Qualified teachers in Iowa can become dyslexia specialists by completing an endorsement program coordinated through the University of Iowa Special Education program.
Educators who complete the Iowa Dyslexia Specialist Endorsement will be able to:
- identify students with characteristics of dyslexia
- administer diagnostic assessments to identify students’ areas for improvement and use assessment data to guide instruction
- implement instructional routines designed to address students’ specific skill gaps
- interpret research findings and understand their practical implications
- apply knowledge and practice standards in the Iowa core throughout the MTSS tiers and within the special education system
- support district decision-making processes for selecting instructional materials
Program Admission Requirements
- At least three years of teaching experience in a K-12 setting
- Admission to the University of Iowa as a nondegree graduate student
- Completion of the program application form with accompanying required documents
Program Deadlines
New application deadline extension: Applications for the fall 2024 cohort are due by July 26, 2024.
For complete program details including required coursework, deadlines, and instructions on how to apply, visit the University of Iowa College of Education’s Dyslexia Specialist Endorsement program page.
Scholarship Opportunities
The Iowa Reading Research Center (IRRC) will offer a $3,000 scholarship to all students enrolled in the University of Iowa’s Dyslexia Specialist Endorsement Program, to be divided across the four semesters of the program. In addition to this scholarship, the IRRC will match funding provided by the enrolled student’s school district up to $1,000. School districts interested in providing financial support to individuals enrolled in the program should contact the IRRC at irrc@uiowa.edu.
Dyslexia Specialist Endorsement Course Requirements
The table below lists required courses for the endorsement. In the Frequently Asked Questions section, there is a suggested schedule. These courses can be taken in an order that fits your schedule; however, EDTL:6172 (Advanced Reading Clinic: Practicum) needs to be taken in the final semester.
| Course | Course Title (Offered) | Semester Hours |
| EDTL:7953 | Single Subject Research Design (Fall) | 3 |
| EDTL:4980 | Dyslexia and Other Reading Difficulties (Fall) | 3 |
| EDTL:6164 | Early Literacy Development and Instruction (Fall) | 3 |
| EDTL:6171 | Advanced Reading Clinic: Techniques (Spring) | 3 |
| EDTL:3103 | Assessment and Instructional Planning (Fall, Spring) | 3 |
| EDTL:6172 | Advanced Reading Clinic: Practicum (Fall) | 3 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who Do I Contact With Questions?
A: The Dyslexia Specialist Endorsement (DSE) is offered through the Department of Teaching and Learning, Special Education Program. The DSE Coordinator is Associate Professor of Special Education, Shawn Datchuk (shawn-datchuk@uiowa.edu).
Q: Who Is This Endorsement Intended For?
A: This endorsement is intended for certified Iowa educators.
Q: Are Classes Held Virtually or In-Person?
A: The program is of a hybrid format of in-person meetings at the University of Iowa and online/remote courses. The table below demonstrates an example coursework schedule. However, students will work with their advisor to create a custom coursework schedule.
Program Coursework Schedule
| SEMESTER | COURSES | SEMESTER HOURS |
|---|---|---|
| Fall Year 1 | EDTL:4980 Dyslexia and Other Reading Difficulties (in-person at the University of Iowa) EDTL:6164 Early Literacy Development and Instruction (online) | 6 |
| Spring Year 1 | EDTL:6171 Advanced Reading Clinic: Techniques (online and some in-person meetings at the University of Iowa) EDTL:3103 Assessment and Instructional Planning (online) | 6 |
| Fall Year 2 | EDTL:7953 Single Subject Research Design (online and some in-person meetings at the University of Iowa) EDTL:6172 Advanced Reading Clinic: Practicum (online and in-person at your school site) | 6 |
| Total semester hours =18 | ||
Q: How Is the Endorsement Classified in Terms of Level of Education?
A: This is a post-baccalaureate endorsement, and the coursework is at the graduate level. However, this is a non-degree program. Students would need to work with an advisor of a master’s program to determine how the coursework would be counted toward completion of a graduate degree.
Q: Can I Apply Coursework From the Dyslexia Specialist Endorsement Program Toward Earning a Master’s Degree?
A: Yes. Up to 9 semester hours of coursework from the Dyslexia Specialist Endorsement Program can be applied toward the Master of Arts in teaching and learning with a special education subprogram.
