From Knowledge to Impact: Why Certification Is Essential in Dyslexia Support

When your child struggles with reading, finding the right support can feel overwhelming. You want to be sure the professional helping your child truly understands dyslexia and knows how to teach reading in a way that works. Certification matters because it shows that a dyslexia professional has received the proper training to provide effective, evidence-based instruction. This post will help you understand why certification is key, what questions to ask, and how to recognize quality dyslexia instruction.

Teacher using multisensory reading tools in classroom

Why Certification Matters for Dyslexia Instruction

Dyslexia is a specific learning difference that affects how students process language. To help students with dyslexia, instruction must be explicit, systematic, multisensory, cumulative, and diagnostic. This means teaching reading skills step-by-step, using multiple senses like sight, sound and touch, building on what the student already knows, and constantly checking progress to adjust teaching.

Certification shows that a professional has been trained in these methods. It tells you they understand how to:

• Break down reading into manageable parts

• Teach sound-symbol relationships clearly

• Use data to guide instruction and make changes when needed

  
  

Without this training, even experienced teachers might not use the best approaches for students with dyslexia. Credentials give you confidence that the professional knows how to deliver instruction that matches the science of reading.

What to Ask When Choosing a Dyslexia Professional

When you meet with a potential tutor, teacher, or therapist, asking the right questions helps you find someone qualified to support your child’s reading growth. Here are some important questions to guide your conversation:

• What specific training do you have in structured literacy or dyslexia intervention curriculums?

You deserve to know where a professional learned to teach students with dyslexia. High-quality training is not generic teacher prep or a short workshop. It is intensive, systematic, and rooted in the science of reading.

Look for training from recognized programs, such as Take Flight, developed through Scottish Rite Hospital for Children. Programs like this emphasize explicit, systematic instruction in phonology, decoding, spelling, and written language, the core areas students with dyslexia need.

What you can expect to hear:

"I completed rigorous training using the Take Flight program, developed by Scottish Rite Hospital for Children. Through this training, I learned how to implement the program with fidelity for students with a wide range of learning profiles, as well as how the brain learns to read and evidence-based best practices for supporting students with dyslexia."

• Are you certified by a recognized dyslexia or language therapy organization?

Certification matters because it shows that a professional has met established standards, not just completed a course. Organizations such as Academic Language Therapy Association (ALTA) and the International Dyslexia Association(IDA) require rigorous training, supervised practice, and ongoing professional development. Certification should come from passing an exam and /or completing a portfolio.

What you can expect to hear:

"I am certified through the Academic Language Therapy Association (ALTA), a professional organization that holds its members to high standards. Certification through ALTA requires in-depth training in a structured literacy program as well as ongoing professional development. I hold the credential of Certified Academic Language Therapist (CALT), which requires a masters degree and passing of ALTA's national board examination. My credentials can be viewed publicly through the ALTA Read website."

• How many instructional hours and supervised practicum hours have you completed?

This question gets to the heart of real expertise. Practicum hours mean the professional didn’t just study theory, they applied it while working with students under supervision. Quality programs often require hundreds of hours (commonly 100–700) before independent practice.

What you can expect to hear:

"Through my practicum experience, I completed over 200 hours of instruction under a Qualified Instructor (QI), the highest credential awarded by ALTA, which credentials individuals to teach structured literacy courses. In addition, I completed more than 700 supervised practicum hours working with at least three different student groups. My work included a minimum of ten observed teaching demonstrations, all of which received passing evaluations."

• How long have you been teaching students with dyslexia?

Experience matters, but only when it’s built on strong training. Parents should feel confident that the professional has worked with many students and understands the wide range of dyslexia profiles.

What you can expect to hear:

"I have been in education for many years, with at least two years of focused experience working with students with dyslexia. I have worked with learners ranging from early elementary through young adulthood, which has given me first-hand experience with a variety of dyslexia profiles. This experience allows me to respond effectively and adapt instruction to meet each student’s unique learning needs."

• Do you receive ongoing professional development in reading science or dyslexia support?

Dyslexia research continues to evolve. Effective professionals stay current with research on phonological processing, morphology, fluency, and comprehension.

What you can expect to hear:

"Through my professional organization, ALTA, I am required to complete at least 10 continuing education credits each year focused on structured literacy and dyslexia to maintain membership. ALTA also hosts a national conference every year, giving members the chance to learn from leading experts, and offers monthly webinars so we can continue to grow and stay current with the latest research and best practices."

• What instructional approach do you use, and is it evidence-based for dyslexia?

You should listen for structured literacy: explicit, systematic, cumulative, and diagnostic instruction that addresses phonology, sound-symbol relationships, syllable patterns, morphology, syntax, and semantics.

What you can expect to hear:

"Instruction is sequential, moving from simple skills to more complex ones to ensure students build a solid foundation and strong procedural knowledge. New concepts are introduced using a multisensory, systematic approach that engages the visual, auditory, and kinesthetic-tactile pathways of the brain, following consistent procedures and language. Instruction is cumulative, with regular review to reinforce retention and mastery of skills."

