Blog

A speech bubble reads "Q&A," below which is the text "with Dr. Kymyona Burk, Senior Policy Fellow at ExcelinEd. A photo of Dr. Burk is included. She is a Black woman with medium length, dark hair. She is wearing a gray blouse and red lipstick.

Putting the Science of Reading Into Policy With Dr. Kymyona Burk

Tuesday, March 7, 2023
Thoughts on the science of reading, literacy laws, and the importance of foundational reading skills.
four children reading on floor by classroom library

Embracing Translanguaging in the Classroom with Bilingual Texts

Tuesday, February 28, 2023
Using more than one language supports English learners and helps create an equitable environment.
18 educators meet on Zoom with program coordinator Nina Lorimor-Easley.

Inaugural Group of Educators Earns Dyslexia Specialist Endorsement

Friday, February 17, 2023
Educators Lisa Hawker and Courtney Bentley were members of Iowa's first Dyslexia Specialist Endorsement cohort. Through this program, they gained valuable knowledge in working with students with dyslexia and developed a network of likeminded educators that continues to provide support and resources.
Boy reading a book in class with two classmates in the background

What Is the Science of Reading?

Tuesday, February 14, 2023
Find out why it’s important to have a common understanding of such a widely used term and take a closer look at the type of science in the science of reading.
Girl and classmates participating in reader's theatre at school

Drama in the Classroom: Reader’s Theatre as Fluency Practice

Tuesday, December 20, 2022
Read tips on how to implement reader’s theatre in the classroom and download free reader’s theatre scripts.
Father and son reading a book together on the floor near a Christmas tree.

‘Tis The Season to Be Reading: Staff Book Recommendations

Tuesday, December 13, 2022
Our staff has 10 book recommendations with themes of fun winter activities, winter holidays, and other thought-provoking winter themes.
Boy and two girl students read a book together at school

Celebrating Students’ Identities and Experiences With Culturally Relevant Texts

Tuesday, November 29, 2022
Selecting stories that reflect students’ interests and backgrounds can be a useful tool for increasing classroom participation and engagement.
Photo of Nina Lorimor-Easley with the following text: Assistant Director for Education and Outreach

Lorimor-Easley Named Assistant Director of the Iowa Reading Research Center

Monday, November 7, 2022
Will lead academic offerings and trainings, professional development, and assistive technology programs.
Halloween and Fall-Themed Book Recommendations against a pale orange background. There are animated books, pumpkins, spider webs, leaves, trees, and a ghost.

Fun and Freaky Recommended Fall Reads

Friday, October 28, 2022
Our staff has 13 book recommendations with themes of fun fall activities, Halloween, and other spooky selections.