Frequently Asked Questions
Webpage Links
Helpful Terminology
- Reading by Design (RbD)
- Center for Effective Reading Instruction (CERI)
- International Dyslexia Association (IDA)
- Knowledge and Practice Examination for Effective Reading Instruction (KPEERI)
- Structured Literacy Dyslexia Interventionist (SLDI)
- Structured Literacy Dyslexia Specialist (SLDS)
General Questions
Will you be offering another information session?
We have meetings prior to each cohort. Please check our website for Information Meeting dates.
Comparing the Region 4 program to other programs, is there a difference between an SLD Interventionist and an SLD Specialist?
See the CERI website for information on the different IDA certifications: https://effectivereading.org/ceri-certifications/.
What if we only have 30-minute classes instead of 45? Is there any flexibility with the minutes per day or group size requirements?
Those criteria are set by the accrediting body. You will need to have a group with 45 minutes to meet this CERI requirement.
Is there a benefit to being certified for the teachers beyond just being better at what they do and better teachers for their students?
The 5-day course provides the mechanics of the program. This is a national certification indicating deep study into Structured Literacy processes on which all dyslexia intervention programs are based.
Also, the Texas Education Code §29.0031(b) provides guidance for who should be included in multidisciplinary teams and ARD committees. (See below) This certification falls under the description after (2).
TEC §29.0031(b) states this member must: (1) hold a licensed dyslexia therapist license under Chapter 403, Occupations Code; (2) hold the most advanced dyslexia-related certification issued by an association recognized by the SBOE, and identified in, or substantially similar to an association identified in, the program and rules adopted under Sections 7.102 and 38.003;
Are there any exceptions for those who took the Dyslexia Intervention Program prior to Reading by Design?
All participants must complete Reading by Design training unless they have completed the Bridge training. If you have completed the Bridge training and have worked with students in Reading by Design, you may apply using the video option.
My RbD kit belongs to the district. Do I need to have my own kit?
You do not have to have your own personal kit; however, you do need access to a kit to conduct the required lessons.
Are teachers outside Region 4 eligible?
Yes. All certified teachers are eligible.
Can you receive any program credits from completing the Reading Academy ELAR blended course?
No. The requirements for this cohort are based upon the requirements of CERI to prepare you for the KPEERI exam.
In addition to gaining deeper knowledge and expertise, does this certification program provide supplemental materials to be used in addition to group sessions?
You will receive Multisensory Teaching of Basic Language Skills by Judith Birsh and Suzanne Carreker and the Activity Book as part of the fees for the course. There will be additional materials provided as required for specific training. The cost of these materials is covered by the overall cost of the cohort.
When is the payment due for the program?
Full payment must be received ten business days prior to the first day of the Cohort.
Our district currently provides students only 90 minutes per week instead of the 4-5 days/week at 45 minutes per session using the RbD program.
Regarding the Structured Literacy Dyslexia certifications, candidates must provide a minimum of 48 sessions for 2 times/week for 60 minutes non-consecutive days or 3 times/week for 45 minutes. However, according to the Reading by Design Fidelity Statement, Reading by Design lessons should be provided 4-5 times/week for 45 minutes. Therefore, the Reading by Design Certification Program requires 4-5 times/week for 45 minutes per session. Candidates will be required to adhere to these guidelines for successful completion.
My school is requiring me to do the Reading Academy this upcoming school year. Would you recommend doing both programs at the same time?
Given the amount of time required by both programs, it would be very difficult to complete the requirements simultaneously. Consider applying for the Cohort next year.
When would this begin?
The complete list of courses and meeting dates may be located on our webpage.
Cohort meetings are after school hours, but the other trainings are during the day. Would we need our administrator’s permission to participate?
Due to the level of commitment required for this cohort, you should have your administrator’s permission to participate. You will be submitting practicum videos and completing a practicum portfolio which will require working with students.
Would you be able to use RbD in Tutoring Sessions beyond school?
Yes.
Admission to Program / Video Requirements
How many days per week?
Cohort participants must follow the Reading by Design Fidelity Statement when scheduling and meeting with students. You will need a small group of 2-5 students 4-5 days/week for a minimum of 45 minutes for 48 weeks for the Interventionist level. An additional 48 weeks are required for those working on the Specialist level.
How do you approve/deny applicants?
We will ensure that an applicant meets all the CERI requirements. If the teacher has previously completed Reading by Design training and opts to submit a video lesson, the video should demonstrate a thorough knowledge of all lesson components. If we have more applicants than we have spots available, teachers may reapply for the next cohort.
Can you explain more about the video?
The video option is for teachers who have previously trained in and successfully completed the Dyslexia Intervention Fundamentals with Reading by Design five-day course. This submission will be a 45-minute video of the teacher working with a student or a group of students to demonstrate knowledge of all lesson components. The video lesson should be from Volume 1 OR Volume 22 and should NOT be a review or mastery check lesson. Videos must include all lesson components.
When are the videos due?
Video submissions must be sent to RBDCP@esc4.net within 5 business days of a completed program application.
How many opportunities do we have to submit a video?
Only one video per application may be submitted.
Is there a time limit on the video?
Videos should be no longer than 60 minutes.
For the video submission for application, do you need to submit a whole lesson?
Yes, you must submit an entire 45-minute lesson.
Can the video be a mastery check, review lesson, or bridge lesson?
No.
Do I need to enroll in an open enrollment session?
This course is included in the cohort list of courses.
What are the prerequisites?
Applicants must be certified teachers who will be actively teaching Reading by Design.
Coursework / Cohort Requirements
Did you say classes would be during the day?
Most classes will be held during the day. Cohort meetings will be held after school over Zoom.
What time of day are the classes?
Morning: 8:30–11:30
Afternoon: 1:00–4:00
Full day: 8:30–3:30
Are all classes in person?
All classes will be virtual with the option for in-person for the final course meeting.
During the program, how many videos are required?
Three videos will be submitted during the program as part of the practicum experience.
If I have already taken RbD do I have to attend those days?
You may submit a qualifying video instead.
Can we continue with groups we are already working with?
Yes.
Certification
Once completed, can I take the CALT test?
No.
Do we have to recertify?
Yes.
Is there a yearly cost?
Yes.
How many PD hours are required?
10 hours annually.
Will this certification appear on our Texas credential?
No.
Is it the same certification through TDLR?
No.
Are certifications required to teach dyslexia?
No.