What is a Dyslexia Specialist?
- Elizabeth Graham
- Dec 30, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: Jan 1
Navigating the world of dyslexia support services can be challenging for parents and students alike. This article organizes the different types of services available so you can find the right fit for you.
Dyslexia specialists earn certification through recognized organizations dedicated to dyslexia education and support. Two of the most prominent certifying bodies are the International Dyslexia Association (IDA) and the Academic Language Therapy Association (ALTA). These organizations offer tiered certification programs that reflect a specialist’s experience, including the number of hours working directly with students and receiving instruction from qualified professionals.
In my view, ALTA offers one of the most rigorous and time-intensive certification programs. To achieve the designation of Certified Academic Language Practitioner (CALP), candidates must meet several demanding requirements: a bachelor’s degree, at least 60 practicum hours working directly with students, a minimum of 45 instructional hours under the guidance of a qualified instructor, the successful completion of five graded demonstration videos, and passing the comprehensive ALTA exam.
Specialists often utilize different curriculum in their training programs, so it is crucial to understand which curriculum and approach your specialist employs.
In my opinion, Take Flight stands out as the most effective curriculum. Rooted in the Orton-Gillingham methodology, Take Flight provides research-based reading instruction through a multimodal approach designed to address diverse learning needs. This curriculum is specifically tailored for students with dyslexia and offers a rigorous, long-term plan to strengthen neural pathways and improve reading skills. The program includes engaging activities such as auditory and visual exploration of sounds and letters, structured coding to teach reading and spelling rules, and targeted alphabet sequencing practice. These evidence-based strategies ensure comprehensive support for learners, fostering significant and lasting progress in reading proficiency.
In conclusion, earning certification as a dyslexia specialist through organizations like IDA and ALTA ensures that professionals are well-equipped to provide high-quality, evidence-based instruction to students with dyslexia. Programs such as ALTA's CALP designation reflect the rigorous training and commitment required to make a meaningful impact. Additionally, selecting an effective curriculum, such as Take Flight, can further enhance a specialist's ability to address the unique challenges of dyslexia. By combining comprehensive certification with proven methodologies, dyslexia specialists can empower students to overcome barriers and achieve lasting success in reading and learning.
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