- The only university in Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education to receive the IDA accreditation;
- The only public university and one of only seven institutions in Pennsylvania with this recognition for reading programs at the graduate level;
- Just the fifth undergraduate program in the nation to be accredited by IDA.
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PennWest education programs earn prestigious accreditation from the International Dyslexia Association
Pennsylvania Western University’s Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood and Elementary Education and Master of Science in Education: Reading Specialist programs have earned accreditation from the International Dyslexia Association — a distinction that sets PennWest apart as a leader in literacy education.
This achievement places PennWest in elite company. PennWest is:
The IDA’s rigorous accreditation process evaluates university programs based on their alignment with the Knowledge and Practice Standards for Teachers of Reading, ensuring that future educators are prepared to support students with dyslexia and other reading challenges.
Dr. Kristin Webber, who led the year-long accreditation process, praised the collaborative efforts of PennWest’s reading team: Dr. Diane Fine, Professor Vanessa Boryenace, and Dr. Michelle Kimmy.
“This is a transformative moment for our programs and our students,” Webber said. “This recognition affirms our commitment to high-quality literacy instruction and positions PennWest as a national leader in evidence-based reading education.”
PennWest’s School of Education is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), which promotes excellence in educator preparation through quality assurance and continuous improvement.