Studying for the KPEERI Exam? In this blog I detail my five top books for passing the KPEERI Exam. The Knowledge and Practice Examination of Effective Reading Instruction, also known as the KPEERI is a national exam. Anyone hoping to earn certification from the Center for Effective Reading Instruction(CERI), the certifying branch of the International Dyslexia Association(IDA), must earn a passing score on the KPEERI. A passing score allows one to certify as a structured literacy: specialist, interventionist, or classroom teacher. I passed the KPEERI in 2021 after completing my dyslexia interventionist program through Neuhaus Education Center. Preparing for a certification exam can be anxiety-producing. Unsure of how difficult the test would be, I decided to overstudy. My worst fear was that I would not pass and have to take the exam over again.
Here are my five top books for passing the KPEERI Exam:
1. Teaching Reading Sourcebook, 3rd Edition
Why you need this book for the KPEERI Exam
First on my list is CORE’s Teaching Reading Sourcebook by B. Honig, L. Diamond, & L. Gutlohn (2018) is a comprehensive treasure chest of information on all things reading. Teaching Reading Sourcebook early literacy, word structure, decoding and word recognition, vocabulary, comprehension, fluency, and ends with a section on Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS). My quick go-to reference book, while not cheap, is well worth the investment. The CORE Reading Sourcebook is an easy read and provides a great review of reading before the KPEERI Exam.
2. Speech to Print: Language Essentials for Teachers, 3rd Edition
Second on my list is Speech to Print Language Essentials for Teachers by Dr. Louisa Moats (2012), gives you a thorough background of the language domains covered on the exam. For additional practice, I recommend purchasing the accompanying workbook to sharpen your domain knowledge before taking the KPEERI. The chapters on morphology and syntax were especially helpful as they were initially my two weakest domains. Speech to Print has been around for a while, so you can purchase a used copy and save a few bucks.
3. Multisensory Teaching of Basic Language Skills, 4th Edition
Third on the list is Multisensory Teaching of Basic Language Skills, 4th Ed. by Judith Birsh and Suzanne Carreker (2019), is a book all dyslexia specialists should have on their bookshelves. This book was not an easy read for me. It is very dense and reads like a textbook. I read each chapter slowly, and wrote copious notes. Quizzes at the end of each chapter were my favorite. Be sure to purchase the accompanying workbook to provide additional practice before the KPEERI. You don’t have to memorize everything in the book, which is a big relief.
4. Overcoming Dyslexia, 2nd Edition
Next is, Overcoming Dyslexia, 2nd Ed. by Sally E. Shaywitz, M.D. and Jonathan Shaywitz, M.D. (2005) is a must-have book for the KPEERI Exam, and any specialist exam for dyslexia specialists. Dr. Shaywitz, explains the more technical aspects of the dyslexic brain in simple terms that everyone can understand. When studying for the KPEERI, I purchased an audiobook copy and listened to the book while I was cooking dinner. If you fall behind on your reading, I can’t recommend this approach enough. You can listen to Overcoming Dyslexia while you drive to school. Not every book is available in an audio version, so definitely take advantage when you can.
5. Unlocking Literacy: Effective Decoding and Spelling Instruction, 2nd Edition
Why you need this book for the KPEERI Exam
Last but not least is Unlocking Literacy: Effective Decoding and Spelling Instruction, 2nd Edition (2010) by Marcia K. Henry provides an in-depth review of morphology, the structure of the English Language, and countless activities you can implement with students. Unlocking Literacy is an easy and enjoyable read. With an appendix that provides a comprehensive list of affixes, you will reference this book again and again. This is an older book, so save yourself some money and purchase a used copy.
Three of the five books I recommended are also listed on the CERI Website.
CLICK HERE FOR THE COMPLETE LIST OF BOOKS RECOMMENDED BY CERI.
CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE READING ROCKETS READING MODULES TO HELP TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE.
Did I pass the KPEERI on the first try? Yes, I did and it was an incredible feeling. The good news was all of the information I gained from studying helped me prepare my dyslexia therapist exam. I love sharing resources that worked for me. Do you have favorite books not on my list? Please share in the comments below.
Book Links:
Unlocking Literacy: Effective Decoding and Spelling Instruction, 2nd Edition
Overcoming Dyslexia, 2nd Edition
Multisensory Teaching of Basic Language Skills, 4th Edition
Speech to Print: Language Essentials for Teachers, 3rd Edition
CORE Teaching Reading Sourcebook, 3rd Edition
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