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 lifts a weight with the letter "a" on it

Literacy LIFTER

Literacy LIFTER is a free tool designed to empower educators and caregivers in supporting students’ handwriting and early reading skills.

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

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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.
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How to Make the Most of Teacher Professional Development

Monday, August 26, 2024
Dr. Lisa Didion is an assistant professor of special education who studies data literacy and teacher professional development. In this Q&A, Didion provides research-based tips for planning professional development that is beneficial for teachers.

News

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.
A group of teachers sit in a classroom during a professional development presentation

A Tale of Three Districts

Wednesday, June 26, 2024
Districts in Iowa are making strides in adopting new English language arts materials and implementing structured literacy practices.
Shawn Datchuk in front of bookshelf

Iowa Department of Education, University of Iowa Announce New Iowa Reading Research Center Director

Wednesday, May 15, 2024
Dr. Shawn Datchuk's leadership and expertise will help the IRRC advance its mission of improving children’s reading proficiency in Iowa.