To disseminate research findings and communicate about the center’s work, the Iowa Reading Research Center produces a variety of publications, ranging from blog posts to peer-reviewed manuscripts published in academic journals. Regardless of the publication type, all IRRC publications are held to the same editorial standards, as described below.

Vision 

All PK–12 students develop the literacy knowledge and skills necessary for success. 

Mission

Engage in translational science in partnership with educators and caregivers through high-quality literacy research, technical assistance, and dissemination of evidence-based practices.

Guiding Philosophies for IRRC Publications

Evidence Quality

IRRC publications are grounded in research evidence with methodologically rigorous designs, including primary studies (e.g., experimental and quasi-experimental designs) and secondary studies (e.g., meta-analyses). Priority is given to studies published in peer-reviewed journals and those meeting contemporary standards for methodological quality. Consequently, research not meeting these criteria is an insufficient source for evidence. Some examples of insufficient sources include practitioner papers, blog posts, personal communication, podcasts, interviews, book chapters, and infographics.

Research evidence is presented accurately and with sufficient nuance. All relevant, high-quality evidence is considered when developing an IRRC publication. Selective citation—a practice in which only research studies supportive of a particular claim are included and contradictory evidence is ignored—is not done. 

Contextual Factors for Research-Based Recommendations

Recommendations made in IRRC publications are aligned to contextual factors from relevant primary and secondary research studies. This includes student demographics (e.g., age, race/ethnicity, grade level, disability status, language status) and setting (e.g., state, region, classroom type). For example, Iowa-specific recommendations are made when supported by evidence from primary or secondary studies conducted in Iowa (e.g., studies of summer reading efforts within Iowa). In contrast, Iowa-specific recommendations are not included unless relevant empirical evidence is available.  

Commercial Products

Commercial products (i.e., those that are offered for sale or license) are only included to illustrate examples of broad, research-based concepts unless they are discussed in the context of a specific primary or secondary study. The IRRC does not author publications about specific commercial products (e.g., assessments, curricula, professional development) outside of the available evidence. 

Use of Artificial Intelligence

Generative AI is not used to create or author new content for IRRC publications, such as text or images. Limited use of generative AI applications may be permitted but must be disclosed within the publication. Limited use includes planning or development activities (e.g., idea development or curricular examples). 

Authorship Statement

All IRRC publications include a statement on authorship—order of authorship (i.e., first author, second author, etc.) and a description of each author’s role in creating the publication. For IRRC-led projects, authorship statements are drafted at the start of each project and reviewed regularly to ensure accuracy. 

Style, Authorship, and Review

Audience

IRRC publications are written with a non-expert audience in mind, including caregivers of PK–12 children. Authors use familiar terms when possible and accompany technical language with definitions and examples. IRRC publications are thoughtfully structured and include introductions, background, transitions, and other explanatory text to guide readers through the content. 

American Psychological Association (APA)

All IRRC publications are aligned to the APA 7^th Edition Style. This includes principles, writing, grammar, bias-free language, mechanics of style, and reference lists. The use of in-text citations in accordance with APA Style varies based on the type of publication. The following IRRC publications include in-text citations: (a) annual legislative reports, (b) blog posts, (c) peer-reviewed manuscripts, (d) research reports, and (e) slide decks. Other types of IRRC publications (e.g., eLearning modules) may not feature in-text citations. 

IRRC Internal Review

All IRRC publications are checked for accuracy and an appropriate research basis via an internal review process. This includes review by center directors, project leaders (e.g., principal investigators, investigators), and communication staff. 

Annual Legislative Reports

Annual legislative reports detail IRRC work in relation to Iowa legislation and contain information about center structure, stakeholders, and future work.

Blog Posts

Blog posts are short, highly readable posts about instructional strategies, research, tips for supporting home learning, literacy concepts, literacy resources, and more. 

eLearning Modules

eLearning modules provide a structured way for IRRC stakeholders to learn about literacy-related topics. Modules vary in length and may include certificate- or endorsement-related opportunities (e.g., Dyslexia Overview Module). 

Multimedia

Multimedia includes audiovisual content, such as podcasts, social media posts, videos, and more. 

News Articles

News articles provide announcements about IRRC projects and time-sensitive events. 

Online Applications

Online applications include interactive software to guide supplemental literacy instructional practices (e.g., CLIFTER, LIFTER, and the Educator Letter Builder). 

Peer-Reviewed Manuscripts

Peer-reviewed manuscripts are not published by the IRRC, but rather, are published by an independent journal outlet. Publishing IRRC research in peer-reviewed journals allows it to be evaluated by and shared with other experts in the field.

Printable Materials

Printable materials include PDFs accessible via the IRRC's "Printable Resources” webpage. Often connected to a blog post, printable materials provide educators and caregivers with guides, activities, lesson plans, graphic organizers, and more that they can implement in the classroom or at home.

Research Reports

Research reports present results of a research project, often detailing the background, questions, methodology, results, and implications of the research. 

Slide Decks

Slide decks are presentation materials that accompany IRRC-led professional development presentations and technical assistance.