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.

Summit presenter extends arm while presenting to crowd

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.

A lab station, including a beaker, test tubes, a microscope, goggles, and a magnifying glass over the words "Morpheme Lab"

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!

A teacher stands before a group of students seated at desks with the words "Explicit Instruction"

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

kids collaborate on writing assignment

Two Buckets, Same Well? The Relationship Between Reading and Writing Automaticity

Tuesday, March 10, 2026
Meg Mechelke
Research shows that reading and writing automaticity are associated in upper-elementary grades, especially among the highest performing writers.
A teacher leans over a table to help a group of students

Does Spelling Practice Improve Reading for Students With Dyslexia?

Tuesday, January 27, 2026
Allocating more opportunities to read words with feedback may be more efficient than spelling practice to support multisyllabic word reading for upper-elementary students with dyslexia.
A teacher assists a student raising their hand.

Get to Know Explicit Instruction

Tuesday, December 9, 2025
Seth King, MA, PhD
Implementing explicit instruction techniques makes lessons clear, efficient, and effective.

News

Screenshot of the Word Dissector application

New Morpheme Lab Supports Literacy Across Content Areas

Monday, April 13, 2026
Jill Nied
The new Morpheme Lab includes resources for educators interested in implementing explicit morphology instruction.
A teacher stands in front of a classroom of students seated at desks with the words "Explicit Instruction"

New eLearning Module Supports Explicit Instruction Observation Practices

Wednesday, December 17, 2025
Jill Nied,
Kate Will, MA
The new module provides teachers and administrators with tools that support the implementation of explicit instruction in their schools.
A girl sits in her mother's lap in a lawn chair as they read a book together

Staff Picks: Cozy Thanksgiving Reads

Wednesday, November 26, 2025
Jill Nied
Staff members at the Iowa Reading Research Center share some of their favorite books with themes of gratitude to celebrate Thanksgiving.