C E R T I F I C A T I O N

G U I D E L I N E S

4 0 Y O R K R O A D - 4 T H F L O O RT O W S O N , M A R Y L A N D

EFFECTIVEREADING.ORGINFO@EFFECTIVEREADING.ORG

The Center for Effective Reading Instruction is the subsidiary of The International Dyslexia Association

CERTIFICATION GUIDELINES P a g e | 1

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PURPOSE OF GUIDELINES 2

THE CERTIFICATION EXAM 2

WHAT IS STRUCTURED LITERACY ™ CERTIFICATION 2

GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR CERI CERTIFICATION APPLICATIONS 3

GENERAL PAYMENT GUIDELINES FOR INITIAL CERI CERTIFICATION APPLICATION 3

GUIDELINES FOR SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS FOR INITIAL APPLICATION 3

STRUCTURED LITERACY ™ CLASSROOM TEACHER KNOWLEDGE CERTIFICATE 5 STRUCTURED LITERACY ™ DYSLEXIA INTERVENTIONIST 5 STRUCTURED LITERACY ™ DYSLEXIA SPECIALIST 5 STRUCTURED LITERACY ™ DYSLEXIA INTERVENTIONIST (ALTERNATE ROUTE) 6 STRUCTURED LITERACY ™ DYSLEXIA SPECIALIST (ALTERNATE ROUTE) 6 GENERAL DELIVERY GUIDELINES FOR INITIAL CERI CERTIFICATION APPLICATION 7 GENERAL RENEWAL GUIDELINES 8 UPGRADED CERTIFICATION GUIDELINES 8 GENERAL PAYMENT GUIDELINES FOR CERTIFICATION RENEWAL 8 GUIDELINES FOR SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS FOR CERTIFICATION RENEWAL 9 GENERAL DELIVERY GUIDELINES FOR CERTIFICATION RENEWAL 10 HOW TO DISPLAY YOUR CREDENTIALS 11

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PURPOSE OF GUIDELINES The purpose of this guideline handbook is establish procedures for certificate applicants and certificate holders. These policies cover the application and renewal process, expectations, and standards related to the Center for Effective Reading Instruction Certification. WHAT IS STRUCTURED LITERACY ™ CERTIFICATION Structured Literacy ™ Certification is the credential that displays an educator’s knowledge of, and ability to, positively impact students (identified as “at risk” for reading failure or identified with a specific learning disability, including dyslexia) by use of the Knowledge and Practice Standards for Teachers of Reading (developed by The International Dyslexia Association). ABOUT THE CERTIFICATION EXAMINATION The Knowledge and Practice Examination for Effective Reading Instruction (KPEERI) was developed with the input of 1,200 educators. There are no registration deadlines, and a candidate who meets eligibility requirements may register at any time. The examination is administered by appointment only Monday through Saturday at 9:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Candidates are scheduled on a first-come, first-serve basis.

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APPLICATION GUIDELINES GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR CERI CERTIFICATION APPLICATIONS Applications are accepted via postal mail or via effectivereading.org unless otherwise agreed

by CERI Staff.

Applications will be reviewed, approved, or denied within 6 weeks of completed application. A completed application includes:

• Completed CERI certification application • All required supporting documentation • Cleared payment

GENERAL PAYMENT GUIDELINES FOR INITIAL CERI CERTIFICATION APPLICATION Online applications must be submitted with an online payment of credit card or debit card.

Mailed applications must include a check or money order made out to “The Center for Effective

Reading Instruction” or “CERI.” CERI will notify the applicant via email if the fee is missing from the application. If a new form of payment is not remitted within ten business days, the application will be denied due to incomplete file. The fee is $30 for a returned check and must be remitted within ten business days. After 2 returned checks, applicant/certificate holder will be required to conduct future transactions electronically. Once the check clears, the certificate will be reviewed and issued to the applicant. Please allow up to 6 weeks from the date the check has cleared.

