A Wichita-based teacher training company with ties to Newman’s Master of Science in Education program has achieved national recognition for its work in literacy education, marking a significant milestone for reading instruction in Kansas and beyond.
R.E.A.D. Redefined recently earned the Accreditation PLUS distinction from the International Dyslexia Association (IDA), becoming one of the select programs nationwide to receive this prestigious recognition. The accreditation comes as Kansas intensifies its efforts to improve reading proficiency across the state.
“Receiving IDA accreditation is a tremendous honor and a testament to our dedication in advancing evidence-aligned practices in education,” R.E.A.D. Redefined co-owner Amy Taylor said. “We are proud to support teachers and districts across the country in transforming their instructional practices to better serve all students, especially those who struggle with reading.”
The company’s success is amplified through its partnership with Newman University’s Master of Science in Education (MSED) Reading Specialist – Dyslexia Emphasis program, where R.E.A.D. Redefined’s co-owners serve as instructors and curriculum developers. This collaboration creates a direct pipeline from graduate-level teacher preparation to classroom implementation.
The IDA Accreditation PLUS designation requires programs to demonstrate comprehensive alignment with the organization’s Knowledge and Practice Standards for Teachers of Reading. These standards emphasize Structured Literacy, an instructional approach backed by reading science research, and include rigorous practicum experiences for teachers in training.
R.E.A.D. Redefined is currently the only master’s degree for dyslexia — and the only named organization recognized by IDA — in Kansas.
“This an extraordinary reason why Newman’s program is a great opportunity for teachers in our state,” Taylor said.
Jane Hayes, company co-owner and a certified dyslexia therapist, emphasizes the practical applications of their training. “Our program bridges research and practical application,” Hayes said. “Based on years as both a dyslexia therapist and classroom teacher, we ensure educators receive comprehensive, research-based instruction that prepares them for success in diverse classroom settings.”
The accreditation’s timing aligns with Kansas’s increased focus on literacy improvement. State education officials have prioritized and invested in initiatives to boost reading proficiency, making the need for qualified teacher training programs more crucial than ever.
Newman University partnership
Through their partnership with Newman University, R.E.A.D. Redefined helps prepare the next generation of reading specialists and literacy leaders. The company’s curriculum contributors teach one of the university’s MSED programs, which specifically emphasizes dyslexia education and structured literacy approaches.
The program at Newman focuses on equipping educators with tools to identify students with dyslexia and implement evidence-based reading instruction. This practical approach has become increasingly important as schools nationwide grapple with literacy challenges and the growing awareness of dyslexia’s impact on student achievement.
R.E.A.D. Redefined’s professional development offerings include workshops, courses, and resources tailored to educators at all levels. The company’s approach emphasizes practical implementation of research-based strategies, helping teachers translate complex reading science into effective classroom practices.
“We supply practical and effective best practices teachers can implement immediately,” Hayes said. “Our curriculum allows us to partner with educators and support student literacy success.”
Beyond the classroom
The impact extends beyond individual classrooms to entire districts — which benefit from consistent, research-based reading instruction methods — as graduates of Newman’s MSED program and participants in R.E.A.D. Redefined’s training implement these practices.
This systematic approach to reading instruction has become increasingly important as educators nationwide recognize the need for evidence-based teaching methods. The IDA accreditation validates R.E.A.D. Redefined’s commitment to these practices and positions the company as a leader in literacy education.
Looking ahead: future initiatives and continued growth
Looking ahead, R.E.A.D. Redefined plans to expand its reach while maintaining its commitment to high-quality teacher training. The company’s mission, expressed in their hashtag #until.every.child.can.read, reflects their dedication to improving literacy outcomes for all students.
The combination of IDA accreditation and university partnership positions R.E.A.D. Redefined to play a crucial role in shaping literacy education across Kansas and beyond. As schools continue to focus on improving reading outcomes and supporting students with dyslexia, the demand for evidence-based teacher training programs is expected to grow.
For more information about R.E.A.D. Redefined and its programs, please visit www.readredefined.com.
Learn more about Newman’s MSED Reading Specialist program
The Reading Specialist program at Newman University program is dedicated to redefining reading education for school-aged students in collaboration with administrators, reading specialists and teachers.
