Summary
The International Dyslexia Association's Knowledge and Practice Standards for Teachers of Reading can be used by literacy educators to identify areas for professional growth. The Standards are divided into five overarching areas, each with several sub standards. Educators can use these standards to self-evaluate their knowledge and skills, and to find professional learning opportunities that are aligned with their specific needs.
By Danielle Hakeman, Literacy Consultant & Dyslexia Specialist
As literacy educators, it is not uncommon to discover that previously held beliefs about teaching reading and writing lack scientific backing. It seems that the more we learn about how children learn to read and write, the more we realize that there is still much to learn. This can make it difficult to know what information and resources we need, or what questions we should ask. How can we as educators determine the necessary professional learning opportunities when we simply don’t know what we don’t know?
Fortunately, in 2010, The International Dyslexia Association established “The Knowledge and Practice Standards for Teachers of Reading.” These standards delineate the fundamental knowledge and skills required for effective teaching of reading and writing. The standards are based on the interdisciplinary research known as “The Science of Reading.” These standards are applicable to all reading teachers across grade levels, not limited to those working with students with dyslexia.
There are five overarching Standards, each with several sub standards to provide guidance for learning. The initial pages of provide background information on the development of the Standards and an overview of the content. The document also contains examples of each substandard.
Educators can utilize these standards to self-evaluate their current knowledge and skills. They can also use the standards to search for learning opportunities that may support their areas of growth. Central Rivers aligns its literacy learning opportunities directly with these specific sub standards. Contact a Central Rivers Literacy Consultant to assist in connecting growth areas to learning opportunities!
Resource: The Knowledge and Practice Standards for Teachers of Reading