Helping Students Read Better and Learn More

The Iowa Reading Research Center strives to improve the literacy skills of all students through research with students, professional learning for educators, and technical assistance for school districts.

Shawn Datchuk and Derek Rodgers present to an audience

Iowa Science of Reading Summit

Expand your knowledge of evidence-based instructional practices and the science of reading this July.

A cartoon depiction of a classroom

Understanding Your Student’s Literacy Data

The Educator Letter Builder and the Understanding Your Student’s Literacy Data eLearning module are two new resources to facilitate caregiver-educator communication about student assessment results.

A photo of four IRRC staff members and the text "join our team"

Employment Opportunities

The Iowa Reading Research Center is hiring an assistant research scientist and a postdoctoral research scholar.

Blog

Headshot of Dr. Tim Odegard and a speech bubble with the words "Q & A"

Cultivating Empathy With Dr. Tim Odegard

Tuesday, April 22, 2025
Professor of Psychology and Researcher Dr. Tim Odegard discusses his work supporting students at risk for reading difficulties and his vision for the future of the science of reading.
A student raises his hand.

Measuring Opportunities to Respond: A MOTR of Highly Interactive Literacy Instruction

Tuesday, April 15, 2025
Providing students with ample opportunities to respond throughout a lesson can improve their instructional performance.
Two students sit outside--one examines something with a magnifying glass, and the other takes notes in a journal

Literacy Is Every Subject

Thursday, March 27, 2025
Literacy skills, such as reading comprehension, vocabulary knowledge, and knowledge of text structures, are critical for students’ success in academic subjects.

News

Headshot of Student Writer Sydney Smithgall

Smithgall Recognized for Their Work at the Iowa Reading Research Center

Thursday, April 17, 2025
IRRC Student Writer Sydney Smithgall is recognized as a category winner for the University of Iowa's Student Employee of the Year award.
Homescreen of the Understanding Your Students Literacy Data eLearning Module

Introducing New Data Literacy Resources for Caregivers and Educators

Tuesday, February 18, 2025
The IRRC is releasing new resources to facilitate communication between teachers and caregivers about student literacy data.
Books of all colors are lined up in front of a green background.

Staff Picks: Book Series

Thursday, January 9, 2025
Our staff members share their favorite book series from childhood.