• How do you assess progress and adjust instruction?

Effective dyslexia intervention is responsive. Instruction should be guided by frequent assessment, not guesswork, and adjusted based on how the child responds.

What you can expect to hear:

"Throughout the process, I use diagnostic teaching to monitor progress and adjust instruction to meet each student’s individual needs. I also conduct periodic progress monitoring, assessing skills such as phonological awareness, decoding, encoding, and reading fluency. This data keeps you informed about your child’s progress and helps me guide instruction to identify areas that need ongoing reinforcement."

• How do you communicate with parents about progress?

You should never feel in the dark. Clear, consistent communication builds trust and helps families support learning at home.

What you can expect to hear:

"I communicate with families in multiple ways to keep you informed and involved. You will receive weekly emails outlining the lessons we are working on and suggestions for at-home practice to reinforce skills. Written reports of completed assessments are also provided. In addition, I am available by phone or text to answer questions or provide updates whenever needed."

• What does a typical session look like and include?

A well-structured session is intentional and predictable, not random. You should expect a balance of review, new instruction, guided practice, and cumulative reinforcement. It is also important that sessions are being held consistently throughout the week.

What you can expect to hear:

"Sessions are conducted for one hour, a minimum of three days per week, to ensure consistent learning and retention of skills. Lessons are primarily student-centered, with brief, explicitly taught concepts followed by guided practice before students work independently. Throughout the week, students can expect to practice skills in alphabet knowledge, reading, spelling, phonological awareness, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension."

What Certification Looks Like in Practice

Certification programs focus on teaching professionals how to deliver structured literacy instruction. Certified dyslexia professionals often complete:

• Intensive coursework on reading science and dyslexia

• Supervised practicum hours working directly with students

• Ongoing training to stay current with research

  
  

This training ensures they can break down complex reading skills into clear, manageable lessons. They also learn to use data from assessments and observations to tailor instruction for each student’s unique needs.

Why Experience Alone Is Not Enough

You might meet a tutor with years of teaching experience but no formal training in dyslexia instruction. While experience is valuable, it does not guarantee the use of evidence-based methods. Without certification, a professional might rely on guesswork or outdated techniques that do not help students with dyslexia succeed.

Certification shows how that experience was built. It confirms the professional has learned the right methods and practiced them under supervision. This foundation is critical for effective dyslexia instruction.

Structured literacy lesson plan with multisensory materials

What Credentialing Organization Should You Look For?

There are several certifying organizations for dyslexia professionals, but not all uphold the same standards or expectations for those they credential. The Academic Language Therapy Association (ALTA) is the oldest credentialing organization for dyslexia professionals and certifies members at the national level.

ALTA is widely recognized for maintaining some of the highest standards in educational practice, professional preparation, and ethical conduct. The organization is committed to the early identification of written-language disorders, including dyslexia, through the diagnostic and prescriptive application of Multisensory Structured Language Education (MSLE).

ALTA offers two primary credentials: Certified Academic Language Therapist (CALT) and Certified Academic Language Practitioner (CALP). Both certifications require rigorous coursework, extensive supervised practicum experience, and successful completion of a comprehensive national examination. These credentials are earned, not given, and reflect a deep commitment to excellence in dyslexia intervention and professional practice.

What is a CALT & CALP?

An ALTA credential signifies that an individual has received the gold standard in dyslexia instruction and intervention.

A Certified Academic Language Therapist (CALT) has completed over 200 hours of graduate-level instruction and 700+ hours of supervised practicum experience. The CALT credential represents the highest level of training available from any dyslexia training organization and typically takes several years to achieve. CALTs also hold a master’s degree and are qualified to make therapeutic and diagnostic decisions for students with written-language disorders.

A Certified Academic Language Practitioner (CALP) also possesses a high level of training, including 45+ hours of graduate instruction and 60 hours of supervised practicum. CALPs hold, at a minimum, a bachelor’s degree and are equipped to provide intensive intervention to support students with dyslexia.

How to Support Your Child’s Success

As a parent, you play a key role in your child’s reading journey. Knowing what certification means and asking the right questions helps you find a professional who can provide the best support. Here are some tips:

• Request proof of certification and training before starting sessions.

• Ask about the professional’s approach and how it fits your child’s needs.

• Stay involved by asking for regular progress updates.

• Watch for signs that instruction is explicit and systematic, not just casual reading help.

• Trust your instincts if something doesn’t feel right or if progress is not evident.

  
  

Finding a certified dyslexia professional is an investment in your child’s future. It ensures they receive instruction based on the science of reading, increasing their chances of success.

If you are a professional or parent interested in pursuing training that includes supervised practicum experience at the dyslexia therapist level, or if you are seeking support from a certified dyslexia therapist, please reach out to Learning Solutions. You can inquire by email at learningsolutionsmsl@gmail.com or learn more by visiting www.learningsolutionsmsl.com.