International Literacy Association Standards and
Code of Ethics and Member Conduct
Mission Statement
As the champion of a global community of literacy educators and advocates, ILA empowers eductors, inspires
students, and encourages leaders, connecting them with one another and with the practical resources they need
to spread the transformative power of literacy to every corner of the world.
Standards for Reading Professionals
•F
oundational Knowledge: Members understand the
theoretical and evidence-based foundations of reading
and writing processes and instruction.
•C
urriculum and Instruction: Members use instructional
approaches, materials, and an integrated, comprehensive,
and balanced curriculum to support student learning in
reading and writing.
•A
ssessment and Evaluation: Members use a variety of
assessment tools and practices to plan and evaluate
effective reading and writing instruction.
•D
iversity: Members create and engage their students in
literacy practices that develop awareness, understanding,
respect, and a valuing of differences in our society.
•L
iterate Environment: Members create a literate
environment that fosters reading and writing by
integrating foundational knowledge, instructional
practices, approaches and methods, curriculum materials,
and the appropriate use of assessments.
•P
rofessional Learning and Leadership: Members
recognize the importance of, demonstrate, and facilitate
professional learning and leadership as a career-long
effort and responsibility.
Code of Professional Ethics
ILA is committed to the highest level of ethical conduct
for all members. ILA believes that it is every member’s
obligation to uphold this ethical responsibility with respect
to curriculum and instruction, including using technological
resources; assessing, diagnosing, and evaluating; creating
a literate environment; valuing diversities; communicating
and interacting with families and the community; exhibiting
positive dispositions; and exemplifying professionalism,
including conducting research, publishing, making
professional presentations, communicating and interacting
with colleagues, using technology, and representing
oneself honestly as a reading professional.
Member Code of Conduct
The International Literacy Association Member Code of
Conduct (the “Code”) is intended to provide members
of ILA with a set of best practices and guidelines that
members agree to follow when joining and maintaining
their membership in the Association. In order to qualify as
a member or renew membership, each member will be
required to comply with the Code.
The Code represents a commitment by the Association
and its members to follow ethical standards and best
practices, including, but not limited to, behaving with
common courtesy and civility; conducting themselves
in a businesslike, ethical, and appropriate manner; and
refraining from engaging in or facilitating any discriminatory
or harassing behavior directed toward any Association
staff, officer, director, member, meeting attendee, exhibitor,
advertiser, sponsor, supplier, contractor, or others in the
context of activities relating to the Association.
Membership Policy
•M
embership Application Process: Any candidate
interested in furthering the purposes of the International
Literacy Association shall submit an application for
membership to the Association with appropriate dues
payment as set by the Board of Directors. Membership is
effective upon acceptance of the application by ILA and
completion of payment processing.
•M
embership Agreement: All members shall be required
to acknowledge the following membership agreement in
their application for membership:
As a member of ILA, I agree to abide by ILA’s Bylaws, its
Membership Policy, and its Member Code of Conduct,
which are designed for the benefit of all its members.
I understand that participation in ILA is a privilege, and
membership may be revoked with just cause. I agree that
my participation in ILA will be at my sole and exclusive
risk, and so I (and anyone claiming on my behalf such as
my estate) hold harmless ILA, its officers, directors, and
employees from any damages, claims loss, and liability
for my participation in any ILA program.
•V
oting Rights of Members: Each individual member
shall be eligible to vote in elections and on other matters
specified by the Board or by law.
•T
ransfer of Membership: Membership is not transferable.
•R
enewal: Membership in ILA shall be renewed upon the
timely payment of dues by the member.
•D
ues Refunds: Members may cancel their membership
at any time, at which point they may apply the prorated
balance of their membership dues to another ILA product
or they may request a refund for the remaining balance.
•G
ood Standing: Any member of ILA who has fully paid
his or her dues and abides by the Bylaws, the Membership
Policy, and the Member Code of Conduct shall be
considered a member in good standing of ILA.