Monitoring and reviewing student literacy data, teacher commitment, and setting clear expectations have led to success for two principals implementing small-group, skills-based instruction in elementary schools in Sioux City.

A new Iowa Reading Research Center initiative will provide expert training in literacy instruction, need-based improvement planning, and continuous support to four local education agencies in order to bring improved literacy outcomes for students facing multiple challenges.

Implementation of small-group, skills-based instruction for literacy is underway in schools in Sioux City. Two principals discuss the process so far.

When facilitated with various levels of questions, dialogic reading encourages an interactive dialogue about a text being read by an adult to children.

Comprehension skills and foundational reading skills are both important for students in early grades. Learn more about teaching both components of reading.

Iowa Department of Education Director Ryan Wise speaks about his commitment to ensuring all kids have strong literacy skills and more in this Q&A.

Spelling instruction can be beneficial for students when taught with an emphasis on learning spelling patterns and using the proper spelling word lists.

Active reading allows students to build reading skills. Learn steps teachers can take to help students experience success with independent active reading.

Universal screening allows for explicit and focused literacy instruction without assumptions, says Waterloo Community School District's Darren Hanna.

Inference making, or the ability to connect information across a text, is a key reading comprehension skill. Learn ways to help students make inferences.