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.
Handwriting Hub
Access training, interactive tools, instructional materials, and more for print and cursive handwriting instruction.
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!
Spark Early Literacy Hub
Through everyday activities, caregivers play an important role in helping children build early reading skills.
Blog
How Do I Score My Students’ Handwriting Fluency Assessments?
Tuesday, July 21, 2026
Handwriting assessments are most informative when teachers consider the identifiability of letters out of context and apply scoring guidelines consistently.
Cumulative Review Resource for Handwriting Instruction
Monday, July 13, 2026
Cumulative Review provides students with the opportunity to review previously taught letters within the context of word-level writing practice.
Supporting Student Reading Motivation With Dr. Daisy Pelletier
Tuesday, June 9, 2026
Researcher Daisy Pelletier discusses her recent study on the role of motivation and reading frequency in elementary and secondary school students.
News
New Spark Early Literacy Hub Supports Early Literacy Skills at Home
Wednesday, May 27, 2026
Through the Spark Early Literacy Hub, caregivers can access the tools they need to support their children’s early literacy skills.
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.