Standards for the Preparation of Literacy Professionals

ILA's Standards for the Preparation of Literacy Professionals sets forth the criteria for developing and evaluating preparation programs for literacy professionals.

These standards focus on the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary for effective educational practice and highlight contemporary research and evidence-based practices in curriculum, instruction, assessment, and leadership.

Ordering copies of ILA standards

Standards for the Preparation of Literacy Professionals, 2017 Edition is available for purchase.

Adopting the ILA standards

Licensure, certificate, and endorsement programs in the U.S. that prepare literacy professionals may be eligible to earn ILA National Recognition for adopting the ILA standards. Submit an interest form for more information about the process.

About ILA standards

Defining the Roles: Specialized Literacy Professionals

Information for Departments of Education

Information for Principals

Overarching Standards

Overarching Standards (downloadable PDF)

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Overarching Standards

1. Foundational Knowledge

Candidates demonstrate knowledge of the theoretical, historical, and evidence-based foundations of literacy and language and the ways in which they interrelate and the role of literacy professionals in schools.
2. Curriculum and Instruction

Candidates use foundational knowledge to critique and implement literacy curricula to meet the needs of all learners and to design, implement, and evaluate evidence-based literacy instruction for all learners.
3. Assessment and Evaluation

Candidates understand, select, and use valid, reliable, fair, and appropriate assessment tools to screen, diagnose, and measure student literacy achievement; inform instruction and evaluate interventions; participate in professional learning experiences; explain assessment results and advocate for appropriate literacy practices to relevant stakeholders.
4: Diversity and Equity

Candidates demonstrate knowledge of research, relevant theories, pedagogies, and essential concepts of diversity and equity; demonstrate and provide opportunities for understanding all forms of diversity as central to students' identities; create classrooms and schools that are inclusive and affirming; advocate for equity at school, district, and community levels.
5: Learners and the Literacy Environment

Candidates meet the developmental needs of all learners and collaborate with school personnel to use a variety of print and digital materials to engage and motivate all learners; integrate digital technologies in appropriate, safe, and effective ways; foster a positive climate that supports a literacy-rich learning environment.
6: Professional Learning and Leadership

Candidates recognize the importance of, participate in, and facilitate ongoing professional learning as part of career-long leadership roles and responsibilities.
7: Practicum/Clinical Experiences (for specialized literacy professionals only)

Candidates apply theory and best practice in multiple supervised practicum/clinical experiences.

Additional ILA standards resources

Standards for specialized literacy professionals matrix (including reading/literacy specialists)
Standards for classroom teachers matrix

Standards