University of Akron recognized for excellence in preparing Ohio’s next generation of literacy teachers

Up to 20 percent of people are affected by dyslexia, and Akron's teaching programs signal a strong commitment to structured-literacy preparation

The International Dyslexia Association (IDA) has awarded Accreditation PLUS to three University of Akron (UA) teacher-preparation programs, a first-in-Ohio distinction that is held by only a small number of universities nationwide. Accreditation PLUS recognizes programs that demonstrate deep alignment to the science of reading and structured literacy, and it is uncommon for an institution to earn this level of recognition across three programs in a single review cycle.

This recognition comes at a pivotal time for literacy education. Literacy is the foundation of all learning. When children struggle to read, every subject becomes harder, confidence slips, and long-term academic and career opportunities narrow. Yet across the nation, many students enter middle school without strong reading skills, and teachers often report they were not adequately prepared to teach reading using proven, research-backed methods.

"Literacy unlocks every part of a child's education. Our graduates enter classrooms ready to use structured-literacy practices that help all young students, including those with dyslexia to become confident, capable readers. Every child deserves instruction that will help them succeed," said Rebecca Tolson, Ph.D., director of the Center for Structured Literacy at the LeBron James Family Foundation (LJFF) School of Education at UA. Tolson is also a Certified Academic Language Therapist-Qualified Instructor.

"This accreditation not only affirms the quality and integrity of our programs, but more importantly, it strengthens the experience our students receive. Our candidates will gain the knowledge and skills needed to deliver effective science of reading instruction, ultimately improving outcomes for the students they will one day serve. In addition, they will have the opportunity to graduate from the School of Education at the University of Akron as Certified Dyslexia Interventionists," said Gail Evanchan, Ph.D., associate professor in literacy education in the LJFF School of Education.

The accredited programs include:

• Primary Inclusive Teacher Preparation Program, Grades PreK - 5
• Middle Level Education Program, Grades 4 - 9
• Mild/Moderate Intervention Specialist Program, Grades K - 12

IDA's Accreditation PLUS is a rigorous endorsement that recognizes programs meeting the IDA Knowledge and Practice Standards for Teachers of Reading (KPS) and providing intensive supervised practicum experiences. These clinical experiences ensure teacher-candidates can confidently apply structured-literacy instruction in real classrooms as schools work to close longstanding reading gaps.

Why This Matters Now

• Up to one in five youth experience characteristics of language-based reading challenges like dyslexia.
• Early, evidence-based instruction dramatically improves outcomes, yet many educators enter the field without formal training in structured literacy.
• Families, schools, and communities face significant challenges when reading difficulties are not identified early, leading to costly interventions and lost potential.

The University of Akron's Accreditation PLUS achievement demonstrates a commitment to preparing teachers who understand how reading develops, how to recognize early signs of difficulty, and how to deliver instruction that works for all learners.

About IDA Accreditation PLUS
Accreditation PLUS is one of the highest recognitions issued by the International Dyslexia Association. It validates that programs provide coursework grounded in the science of reading and require hands-on practicum experiences where teacher-candidates demonstrate mastery in structured-literacy instruction. Very few institutions nationally hold multiple PLUS-level accreditations.

Related:

• LeBron James Family Foundation School of Education
• Center for Structured Literacy

Media contact: Margaret Thresher, 216-212-1782 or [email protected].