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.

Learning Disability Hub

Learning Disability Hub

The Learning Disability Hub provides resources to educators and caregivers interested in learning about characteristics of students with learning disabilities and how to support and advocate for these students.

Iowa Reading Research Center Director Search, application now open

Director Search

The University of Iowa College of Education, in partnership with the Iowa Department of Education, invites applications for the position of Director of the Iowa Reading Research Center.

Lifty and Clifty climb a mountain with the sun setting in the background and cursive and print letters in the sky

Handwriting Hub

Access training, interactive tools, instructional materials, and more for print and cursive handwriting instruction.

Blog

Q&A with Dr. Seth King, Professor of Special Education

You Can Do Both: Growing up Twice Exceptional With Seth King

Tuesday, October 6, 2026
Seth King, MA, PhD
Dr. Seth King, a professor of special education at the University of Iowa, shares his experiences of being a twice-exceptional student with dysgraphia.
A young girl writing in a book.

More Than Messy Handwriting: What Dysgraphia Is and How It Appears Across Grades

Thursday, October 1, 2026
Emily Hardeman, MEd, CALT,
Keller Young, MEd, PhD
In Part 1 of this blog post series, Hardeman and Young address what dysgraphia is and how it can present across grade levels.
Girl writes while sitting at desk

How Do I Score My Students’ Handwriting Fluency Assessments?

Tuesday, July 21, 2026
Kimberly McFadden, MEd, PhD,
Keller Young, MEd, PhD
Handwriting assessments are most informative when teachers consider the identifiability of letters out of context and apply scoring guidelines consistently.

News

Learning Disability Hub

New Learning Disability Hub Provides Resources to Support All Learners

Tuesday, October 6, 2026
Olivia Tonelli
The Learning Disability Hub provides resources to educators and caregivers interested in learning about characteristics of students with learning disabilities and how to support and advocate for these students.
A screenshot of the IRRC's Letter-Sound Spark app

New Spark Early Literacy Hub Supports Early Literacy Skills at Home

Wednesday, May 27, 2026
Olivia Tonelli
Through the Spark Early Literacy Hub, caregivers can access the tools they need to support their children’s early literacy skills.
Professional headshot Kristin To

To Recognized for Her Work at the Iowa Reading Research Center

Friday, April 17, 2026
Olivia Tonelli,
Kate Will, MA
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.