Structured Literacy Educator (SLE) Certificate
The International Dyslexia Association’s Structured Literacy Educator (SLE) Certificate recognizes individuals who demonstrate knowledge of structured literacy through successful completion of the Knowledge and Practice Examination for Effective Reading Instruction (KPEERI). Grounded in IDA’s Knowledge and Practice Standards, the SLE Certificate reflects knowledge of the foundational concepts, instructional practices, and professional and ethical principles that support effective reading instruction.
The SLE Certificate is designed for a broad range of educators and professionals who want to demonstrate their knowledge of structured literacy. Whether working in a classroom, providing reading support, leading instructional efforts, or contributing to literacy initiatives, individuals can use the SLE Certificate to demonstrate their knowledge of effective, evidence-based reading instruction. The certificate is not limited to a specific professional role or educational setting.
The SLE Certificate is also designed to complement, rather than replace, role-specific credentialing pathways. Individuals seeking additional credentials for specific roles, such as classroom teachers, interventionists, or specialists, may choose to pursue those pathways through CERI or other appropriate credentialing organizations. Requirements for licensure and professional practice vary by state and employer, and individuals should consult the appropriate authority regarding specific requirements.
For more information about the Structured Literacy Educator (SLE) Certificate, please peruse the KPEERI Handbook or contact IDA at [email protected].
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Structured Literacy Educator (SLE) Certificate?
The Structured Literacy Educator (SLE) Certificate is an IDA credential that recognizes individuals who demonstrate knowledge of structured literacy through successful completion of the Knowledge and Practice Examination for Effective Reading Instruction (KPEERI). The SLE is grounded in IDA’s Knowledge and Practice Standards and recognizes knowledge of the foundational concepts, instructional practices, and professional and ethical principles that support effective reading instruction.
Who is the SLE Certificate for?
The SLE Certificate is designed for a broad range of educators and professionals who want to demonstrate their knowledge of structured literacy and effective reading instruction. It is not limited to a specific professional role, grade level, or educational setting.
How do I earn the SLE Certificate?
The SLE Certificate is earned by successfully passing the KPEERI. Once an individual successfully passes the examination, the SLE Certificate is issued by IDA. There is no separate SLE application or additional certificate fee.
Accessing Your SLE Certificate
Individuals who successfully pass the KPEERI are eligible to receive the IDA Structured Literacy Educator (SLE) Certificate. No separate SLE application is required.
Please note that your certificate will not be available immediately after you complete the exam. While candidates receive their KPEERI results following the exam, official KPEERI results are processed on a monthly reporting cycle, with results from each testing month finalized during the following month. Please allow approximately 4–6 weeks after your exam for your SLE Certificate to become available.
Once your certificate is available, it can be accessed through an IDA account. Some individuals may need to create an IDA account before they can access their certificate. If more than six weeks have passed since you successfully completed the KPEERI, or if you need assistance creating an IDA account, accessing your account portal, or locating and downloading your SLE Certificate, please contact the IDA Membership team at [email protected]
How much does it cost?
The KPEERI examination fee is $165. Individuals who successfully pass the examination will receive the SLE Certificate at no additional cost.
What is the KPEERI?
The Knowledge and Practice Examination for Effective Reading Instruction (KPEERI) is a standardized examination that assesses knowledge related to literacy development, literacy difficulties, and structured literacy-based educational practices and principles. The examination is based on IDA’s Knowledge and Practice Standards. The KPEERI consists of 110 multiple-choice questions, including scored and pretest questions.
What does the SLE Certificate demonstrate?
The SLE Certificate recognizes knowledge demonstrated through successfully passing the KPEERI. It reflects knowledge in areas including foundational concepts, structured literacy planning and teaching, and professional and ethical standards.
Is the SLE Certificate role-specific?
No. The SLE Certificate is intentionally not role-specific. It recognizes knowledge of structured literacy and effective reading instruction across a broad range of educators and professional settings.
Do I need to be a classroom teacher to earn the SLE Certificate?
No. The SLE Certificate is not limited to classroom teachers. Educators and professionals in a variety of roles may choose to demonstrate their knowledge of structured literacy by successfully completing the KPEERI.
Do I need a specific degree or training program to earn the SLE Certificate?
The SLE Certificate is based on successful completion of the KPEERI. Individuals should review the current KPEERI eligibility and examination requirements before applying. IDA also provides resources and learning opportunities related to structured literacy and the Knowledge and Practice Standards.
Does the SLE Certificate replace CERI credentials?
No. The SLE Certificate and CERI’s role-specific credentials serve different purposes. The SLE recognizes knowledge demonstrated through successful completion of the KPEERI, while individuals seeking additional role-specific credentials for classroom teaching, intervention, or specialist practice may choose to pursue those pathways through CERI or another appropriate credentialing organization.
Do I need a CERI credential if I have the SLE Certificate?
Not necessarily. The SLE Certificate is not a prerequisite for, or a replacement for, CERI’s role-specific credentials. Individuals should consider their professional role, goals, and any applicable employer or state requirements when determining whether an additional credential is appropriate.
Does the SLE Certificate provide state licensure?
No. The SLE Certificate does not, by itself, grant state licensure or authorization to practice in a particular professional role. Requirements vary by state, employer, and professional setting. In some states, the SLE or successful completion of the KPEERI may be recognized or used toward licensure, endorsement, continuing education, or other professional requirements. Individuals should consult their state licensing authority, employer, or other appropriate authority to determine applicable requirements.
I have already passed the KPEERI. Can I receive the SLE Certificate?
Yes. Individuals who previously passed the KPEERI may be eligible to receive the SLE Certificate under IDA’s transition and grandfathering process. Additional information will be provided directly to eligible individuals.
What happens if I do not pass the KPEERI?
Individuals who do not pass the KPEERI may reapply to take the examination after the required waiting period. The current waiting period is 30 days.
Where can I learn more or apply for the KPEERI?
For more information about the KPEERI and the Structured Literacy Educator (SLE) Certificate, please contact the International Dyslexia Association at [email protected]