What is IMSLEC?

What is IMSLEC?

The International Multisensory Structured Language Education Council (IMSLEC), a 501(c)(3) organization, accredits quality Multisensory Structured Language Education (MSLE) training courses. Accredited courses which meet IMSLEC criteria and instructional program standards for preparing specialists in Multisensory Structured Language Education. IMSLEC accredits training programs which include a variety of approaches such as Orton-Gillingham, Spalding, Hardman, Alphabetic Phonics, Slingerland, and Alphabetic Phonetic Structural Linguistics. These training programs offer extensive coursework and supervised teaching experience leading to professional certification. The training programs may be independent post-secondary training programs or may exist within already accredited institutions, such as colleges, universities or medical entities.

IMSLEC promotes and ensures quality Multisensory Structured Language Education (MSLE) training for teachers and therapists of individuals with dyslexia and related disorders through accreditation of training courses.

MSLE instruction includes the approaches which incorporate components demonstrated to assist individuals with dyslexia and related disorders to gain literacy skills.

For more information on dyslexia and related disorders, contact the International Dyslexia Association, http://www.interdys.org.

MSLE instruction contains the following components:

Content

Phonology and Phonological Awareness
Sound-Symbol Association
Syllable Instruction
Morphology
Syntax
Semantics (Comprehension)

Principles of Instruction

Simultaneous Multisensory (VAKT)
Systematic and Cumulative
Direct Instruction
Diagnostic Teaching
Synthetic and Analytic Instruction

Benefits of IMSLEC

Through accreditation of training programs, IMSLEC assists individuals with dyslexia and related disorders to reach their potential as contributing members of society.

IMSLEC is an important resource for parents, government agencies, and educational systems for the clarification of what constitutes a quality teacher training program for teachers of dyslexic students by establishing organizational criteria and evidenced-based instructional program standards for content and methodology for MSLE training courses. IMSLEC provides a directory of accredited programs, teachers, and therapists.

Accreditation of a training course assures intervention for dyslexic children and adults based on an alternate reading approach which has a scientific basis for its instructional procedures. Individuals with dyslexia or related disorders require a different method of teaching to match their different learning differences.

Accreditation of a MSLE training course assures that the teachers or therapists trained in that program have received adequate course instruction and practicum in the skills required to produce positive, measurable results in literacy for this population.

Governance

The Council

The Council is comprised of one designated representative from each accredited training course. Representatives from training courses in the process of accreditation (Formal Candidates) are not members of the Council but are encouraged to attend meetings of the Council to become familiar with the work of IMSLEC.

The Board of Directors

The Board determines the policies and procedures of IMSLEC and directs and supervises its affairs. There are 12 Board members elected from the Council membership. The immediate past president and representatives from IDA, ALTA Centers Council, and ALTA sit on the Board as non-voting members. One public member for every six Board members is elected by the Board from nominees submitted by accredited training courses.

The Executive Committee

The Executive Committee of the Board is elected by the Board from its own members. The committee includes the president, the vice-president, the secretary, and the treasurer. The president, assisted by the officers, manages the day-to-day business of IMSLEC, advises, and presents recommendations to the Board.

History and Development

1990-1995	Committee of the Orton Dyslexia Society (now the International Dyslexia Association)
1995	Incorporation as an independent accrediting organization First Annual Meeting of organizers First grant received Publication of Clinical Studies of Multisensory Language Education for Students with Dyslexia and Related Disorders
1996	Non-profit 501(c)(3) status received Second Annual Meeting of Organizers Second grant received
1997	Accreditation Standards and Criteria Adopted Accreditation Procedures, Handbook approved Three programs piloted for accreditation First Formal Candidates approved Third Annual Meeting of organizers
1998	First on-site evaluation team visits First accreditations announced (November) Additional Formal Candidates approved Fourth Annual Meeting Publication of Directory of Accredited Programs
1999 (Nov.)	Clinical Studies (2nd ed., revised) Directory of Accredited Programs (2nd ed.) Publication of MSLE: Overview of 11 Approaches
2000	CEU Process approved 6th Annual Meeting
2001	Publication of Directory of Accredited Programs and Graduates, 7th Annual Meeting
2002	First dual accreditation with ALTA Founding member organization of the Alliance for Accreditation & Certification, Inc., 8th Annual Meeting
2003	Presented first annual Innovator Awards, 9th Annual Meeting.
2004	Collaborated with other organizations in The Alliance to begin work on a certifying exam, 10th Annual Meeting.
2005	19 IMSLEC - accredited training courses participated in field testing, a certification exam for MSLE teachers, and therapists; 11th Annual Meeting
2006	IMSLEC and ALTA Centers Council merge to form one accrediting organization; The Alliance exam is administered by ALTA.

IMSLEC • c/o Shelton School • 15720 Hillcrest • Dallas • TX • 75248 • 972/774-1772
Email: mcooley@shelton.org

webmaster: jn@shelton.org