Blog

Three students stand in front of a map of the world.

Literacy Is Every Subject—Social Studies

Tuesday, November 4, 2025
Collaborative strategic reading (CSR) is a research-based, whole-group comprehension strategy that has been linked to improvements in comprehension of expository texts, such as those in social studies classes.
A teacher smiling in front of a classroom of students.

How Does Teachers’ Knowledge of Reading Contribute to Student Learning?

Tuesday, October 21, 2025
An overview of the research on teacher knowledge, the assessments used to measure it, and its impact on student literacy success.
Q&A graphic featuring Caleb Ferring.

Reconceptualizing Challenges as Learning Opportunities With Caleb Ferring

Tuesday, October 7, 2025
Caleb Ferring is a teacher and wrestling coach in Waukon who discovered he had characteristics of dyslexia after taking the Iowa Reading Research Center’s Dyslexia Overview eLearning module.
Image of Lauren Schafer in front of the Lindquist building sign with the caption "Q&A with Lauren Schafer"

Learning the Science of Reading: Q & A With a First-Year Teacher

Tuesday, September 30, 2025
Lauren Schafer, a special education teacher in her first year of teaching, shares her experience with preparing for the classroom.
student works on writing while teacher watches

New LIFTER Assessments Aim to Improve Student Handwriting Fluency

Tuesday, September 23, 2025
The Iowa Reading Research Center’s LIFTER (Letter Identification and Formation for Transcription and Early Reading) eLearning module and application now include handwriting assessments.
students writing at a table

Data-Based Instruction Supports Early Writing Skills

Tuesday, August 26, 2025
Training in data-based individualization has benefits for both teachers and students.
two students use a microscope

Literacy Is Every Subject—Science

Tuesday, August 19, 2025
Teaching vocabulary using Semantic Feature Analysis can help students learn science concepts.

New Practice Assessment Strengthens Teacher Knowledge of the Science of Reading

Monday, August 18, 2025
The Iowa Reading Research Center's new practice assessment provides teachers with an opportunity to apply critical concepts from the science of reading.
two men work together on a computer

Is Tier 1.5 Needed? Steps to Consider for a Classwide Reading Intervention

Tuesday, July 22, 2025
Educators can use the Tier 1.5 Calculator to determine if a Tier 1.5 intervention is necessary.
A screenshot of the Tier 1.5 Calculator shows boxes where users can input screening assessment data.

New Tier 1.5 Calculator Supports Data-Based Decision-Making for Core Instruction

Tuesday, July 22, 2025
The IRRC's new online tool for assessing student instructional needs is now available.