In 2018, the Kansas Legislature passed HB 2602, creating a “Dyslexia Task Force” charged to advise and make recommendations on the use of evidence-based practices for teaching students with dyslexia. 

The Kansas Board of Education (KBOE) enacted those recommendations to provide evidence-based approaches to literacy instruction for struggling readers. KBOE recommended that school systems provide evidence based and consistent professional learning opportunities regarding the science of reading, definition and characteristics of dyslexia, explicit instruction, identification, interventions, and progress monitoring. 

In addition, colleges of education in Kansas are encouraged to develop a “course of study” with a specialization in dyslexia and struggling readers. This “course of study” should be geared toward the science of reading and align with the International Dyslexia Association (IDA) Knowledge and Practice Standards. 

KICA High-Incidence Special Education Program

Kansas Independent College Association (KICA) represents 21 independent colleges in Kansas, all are not-for-profit and accredited to offer undergraduate and/or graduate programs. Currently, seven KICA colleges engage in shared academic programs. One of these shared programs is the KICA High-Incidence Special Education Endorsement Program that provides education majors with the fundamentals for working with high-incidence special education students at the kindergarten-sixth grade, sixth-twelfth grade, or preschool-twelfth grade. Classes are taught in a hybrid online format, with synchronous and asynchronous instruction, creating flexibility for full time students and classroom teachers pursuing high-incidence special education endorsement. Courses can be taken at the undergraduate or graduate level.  Preservice teachers taking the high-incidence coursework can complete the coursework within the four-year college track. KICA is accredited by the Kansas State Department of Education and courses are taught by qualified professors with extensive experience in the area of special education.

KICA Dyslexia Coursework

To meet the Kansas Board of Education charge for a dyslexia course of study, KICA, with the High-Incidence Special Education Faculty, is offering dyslexia coursework based on the International Dyslexia Association Knowledge and Practice Standards for Teachers of Reading. Coursework includes field experiences with appropriate supervision and leadership development skills such that individuals completing this coursework can train other classroom teachers and reading specialists within their school district. Courses are offered online, and individuals interested in dyslexia coursework would enroll through Bethany College, Bethel College, Kansas Wesleyan University, McPherson College, Sterling College, or Tabor College.

Each course can be taken independently of the other courses based on interest or need. Each course cumulates by completing a portion of the Science of Reading/Dyslexia assessment approved by Kansas State Department of Education.

DYS331: Foundations of Literacy and Diverse Reading Profiles Credits: 2 hours

This course assists candidates in understanding the science of reading and dyslexia to cover Standard 1:  Foundations of Literacy Acquisition and Standard 2: Knowledge of Diverse Reading Profiles, Including Dyslexia from the International Dyslexia Association Knowledge, and Practice Standards for Teachers of Reading.

DYS351 Assessment Credits: 2 Hours

This course assists candidates in understanding screening, test construction, statistics commonly used in assessment, progress-monitoring, curriculum-based measures (CBMs), informal diagnostic surveys, and communicating educational assessment data. A field experience with a struggling reader is an integral part the coursework.  This course covers Standard 3: Assessment of the International Dyslexia Association Knowledge and Practice Standards for Teachers of Reading.

DYS371: Literacy Instruction in Phonological and Phonemic Awareness Credits: 2 Hours

This course assists candidates in understanding structured literacy instruction of phonological awareness.  A field experience with a struggling reader is an integral part the coursework. This course covers Substandard A and Substandard B of Standard 4: Structured Literacy Instruction of the International Dyslexia Association Knowledge and Practice Standards for Teachers of Reading.

DYS391 Literacy Instruction in Phonics, Fluency, Vocabulary, Comprehension, & Written Expression Credits: 2 Hours.

This course is designed to provide knowledge regarding phonics and word recognition, fluent text reading, vocabulary, listening and reading comprehension, and written expression.  This course covers Substandard C, D, E, F and G of Standard 4: Structured Literacy Instruction of the International Dyslexia Association Knowledge and Practice Standards for Teachers of Reading.