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.

A cartoon brain sitting on top of a haystack next to a pile of pumpkins

LIFTER Coloring Sheets

Pair letter transcription practice with a fun coloring activity!

Stephanie presenting a PowerPoint on how the brain learns to read

Become a School or District Partner

The Iowa Reading Research Center provides research and technical assistance services to schools and districts in Iowa at no cost.

Shawn Datchuk in front of bookshelf

New Director Selected for IRRC

Dr. Shawn Datchuk's leadership and expertise will help the IRRC advance its mission of improving children’s reading proficiency in Iowa.

Blog

A graphic of a cartoon brain wearing a helmet and climbing gear, standing in front of a camper van and a mountain range.

Looping Back to Cursive Handwriting

Tuesday, October 29, 2024
While more research is needed on cursive handwriting instruction, here is what we know about when to teach cursive and what components can make cursive instruction particularly effective.
A teacher walks in between rows of students at their desks.

Reading Assessments and Their Purposes

Tuesday, September 24, 2024
Throughout the school year, your child’s teacher may use universal screeners, diagnostic assessments, progress monitoring, and more to gain a deeper understanding of how to best support your child’s literacy development.
A girl sitting at a desk in a classroom

Research Article of the Month: September 2024

Thursday, September 12, 2024
We summarize the findings of January & Klingbeil (2020)—a study that examines the validity of early reading CBMs in identifying at-risk students in Grades K–2.

News

Girl writing at desk

National Novel Writing Month: Tips for Long-Form Writing

Wednesday, November 6, 2024
November is National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo)! Learn tips for staying motivated during long writing projects.
A person reading a book

Four Ways to Celebrate Dyslexia Awareness Month

Monday, October 7, 2024
We provide ideas of ways to be involved in Dyslexia Awareness Month this October.
A cartoon hand writing the letter "s" and dotted lines where a student can practice writing

New Handwriting and Early Reading Tool Available for Teachers and Caregivers on IRRC Website

Monday, July 22, 2024
University of Iowa College of Education faculty and Iowa Reading Research Center staff have created a new online handwriting tool for early readers and writers.