Iowa Reading Research Center

Pelletier et al. (2024) examine different sources and forms of reading support and their impacts on students’ reading motivation.

Four teachers sitting at a table having a conversation

Fidelity in School Settings: How It Works and Why It Matters

Tuesday, November 26, 2024

Keller Young, MEd, PhD

Measuring fidelity of implementation can help educators understand if an intervention is working as intended.

Three teachers in discussion in a classroom

How Does Fidelity of Implementation Relate to Student Reading Outcomes?

Tuesday, November 19, 2024

Leah Zimmermann, MEd, PhD

We summarize research on the relationship between fidelity of implementation and student reading outcomes.

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

Shawn Datchuk, MEd, PhD,

Keller Young, MEd, PhD

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.

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.

A group of teachers sitting discussing something together

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.

Teachers sitting in a conference room watching a presentation

Research Article of the Month: August 2024

Tuesday, August 13, 2024

In their meta-analysis, Didion et al. (2019) find that teacher PD generally has a positive effect on student reading achievement in Grades K–8.

Girl writes by hand with help from an adult

Handwriting: Beneficial to Reading and Often Misunderstood

Tuesday, July 2, 2024

Shawn Datchuk, MEd, PhD

Handwriting can support early reading skills. This post explains why and describes several techniques teachers can use to help their students acquire handwriting.

News

Books of all colors are lined up in front of a green background.

Staff Picks: Book Series

Thursday, January 9, 2025

Our staff members share their favorite book series from childhood.

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.

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.

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

A Tale of Three Districts

Wednesday, June 26, 2024

Ramona Parrish, MA

Districts in Iowa are making strides in adopting new English language arts materials and implementing structured literacy practices.

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.

A father and daughter watching a movie and eating popcorn

Staff Picks: Book-to-Movie Adaptations

Friday, May 10, 2024

Our staff at the Iowa Reading Research Center has compiled a list of our favorite books that have been adapted into movies, including novels, chapter books, and picture books.

Student employee appreciation week graphic with three IRRC student employees

Cacini, Schloss, and Smithgall Recognized for Their Work as IRRC Student Employees

Friday, April 12, 2024