CERI does not issue refunds for incorrectly submitted applications. If an incorrect application is

submitted, CERI will process the application and approve at the level consistent with said application and supporting documents. CERI will allow for the applicant to submit additional supporting documents up to 2 times after the initial application in order to fulfill the requirements of the application. Applicant may re-apply no sooner than 3 months from original application

GUIDELINES FOR SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS FOR INITIAL CERI CERTIFICATION APPLICATION

Acceptable supporting documents include the following:

o Color copy of transcript from college/university o Copy of degree or certificate from university, independent training program, or o Copy of KPEERI exam (from testing center)

Acceptable files for supporting documents are listed on the effectivereading.org website. All

supporting documents should be uploaded directly with online applications. If there are issues with uploading the applicant's file(s), the applicant must notify CERI Staff and resubmit documents via email at info@effectivereading.org within ten business days.

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Supporting documentation must be legible. CERI will notify the applicant of issues with documents. CERI must receive additional documents within ten business days of notification. If the applicant requires additional time to gather required documents, CERI will allow one (1) extension of 5 days. Applicant must request extension directly via email (info@effectivereading.org).

Supporting documents must be included with mailed applications. If there are documents that

are missing, the applicant will be notified via email and must resubmit documents via email or postal mail to CERI Staff within ten business days. If submitted via postal mail, documents must be postmarked within ten business days of initial notification. If the applicant requires additional time to gather required documents, CERI will allow one (1) extension of an additional five days. Applicant must request extension directly via email.

CERI applications must be completed in entirety and meet all necessary requirements. No

refunds will be issued for incomplete applications. CERI will allow for the applicant to submit additional supporting documents up to 2 times after the initial application in order to fulfill the requirements of the application.

Following review of application, if it is determined that level applied for is not consistent with approved level, certificate holder will be awarded appropriate level. No refund will be issued if incorrect level applied for resulting in overpayment.

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APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS STRUCTURED LITERACY ™ CLASSROOM TEACHER KNOWLEDGE CERTIFICATE For professionals serving as general education classroom teachers or support personnel. Individuals holding this certificate do not provide specialized remedial reading interventions to students. Cost to apply - $150.00 Valid for 3 years Minimum degree required – AA/AS Must have passing KPEERI score

STRUCTURED LITERACY ™ DYSLEXIA INTERVENTIONIST For professionals providing targeted or intensive reading intervention services to individuals and small groups of students. Students typically have a primary need for decoding strand instruction. Cost to apply - $125.00 for 1 year / $375.00 for 3 years Minimum degree required – BA/BS Must have passing KPEERI score Graduation from an IDA accredited program or college/university. Professionals certified by IMSLEC, ALTA, AOGPE, NILD, WILSON, YOGA For professionals with other training experiences, alternate routes for certification are

available STRUCTURED LITERACY ™ DYSLEXIA SPECIALIST For professionals providing targeted reading instruction and support to individuals and small groups of students with complex reading and writing profiles. These professionals have completed extensive supervised practicum experiences dedicated to advancing the literacy profiles of students with Specific Learning Disabilities, including dyslexia. Cost to apply - $150.00 for 1 year / $450.00 for 3 years Minimum degree required – BA/BS Must have passing KPEERI score Graduation from an IDA accredited program or college/university. Professionals certified by IMSLEC, ALTA, AOGPE, NILD, WILSON, YOGA For professionals with other training experiences, alternate routes for certification are

available

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STRUCTURED LITERACY ™ DYSLEXIA INTERVENTIONIST – ALTERNATE ROUTE For professionals providing targeted or intensive reading intervention services to individuals and small groups of students. Students typically have a primary need for decoding strand instruction. Cost to apply - $125 for 1 year / $375 for 3 years Portfolio review fee - $150 Application requirements – see full requirements HERE

Description of Required File

Alternate Route Application KPEERI Exam Personal Statement Proof of BA / BS Degree Resume Two (2) Letters of Support from Colleague

Both letters must be dated within one year of application and written and signed by supporter that is certified at an equal or higher designation as applicant.

