Blog

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.
graphic displaying the tiers of support

How Many Tiers of Reading Support Are Enough? Tier 1.5 in Multi-Tiered System of Supports

Tuesday, July 8, 2025
Some research suggests that classwide intervention, or Tier 1.5, can be beneficial when the majority of students in a class are not meeting reading goals.
An image of Dr. Erica Lembre on a yellow background

Using Data to Improve Instruction With Dr. Erica Lembke

Tuesday, July 1, 2025
Dr. Erica Lembke, featured speaker at the 2025 Iowa Science of Reading Summit, shares details about her current research on Data-Based Individualization in math and writing instruction.
A teacher stands in front of elementary students raising their hand.

New Fidelity Monitoring Tool for Tracking OTRs in Literacy Instruction

Monday, June 23, 2025
Monitoring opportunities to respond allows administrators to more accurately assess intervention fidelity and effectiveness.
girl writes on a whiteboard

Opportunities to Respond: Implementing a Cycle of Planning, Measuring, and Coaching

Monday, June 23, 2025
Online tools, such as the IRRC’s MOTR-Cycle, can be used to track opportunities to respond and improve student engagement.
An adult man stands in front of several other seated adults in a lecture hall or conference room.

Teacher Knowledge of Early Reading Supports Student Gains

Tuesday, June 10, 2025
Teacher knowledge of reading affects student performance on foundational literacy skills assessments.