Blog

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Teacher Knowledge of Early Reading Supports Student Gains

Tuesday, June 10, 2025
Teacher knowledge of reading affects student performance on foundational literacy skills assessments.
Three adults sit in front of a laptop and talk.

How Do We Change Misconceptions Around Dyslexia?

Tuesday, June 3, 2025
Conceptual change theory can be used to correct misconceptions surrounding dyslexia.
A cartoon brain wearing climbing gear below the text "CLIFTER"

New CLIFTER Literacy Tool for Cursive Handwriting Instruction

Monday, June 2, 2025
The Iowa Reading Research Center releases CLIFTER, a new cursive handwriting application and eLearning module.
Dr. Tiffany Peltier with her two children and the words "Q&A with Dr. Tiffany Peltier, Director of Professional Learning at NWEA"

Challenging Misconceptions With Dr. Tiffany Peltier

Tuesday, May 27, 2025
Dr. Tiffany Peltier discusses Conceptual Change Theory and how it can be used to challenge misconceptions around dyslexia.
Cursive and print letters A, B, and C side by side

Cursive Handwriting: Reduce the Learning Curve With CLIFTER

Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Learn effective strategies for teaching cursive and implementing CLIFTER in your classroom.
A teacher and a student write in a notebook

Literacy Is Every Subject—Math and Word Problems (Part 2 of 2)

Thursday, May 15, 2025
Attack strategies and schema instruction are two evidence-based approaches for helping students solve word problems.
Student writes solution to math problem in notebook while holding a calculator in their other hand

Literacy Is Every Subject—Math and Word Problems (Part 1 of 2)

Tuesday, May 13, 2025
Word problems present a challenge to students, and common strategies for teaching word problems may be ineffective and misleading.
A side-by-side comparison of capital and lowercase A, B, and C in both cursive and print

Datchuk Explains the Continued Importance of Cursive Handwriting

Tuesday, May 6, 2025
Iowa Reading Research Center Director Shawn Datchuk explains the potential benefits of cursive handwriting instruction.
Headshot of Dr. Tim Odegard and a speech bubble with the words "Q & A"

Cultivating Empathy With Dr. Tim Odegard

Tuesday, April 22, 2025
Professor of Psychology and Researcher Dr. Tim Odegard discusses his work supporting students at risk for reading difficulties and his vision for the future of the science of reading.
Headshot of Student Writer Sydney Smithgall

Smithgall Recognized for Their Work at the Iowa Reading Research Center

Thursday, April 17, 2025
IRRC Student Writer Sydney Smithgall is recognized as a category winner for the University of Iowa's Student Employee of the Year award.