Helping Students Read Better and Learn More
The Iowa Reading Research Center strives to improve the literacy skills of all students through research with students, professional learning for educators, and technical assistance for school districts.
Iowa Science of Reading Summit
Join us in Cedar Rapids this June to expand your knowledge of the science of reading and connect with a community of literacy advocates.
Morpheme Lab
Learning morphemes can help students break down the meaning of unfamiliar words. Access free resources to support implementing explicit morphology instruction in our Morpheme Lab!
Explicit Instruction: Fidelity of Implementation eLearning Module
The explicit instruction eLearning module and observation rubric are designed to help educators identify, implement, and monitor explicit instruction practices.
Blog
Supporting Multilingual Learners Using Related Words Across Languages
Thursday, May 7, 2026
Using shared words between languages, or cognates, can improve reading skills for multilingual learners.
Making Meaning With Morphemes
Tuesday, April 28, 2026
Morphemes are the smallest unit of meaning in language. Morphological ability—using morphemes to produce and understand language—supports both word recognition and language comprehension processes.
Two Buckets, Same Well? The Relationship Between Reading and Writing Automaticity
Tuesday, March 10, 2026
Research shows that reading and writing automaticity are associated in upper-elementary grades, especially among the highest performing writers.
News
To Recognized for Her Work at the Iowa Reading Research Center
Friday, April 17, 2026
Kristin To has been recognized as a University of Iowa Student Employee of the Year award winner for her work as a graphic storyteller and computer programmer at the Iowa Reading Research Center.
New Morpheme Lab Supports Literacy Across Content Areas
Monday, April 13, 2026
The new Morpheme Lab includes resources for educators interested in implementing explicit morphology instruction.
New eLearning Module Supports Explicit Instruction Observation Practices
Wednesday, December 17, 2025
The new module provides teachers and administrators with tools that support the implementation of explicit instruction in their schools.