional training to maintain their credentials. Newman’s program addresses this urgent need by providing the specialized knowledge base required for license renewal.
Newman’s MSEd Program: Built for Full-Time Teachers
Understanding that most educators cannot pause their careers for graduate study, Newman designed its program specifically for working teachers. The flexible structure accommodates classroom responsibilities while providing rigorous academic preparation.
30-Hour Curriculum with Immediate Classroom Application
The 30-hour, 10-course curriculum focuses on practical strategies teachers can implement immediately. Rather than purely theoretical coursework, students engage with real classroom challenges and develop solutions that produce measurable student improvements. This approach ensures that learning directly translates into improved teaching effectiveness.
Summer Intensive Course Format
Newman’s summer intensive format allows teachers to maintain their regular teaching schedules while pursuing advanced credentials. Courses include hands-on workshops where educators practice assessment techniques, intervention strategies, and progress monitoring methods. This concentrated approach builds cohorts of teachers who can support each other throughout their professional development.
Dual Certification Path for Kansas and National Credentials
Graduates prepare for both Kansas Reading Specialist licensure (requiring Praxis examination) and national dyslexia therapy certification (KPEERI/ALTA exams). This dual pathway maximizes career flexibility, allowing educators to work within public school systems or establish private practice opportunities. The preparation ensures graduates meet diverse professional requirements and can adapt to changing educational landscapes.
Why Kansas Teachers Need This Training Now
The convergence of student needs, legislative requirements, and funding challenges creates an urgent situation requiring immediate action from Kansas educators.
20% of Students Affected by Dyslexia
With dyslexia affecting approximately one in five students, every Kansas classroom contains multiple children who struggle with traditional reading instruction. Many of these students remain undiagnosed, experiencing daily frustration and academic failure. Teachers equipped with structured literacy knowledge can identify at-risk students early and implement interventions that prevent reading difficulties from becoming entrenched patterns.
Lost Federal LETRS Funding Creates Training Gap
Kansas recently lost federal funding for Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS) training and reduced support for its Blueprint for Literacy initiative. This funding loss eliminated a key teacher preparation resource, leaving districts scrambling to provide required dyslexia training. Newman’s IDA-accredited program fills this critical gap, ensuring teachers receive the specialized preparation they need to meet state mandates.
Evidence-Based Strategies That Transform Reading Outcomes
Research consistently demonstrates that students with dyslexia can achieve reading success when provided with appropriate instruction. Multisensory teaching methods, systematic phonics instruction, and structured literacy approaches produce measurable improvements in reading skills. Teachers trained in these methods report dramatic changes in student engagement, confidence, and academic achievement. The emotional benefits are equally significant, as students experience reduced anxiety and increased willingness to participate in literacy activities.
Apply Now for Kansas’s IDA-Accredited Reading Specialist Program
Kansas teachers face unprecedented opportunities to advance their careers while making lasting impacts on student lives. Newman University’s IDA Accreditation PLUS status provides the credibility and rigor needed to meet new state requirements and prepare for expanding job markets in reading specialist roles.
The summer cohort application is now open, with courses beginning in July. Enrollment deadlines make immediate action necessary for teachers ready to transform their professional capabilities and student outcomes. With new legislation driving demand and IDA accreditation ensuring quality, this program represents the perfect alignment of timing, need, and excellence in educator preparation.
The investment in specialized reading instruction training pays dividends throughout an educator’s career, opening doors to leadership positions, specialized roles, and the deep satisfaction of helping struggling readers achieve success. As Kansas implements literacy reforms, teachers with advanced credentials in dyslexia intervention and structured literacy will find themselves at the forefront of educational transformation.
Learn how Newman University’s approach to reading specialist preparation can advance your teaching career and transform student outcomes at newmanu.edu.
Newman University
3100 McCormick
Wichita
Kansas
67213
United States
