The Institute for Multi-Sensory Education (IMSE) today announced that several of its Structured Literacy pathways and certifications have been officially reaccredited by the International Dyslexia Association (IDA), marking a significant milestone for the organization and the educators it serves.
The accredited offerings span two program types. The IMSE OG+ IDA-Accredited Course Pathway and IMSE Morphology+ IDA-Accredited Course Pathway each earned IDA Accreditation, recognizing their rigorous multi-course structure and mastery-based assessments. The IMSE OG+ Interventionist Certification and IMSE Morphology+ Specialist Certification received Accreditation Plus, IDA’s highest distinction, reserved for programs that include a supervised practicum component and prepare educators to deliver specialized instruction with fidelity.
IDA accreditation is widely recognized as the gold standard in Structured Literacy and reflects a rigorous, independent review process. Programs must demonstrate alignment with the latest research, depth of content across all components of literacy, and the ability to effectively develop and assess educator proficiency. For IMSE, this achievement underscores a critical point: Its programs are not only grounded in research but also validated by a trusted third party.
“IDA coined the term Structured Literacy, and their expectations are incredibly high,” said Laura Fischer, Chief Academic Officer at IMSE. “To have multiple pathways and certifications recognized through this process is a powerful validation of the work our team has done to ensure educators receive comprehensive, high-quality training that translates into real impact for students.”
Over the years, IDA has increased the required instructional hours for accredited programs and raised the rigor of its expectations. In response, IMSE developed accredited pathways that combine multiple courses and components of Structured Literacy, including phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension, to meet these expanded requirements. By pairing coursework with key assessments, IMSE’s accredited pathways ensure educators both develop and demonstrate mastery across all essential literacy domains.
“This accreditation signals to educators, schools, and districts that IMSE’s programs meet a very high bar for quality and effectiveness,” said Kim Collins, Director of Curriculum at IMSE. “It’s not just about what is taught, but how well educators are prepared to apply that knowledge in the classroom.”
IMSE’s certification programs received Accreditation Plus, IDA’s highest distinction, which recognizes advanced preparation for educators delivering targeted intervention and specialized instruction. These programs include supervised practicums, ensuring participants can implement Structured Literacy practices with fidelity.
“Accreditation Plus reflects the depth and rigor of our certification programs,” said Heather Manley, Director of Certification at IMSE. “Educators who complete these pathways are not only building knowledge, they are demonstrating the ability to apply it effectively to support students who need it most.”
Structured Literacy benefits all learners, and IMSE’s accredited programs are designed to reflect that breadth. The accredited course pathways support instruction across Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 settings, equipping general and special educators to meet diverse classroom needs. For students who require more intensive support, the Interventionist and Specialist certifications prepare educators to plan and deliver specialized instruction with the depth of knowledge and hands-on experience those students demand.
The accreditation also creates a more streamlined path for educators pursuing additional credentials. Because IMSE’s programs are IDA-accredited, those who complete the program can more easily apply for recognition through IDA’s affiliated certification body, the Center for Effective Reading Instruction (CERI), including the Structured Literacy Dyslexia Interventionist and Structured Literacy Dyslexia Specialist designations.
Educators interested in earning an IDA-accredited credential through IMSE can apply now. The current certification window is open through August 31. To learn more about IMSE’s IDA-accredited pathways and certification programs, visit imse.com/ida-certification.
IMSE, founded by educators for educators, is the leading provider of Structured Literacy solutions rooted in the science of reading to promote literacy. An education pioneer, IMSE has 30 years of experience applying and innovating the science of reading to empower educators through curriculum, professional learning, and personal support. IMSE's unmatched training and classroom programs enable a practical approach to teaching reading that furthers equity in literacy learning and has helped millions of students across the country achieve measurable growth. For more information about IMSE, visit imse.com.
