Blog

A woman points to the board while giving a presentation.

Text Structure Mapping: A Strategy to Improve Reading Comprehension of Informational Texts

Tuesday, November 6, 2018
An overview of text structures, why they matter for students’ comprehension of informational text, and a deeper look at text structure mapping as an instructional tool.
Green graphic with IRRC branding and the portraits of the three Q & A participants Wendy Anderson, Laura Johnson, and Chris Klostermann

Turning to Systematic Improvements to Boost Middle School Literacy Achievement

Tuesday, October 23, 2018
Grant Wood AEA prepares school teams to facilitate literacy achievement for adolescents with training and assistance from the Iowa Reading Research Center.
three teachers read with students

Why the 13 Disability Categories Matter When Planning Reading Interventions

Tuesday, October 9, 2018
Gain a better understanding of the needs students with different disabilities have and the evidence-based literacy interventions that can help.
Girl using a tablet in a literacy class

Responsibly Incorporating Technology into Literacy Instruction

Tuesday, September 25, 2018
Be aware of the limitations and important considerations when utilizing digital tools as part of literacy instruction.
teacher helps student with activity at desk

High-Priority Milestones and EL Considerations: A Deeper Look at the Early Literacy Blueprint Initiative

Tuesday, September 11, 2018
More about the Iowa Reading Research Center’s new efforts to foster student achievement through improving literacy instruction.
Blue Graphic with text: Hammill Institute Fellow Leah Zimmerman

Zimmerman Named Hammill Institute Fellow

Tuesday, August 28, 2018
Iowa Reading Research Center Graduate Assistant Leah Zimmerman named Hammill Institute on Disabilities Doctoral Fellow.
Students in a computer lab using them for book reports

Using Technology to Motivate Young Readers in the Age of Digitalization

Monday, August 27, 2018
Using digital resources to both consume and react to books can motivate children to read more.
A teacher with two students working in a small group

New Early Literacy Blueprint Initiative to benefit students through improved instruction

Friday, August 3, 2018
Literacy professional development and reading development milestones to improve literacy instruction students receive.
teachers work with students at table

Defining Fidelity Categories When Implementing Reading Interventions

When tracking teachers’ fidelity during implementation of a literacy intervention, both use of the intervention components and quality of intervention delivery should be measured, keeping an eye out for both global and lesson-specific components.
Green graphic with IRRC branding, Q & A, and the portrait of Carly Gates

Using Data, Professional Development, and Community Connections to Design a Successful Summer Reading Program

Tuesday, July 10, 2018
The Council Bluffs Community School District uses assessments and fidelity of implementation to design the best summer reading program, says Director Carly Gates in our Q&A.