The Region 4 Dyslexia Team supports educators with all aspects of dyslexia as outlined in the Texas Dyslexia Handbook. Our expert team offers training to prepare Providers of Dyslexia Instruction (PDI) for program delivery or through an advanced certification pathway. In addition to the variety of sessions to build capacity with PDIs, there are other professional learning opportunities related to dyslexia provided through open enrollment sessions, instructional coaching, and customized staff development.

Become Certified through the Reading by Design® Structured Literacy Certification Program

 The Reading by Design® Structured Literacy Certification Program is an International Dyslexia Association (IDA) Accredited Program, ensuring that completers have engaged in a rigorous, standards-based preparation aligned with the Knowledge and Practice Standards (KPS) for Teachers of Reading. Region 4 is proud to offer two structured literacy certification options to support educators in meeting the needs of students with dyslexia.

   

Advance your career and expand your expertise through one of the following certification tracks:

Certified Structured Literacy Dyslexia Specialist (C-SLDS)

Available only to those who have completed the C-SLDI pathway in Year 1, this advanced certification option deepens participants’ understanding of structured literacy instruction and further develops leadership skills in the field of dyslexia support.

 

Certified Structured Literacy Dyslexia Interventionist (C-SLDI)

Designed for educators seeking to build foundational dyslexia intervention skills, this pathway prepares participants to implement structured literacy with fidelity and aligns with the expectations set forth in The Dyslexia Handbook by the Texas Education Agency.

  • Stay tuned for the next application window!

Upon successful completion of all requirements established by the Center for Effective Reading Instruction (CERI), participants in either pathway are eligible to take the Knowledge and Practice Examination for Effective Reading Instruction (KPEERI). Passing the KPEERI exam leads to certification through CERI.

Both the C-SLDI and C-SLDS certifications are included in the Texas Education Agency’s The Dyslexia Handbook. For more details, refer to the 2024 update.

According to CERI, “CERI Certification will give you the opportunity to advance your teaching career and affirm your knowledge and skills in teaching literacy using a structured approach to language. Demonstrate your commitment to teaching with the most progressive certification in the profession.”
Please note: The final determination for the issuance of certificates is held solely by CERI. For additional details, visit EffectiveReading.org.
Download a flyer of this information here.

SLDI Certification Program

The Reading by Design® Certification Program application window is closed.

Check back soon for our next opportunity to join.

 

SLDS Certification Program

The Reading by Design® SLDS Certification Program application window is open!

The application window will close on June 2, 2025.

Submit Application

 

 

Below are details about participant requirements as well as the program study and practicum requirements cohort participants will be responsible for within this program.

For more information, contact RbDCP@esc4.net.

 

Structured Literacy Specialist Requirements

Submit Application

Minimum Degree Required Bachelor’s Degree
Program of Study Requirement Minimum 135 training hours:

  • 45 Hours: focus on the Knowledge and Practice Standards (KPS) for Teachers of Reading,
  • 45 Hours: focus on assessment, progress monitoring, lesson planning, and lesson delivery associated with decoding-strand skills (including phonological awareness, phonics, and fluency)
  • 45 hours: focus on assessment, progress monitoring, lesson planning, lesson delivery associated with comprehension and writing-strand skills (including both vocabulary, comprehension, written expression, written response)​
Practicum Requirement  Year One:

  • See Program Requirements for Structured Literacy Dyslexia Interventionist

​Year Two:

  • Three heterogeneous students (one student completed during year one). SEE STUDENT PROFILE REQUIREMENTS BELOW.
  • Minimum EACH Student:
    • Two Academic Semesters, each Academic Semester must be:
      • 12 Consecutive Weeks (TOTAL of at least 24 weeks per student)
      • 24 Sessions (TOTAL of at least 48 sessions per student)
      • 2x/week for 60 minutes non-consecutive days or 3x/week for 45 minutes
      • 3 Formal Lesson Observations/Conferences with Write-Up
  • Student Profile Requirements:
    • At least one student must require intervention with single-syllable word reading.
    • At least one student must require intervention with multi-syllable word reading.
    • At least one student must require vocabulary, comprehension, or written response instruction.
    • At least one student must be in elementary school.
    • At least one student must be in middle/high school (or an adult).

(Note: CERI certified Structured Literacy/Dyslexia Interventionists will receive credit for one student.  Individuals not holding a CERI certification will need to engage three students.)
Exam Requirement Passing score on KPEERI

 

 

Structured Literacy Interventionist Requirements

Submit Application

Minimum Degree Required Bachelor’s Degree
Program of Study Requirement Minimum 90 training hours:

  • 45 Hours: focus on the Knowledge and Practice Standards (KPS) for Teachers of Reading, and
  • 45 Hours: focus on assessment, progress monitoring, lesson planning, and lesson delivery associated with decoding-strand skills (including phonological awareness, phonics, and fluency)
  • View the Cohort Course List linked below for a breakdown of the hours of study.
Practicum Requirement
  • Provide intervention with Reading by Design® 4–5 days per week for 45 minutes per day with a group of 2–5 students for a minimum of 48 sessions in the 13-month period.
  • Obtain a passing score on Practicum Portfolio per rubric. This portfolio will consist of three write-ups of three recorded Reading by Design® sessions by the candidate. It will also include formal observation and conference notes by the cohort leader for each session.
Exam Requirement Passing score on KPEERI

 

 

Reading by Design® Structured Literacy Interventionist Program
Enrollment Costs—$3,700 or $4,500.
  • Download PDF document for pricing details here
CERI Application Fee—$290, which includes—
  • $125 (1 year certification)
  • $165 KPEERI Exam ($150 exam fee and $15 registration fee)
Reading by Design® Structured Literacy Specialist Program
  • Enrollment Costs—$1,200
CERI Application Fee—$315, which includes—
  • $150 (1 year certification)
  • $165 KPEERI Exam ($150 exam fee and $15 registration fee)

For more information, contact RbDCP@esc4.net.

Are you interested in learning more about the Reading by Design® Structured Literacy Certification Program directly from our specialists? You will have the opportunity to ask questions and hear about all of the benefits of this exciting certification opportunity.

For more information, contact RbDCP@esc4.net.

Certified Structured Literacy Interventionist

This informational meeting is for persons interesting in applying for the Reading by Design Certification Pathway through Region 4 Education Service Center. This program is accredited by the International Dyslexia Association and leads to obtaining a Certified Structured Literacy Dyslexia Interventionist (C-SLDI) certification.

 

Meeting date TBA

Certified Structured Literacy Dyslexia Specialist

This informational meeting is for persons interesting in applying for the Reading by Design Certification Pathway through Region 4 Education Service Center. This program is accredited by the International Dyslexia Association and leads to obtaining a Certified Structured Literacy Dyslexia Specialist (C-SLDS) certification.

 

Meeting date TBA

Download the Reading by Design FAQs Document