Writer must present/note credentials. Letter of Support from Student or Parent Case Study (one student) Case study must document dates served, pre/post assessment data, no more than

10 pages

STRUCTURED LITERACY ™ DYSLEXIA SPECIALIST – ALTERNATE ROUTE For professionals providing targeted reading instruction and support to individual and small groups of students with complex reading and writing profiles. These professionals have completed extensive supervised practicum experiences dedicated to advancing the literacy profiles of students with Specific Learning Disabilities, including dyslexia. Cost to apply - $150 for 1 year / $450 for 3 years Portfolio review fee - $150 Application requirements – see full requirements HERE

Description of Required File Alternate Route Application KPEERI Exam Personal Statement Proof of BA / BS Degree Resume Two (2) Letters of Support from Colleague

Both letters must be dated within one year of application and written and signed by supporter that is certified at an equal or higher designation as applicant.

Writer must present/note credentials. Letter of Support from Student or Parent Case Studies (3 students) Each case study must document dates served, pre/post assessment data, no more

than 10 pages.

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GENERAL DELIVERY GUIDELINES FOR INITIAL CERI CERTIFICATION APPLICATION Upon approval of application all certificate holders will be emailed an electronic version of their certificate. If certificate holder requires a live copy of the certificate, certificate holder must go to https://effectivereading.org/online-forms/purchase-live-certificate/ and purchase a live copy of certificate. Certificate will be mailed via USPS within 30 days. THERE IS NO RUSH OR EXPEDITED OPTION AVAILBLE. Certificates must be purchased via the CERI website. No phone calls or emails will be accepted. CERI IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR RETURNED CERTIFICATE DUE TO APPLICANT DATA ENTRY ERROR. If certificate is returned, certificate holder will be notified via email and either an electronic version can be emailed, or another live certificate must be purchased from the effectivereading.org website. The fee for a live certificate is $15 each for processing and shipping. If live certificate is requested prior to approval of certification application, live certificate will be mailed up to 30 days after electronic certificate is distributed.

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RENEWAL GUIDELINES

GENERAL RENEWAL GUIDELINES Renewal applications are accepted via postal mail or online at effectivereading.org unless

otherwise agreed by CERI Staff.

Applications will be reviewed, approved, or denied within 6 weeks of completed application. A completed application includes:

o Completed CERI certification application o All required supporting documentation o Cleared payment

UPGRADED CERTIFICATION GUIDELINES If renewal applicant is seeking an upgraded certification, an Upgraded Renewal Application must be submitted. Do not submit a renewal application. No refunds are issued. An upgraded application must be accompanied by: Current CERI Certificate

Proof of additional practicum or credentials

GENERAL PAYMENT GUIDELINES FOR CERTIFICATION RENEWAL Online renewals must be submitted with an online payment of credit card or debit card.

Mailed renewals must include a check or money order made out to “The Center for Effective

Reading Instruction” or “CERI.” CERI will notify the applicant via email if the fee is missing from the renewal application. If a new form of payment is not remitted within ten business days, the renewal will be denied due to incomplete file. The fee is $30 for a returned check and must be remitted within ten business days. After 2 returned checks, applicant/certificate holder will be required to conduct future transactions electronically. Once the check clears, the certificate will be reviewed and issued to the applicant. Please allow up to 6 weeks from the date the check has cleared.

No refunds will be issued for incorrectly submitted renewal. Although no refunds will be issued,

CERI will allow for applicant to submit additional supporting documents up to 2 times after the initial renewal is submitted in order to fulfill the requirements of the application.

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GUIDELINES FOR SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS FOR CERTIFICATION RENEWAL For proof of program CEU completion, a valid certificate of attendance (COA) must be submitted. Applicants name, name of training, hosting organization, date, and number of clock hours must be clearly noted on the COA. It is the applicant’s responsibility to obtain and maintain all documentation to support the renewal.

Acceptable CEUs include those from IDA as well as non-IDA entities. Structured Literacy ™ CEUs may be obtained at IDAs on demand portal at http://bit.ly/CERIIDACEU. IDA CEUs can be submitted without completion of the CERI CEU log. Local IDA Branch trainings or IDA conferences are also acceptable. For CEUs acquired from non-IDA sources, they must be submitted with a completed CERI CEU log. The CEU log should be completed by comparing the standards of the Knowledge and Practice Standards (KPS) for Teachers of Reading (found at http://bit.ly/IDAKPS ). CEU experience must be in alignment with at least one KPS standard.