Applicable Program Coursework to Be Applied Toward the MA in Special Education
| COURSE | COURSE TITLE | REQUIRED OR ELECTIVE FOR MA | SEMESTER HOURS |
|---|---|---|---|
| EDTL:3103 | Assessment and Instructional Practices | Required | 3 |
| EDTL:4980 | Dyslexia and Other Reading Difficulties | Required | 3 |
| EDTL:7953 | Single Subject Research Design | Required | 3 |
| Total semester hours toward MA = 9 | |||
With 9 semester hours applied toward the MA, Dyslexia Specialist Endorsees would have 23 semester hours remaining, which would typically be completed in 3 semesters.
Endorsees wishing to earn a Master of Arts in teaching and learning with a special education subprogram must apply and be admitted to the Graduate College and email Special Education Program Coordinator Dr. Seth King (seth-king@uiowa.edu) to express their interest in applying their semester hours to the program.
Q: Can I Apply for the Dyslexia Specialist Endorsement Program at the University of Iowa With Previous Coursework?
A: Yes. To apply, you will need to complete the Application to Recognize Non-Iowa Reading Research Center Approved or Out-of-State Coursework for the Dyslexia Specialist Endorsement showing that your experience and training meet the State of Iowa requirements for endorsees. If educators have the right qualifying coursework and meet all other criteria, they may receive the Dyslexia Specialist Endorsement from the University of Iowa without needing to complete any additional coursework.
Email the completed application packet to irrc@uiowa.edu. If approved by the IRRC, you will provide your IRRC approval letter and Iowa Board of Educational Examiners coursework form to the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners for formal approval of previous coursework toward the endorsement.
Q: The Courses Seem to Be the Same as Those in the Reading Specialist Certificate Program, so Will My Previous Coursework Count Toward the Dyslexia Specialist Endorsement?
A: The course prefixes, numbers, and titles of the Dyslexia Specialist Endorsement and Reading Specialist Certificate are similar. However, the content could be very different. Because the Dyslexia Specialist Endorsement has to satisfy new rules, it is not likely that previous coursework would meet the expectations of the new endorsement. To ensure that the courses for the Dyslexia Specialist Endorsement align with new rules, special sections of those courses have been created, and these sections operate under different syllabi than those of the Reading Specialist Certificate program. The overlap in course prefixes, numbers, and titles is intended to create a pathway for participants to work toward the Reading Specialist Certificate in the future. However, completion of the Reading Specialist Certificate will depend on the willingness of the Reading Specialist Certificate program to accept the Dyslexia Specialist Endorsement coursework and credits.
Q: Will College Credit Earned as Continuing Education Units from Vendor Training (e.g., Training on a Specific Curricular Program) be Accepted Toward Coursework in the Dyslexia Specialist Endorsement?
A: Vendor training is not recommended as a substitute for coursework to earn a new endorsement. Vendors have specific purposes related to their programs or proprietary products. The goal of the endorsement program is to equip educators with the knowledge and skills to identify and address the needs of students with characteristics of dyslexia, regardless of the materials that are available to them in their schools. In addition, the coursework for the endorsement is aligned to the rules approved by the State Board of Educational Examiners, whereas vendors are not obligated to address these rules. Therefore, it is unlikely that credits earned for vendor training will be accepted in lieu of endorsement coursework.
Q: Who Teaches the Classes?
A: Classes are taught by faculty in the University of Iowa College of Education and the Department of Teaching and Learning. Our Director, Shawn Datchuk, is a faculty member in the Department of Teaching and Learning Special Education program.
Q: How Long Will It Take to Complete the Endorsement?
A: The program lasts a year and a half (three semesters during two consecutive academic years).
Q: What Are the Requirements for Completing the Endorsement?
A: This is an 18-credit hour endorsement that includes coursework and practicum experiences in assessment and instruction. Candidates must perform satisfactorily in all classes and demonstrate the necessary knowledge and skills on summative assessments.
Q: What Is Considered Beyond the Basic Requirements for Selection Into the Program?
A: Applicants write a statement of interest and provide two letters of recommendation.
Q: What Is the Cost of Completing the Program?
A: The estimated cost for 18 credit hours is approximately $13,400. Actual costs are subject to the State of Iowa Board of Regents’ policies, which can change annually.
Please note that the IRRC will offer a $3,000 scholarship to all students enrolled in the UI program, to be divided across the four semesters of the program. In addition, the IRRC will match funding provided by the enrolled student’s school district up to $1,000.
Q: Can the Practica Be Completed as Part of an Educator’s Regular Teaching Responsibilities?
A: The practica are done under the supervision of an approved cooperating teacher and will need to occur in either a one-on-one or small-group setting, depending on the focus of the practicum. The practica must take place during the day, but it may not be possible to combine them with typical duties. That will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
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