blog

Students using computers in classroom lab

Research Brief: Discussing a Vocabulary Graphic Organizer with an Online Partner May Help Students Learn Science Content

Tuesday, September 10, 2019
Students using the electronic organizer with online discussion showed a stronger path to increased science learning.
Teachers talking in a classroom together with a tablet

One District’s Journey to Every Middle School Student Achieving Literacy Proficiency

Tuesday, June 4, 2019
Cedar Rapids schools are creating a shared literacy instructional vision and partnering with the Iowa Reading Research Center.
Student practicing handwriting at home with pencil and paper

The Continued Importance of Handwriting Instruction

Tuesday, May 21, 2019
Learning handwriting and practicing it in the home and at school helps early readers learn to recognize letters.
Teacher making copies of a page for class

Filling the Gaps: Text Sets Build Background Knowledge and Improve Comprehension of Informational Texts

Tuesday, May 7, 2019
Consider the objective of the unit and what students already know, and then begin building a diverse set of texts for students to read.
Mother and daughter read on couch together

Caregiver Involvement When Reading Books to Children

Tuesday, April 23, 2019
Children’s literacy development benefits when they discuss four key elements of stories read by their caregivers.
Teacher using structured literacy to teach a small group using flash cards

An Explanation of Structured Literacy, and a Comparison to Balanced Literacy

Tuesday, April 9, 2019
An explicit or implicit approach to literacy learning? See why the former approach tends to work better for all learners.
Educators and family members meeting about an Individualized Education Program

Developing and Synchronizing the Various Aspects of the Individualized Education Program

Tuesday, March 26, 2019
Setting a goal, monitoring progress and deciding on specially designed instruction through an IEP can help students with reading disabilities achieve success.
Teacher pointing to Keyword Card with students

Keyword Mnemonics: A Strategy to Build Content-Specific Vocabulary and Unlock Informational Texts

Tuesday, March 5, 2019
Teach students to create keyword cards with mnemonics to help unlock and remember the definitions.
Couple filling out an IEP Form at a table

Family Preparation for an Individualized Education Program Meeting

Tuesday, February 19, 2019
Effectively advocate for your child with a disability’s literacy education by thinking through your hopes and concerns.
Teacher talking to a pair of students reading new words

Repeated Reading with Goal Setting for Reading Fluency: Focusing on Reading Quality Rather Than Reading Speed

Tuesday, February 5, 2019
A reading fluency instructional approach involving practice with a partner and error correction.
Teacher using a mentor text to help teach her students in a classroom

Using Mentor Texts to Learn From the Best and Improve Students’ Writing

Tuesday, January 22, 2019
Learn about selecting a good mentor text to teach students writing techniques and approaches through instruction and discussion.
Green graphic with IRRC and Green Hills Area Education Agency branding with the text "Green Hills Area Education Agency Literacy Team"

Through Professional Development and Comprehensive Support, Literacy Consultants Look to Boost Student Reading Achievement

Tuesday, January 8, 2019
Green Hills Area Education Agency enlists Iowa Reading Research Center help in looking at data to evaluate impact of its literacy professional development.