Bay Path University earns accreditation from International Dyslexia Association (IDA)
Longmeadow, MA—Bay Path University’s graduate program in Reading and Literacy Instruction has earned accreditation from the International Dyslexia Association. With the accreditation, Bay Path becomes one of only 20 programs in the country that have been recognized by the International Dyslexia Association for its rigor in study and practicum experiences in aligning with the International Dyslexia’s Association’s Knowledge and Practice Standards for Teachers of Reading.
The IDA standards focus on scientifically structured literacy and evidence-based practices. BPU’s five programs in reading and literacy instruction emphasize the need for teachers to be deeply prepared in the structure of language, including the speech sound system, the writing system, the structure of sentences, the meaningful parts of words, meaning relationships among words and their referents, and the organization of spoken and written discourse.
Courses address content areas of phonology, phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, morphology, semantics, comprehension, oral language, spelling, orthography, writing, literacy planning, and assessment.
“There are millions of children across the country who are missing out on crucial learning and developmental experiences,” says Dr. Ellen Rustico, Interim Dean of Bay Path’s School of Education, Psychology & Humanities. “Bay Path’s program was created to provide focused, specialized training that prepares licensed educators to help children for whom reading, and by default, so much of school, is an ongoing challenge. This is ultimately a program that changes lives.”
The application authors Janet Stratton, Program Director and Phyllis Hakeem, Faculty, concur. “In addition to the rigorous online coursework, the program currently offers two practicum experiences. The first is our Orton-Gillingham Approach that follows the guidelines and criteria set forth by the Orton Gillingham Academy. The second is the Massachusetts reading specialist licensure practicum that requires that candidates meet
the criteria set forth by DESE (Department of Elementary and Secondary Education) under the supervision of a BPU Practicum Supervisor.”
They concluded, “Our programs of study and practicum offerings afford our students the expertise so needed at this time.”
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About Bay Path University
Bay Path University was founded in 1897. Bay Path’s enrolled population of over 3,000 includes traditional undergraduates; adult women at The American Women's College, the first all-women, all-online accredited degree program in the country; and women and men master’s and doctoral students. Bay Path’s goal is to give students confidence in the fundamentals of their chosen field, the curiosity to question the ordinary, the leadership to show initiative, and the desire to make a difference.