In addition, graduate courses are acceptable CEUs. One (1) graduate course satisfies the full 10 clock hours required for renewal. Please submit report card/transcripts and course syllabus/description (obtainable in program manual) as documentation. Graduate courses from an IDA accredited university does not require the completion of the CEU log. Non-IDA accredited university credits should be submitted with the CERI CEU log.

Any submitted files must be legible for review and evaluation. COAs must be dated within the time of the certification (calendar year). If the certification is for 3 years, CEUs must be acquired 10 hours per year to total 30 clock hours.

Correct renewal application must be complete. If incorrect renewal application is submitted, CERI will process renewal and approve consistent with the application and supporting documents submitted.

Acceptable files for supporting documents include Photograph (jpg, png, gif) and PDF. All supported documents should be uploaded directly with on-line applications. If there are issues uploading the applicants file(s). Applicant will be notified via email and must resubmit documents via email to CERI Staff within 10 business days.

All supporting documents should be included with mailed applications. If there are documents that are missing or insufficient, applicant will be notified via email and must resubmit documents via email or postal mail to CERI Staff within 10 business days. If applicant requires additional time to gather required documents, CERI will allow one (1) extension of an additional 5 days. Applicant must request extension directly via email at info@effectivereading.org.

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If supporting documents are being mailed, they must be post marked within 10 business

days of initial notification of required resubmission. If applicant requires additional time to gather required documents, CERI will allow one (1) extension of an additional 5 days. Applicant must request extension directly via email. Documentation must be post marked by said date.

If applicant is applying for a 3-year renewal for the first time, applicant is required to submit 10 CEU clock hours at time of initial renewal. 30 clock hours must be submitted when 3- year certification is scheduled to renew.

GENERAL DELIVERY GUIDELINES FOR CERTIFICATION RENEWAL Upon approval of application all certificate holders will be emailed an electronic version of their certificate. If certificate holder requires a live copy of the certificate, certificate holder must go to https://effectivereading.org/online-forms/purchase-live-certificate/ and purchase a live copy of certificate. Certificate will be mailed via USPS within 30 business days. THERE IS NO RUSH OR EXPEDITED OPTION AVAILBLE. Certificates must be purchased via the CERI website. No phone calls or emails will be accepted. CERI IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR RETURNED CERTIFICATE DUE TO APPLICANT DATA ENTRY ERROR. If certificate is returned, certificate holder will be notified via email. Either an electronic version can be emailed, or another live certificate must be purchased from the effectivereading.org website. The fee for a live certificate is $15 each for processing and shipping.

HOW TO DISPLAY YOUR CREDENTIALS

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Having a standard way of displaying your CERI credentials ensures that everyone, including teachers, administrators, parents, etc., understands the significance and value of credentials. National certification, which is awarded through accredited certifying bodies such as the Center for Effective Reading Instruction (CERI), includes Structured Literacy™ Classroom Teach (C-SLT), Structured Literacy ™ Dyslexia Interventionist (C-SLDI) and Structured Literacy ™ Dyslexia Specialist (C-SLDS).

THE CENTER FOR EFFECTIVE READING INSTRUCTION (CERI ) SEEKS TO

FURTHER EVIDENCE-BASED APPROACHES TO READING AND LEARNING SO

THAT ALL STUDENTS ACQUIRE THE HIGHEST LEVELS OF LITERACY AND

THRIVE.

CERI FULFILLS ITS MISSION BY OFFERING CERTIFICATION TO TEACHERS AND

READING INTERVENTIONISTS THAT AFFIRMS THEI R KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

IN TEACHING LITERACY USING A STRUCTURED APPROACH TO LANGUAGE

VISION CERI LOOKS FORWARD TO BEING THE CATALYST TO ASSIST

TEACHERS IN MEETING THE NEEDS OF AT - R ISK CHI LDREN AND THOSE

WITH READING DISABILITIES SUCH AS DYSLEXIA.

4 0 Y O R K R O A D - 4 T H F L O O RT O W S O N , M A R Y L A N D

EFFECTIVEREADING.ORGINFO@EFFECTIVEREADING.ORG

The Center for Effective Reading Instruction is the subsidiary of The International Dyslexia Association