Data-Based Decision Making

Linguistic Context Questionnaire

A supplemental resource from the Early Literacy Blueprint Initiative, teachers can use this questionnaire to plan appropriate instruction for English learners by gathering information about the student's linguistic background, the language(s) used in the home, and the literacy practices of the family.

Linguistic Context Questionnaire

Using Data, Professional Development, and Community Connections to Design a Successful Summer Reading Program

By:

Iowa Reading Research Center

Posted on: July 10, 2018

The Council Bluffs Community School District uses assessments and fidelity of implementation to design the best summer reading program, says Director Carly Gates in our Q&A.

Multi-Tiered System of Supports for Reading: The Intersection With Special Education

By:

Deborah K. Reed, Ph.D.

Lennie Troughton, M.A.

Posted on: November 28, 2017

Learn how these supports of increasing intensity work for literacy education and why they are relevant to special education.

Maintain Focus and Commitment with an Improvement Plan: The PROPeL Initiative

By:

Leah Zimmermann, Ph.D.

Sandy A. Schmitz, Ph.D.

Deborah K. Reed, Ph.D.

Posted on: November 14, 2017

Create an improvement plan and follow it to student success when implementing a literacy initiative.

Setting Goals, Facilitating Professional Development, and Measuring Success Toward Small-Group, Skills-Based Literacy Instruction Implementation

By:

Iowa Reading Research Center

Posted on: October 3, 2017

Small-group, skills-based literacy instruction is at the forefront of goal setting, feedback given to teachers, professional development, and measuring of success for the Sioux City Community School District as described in our second of a two-part blog post series.

Critical Elements of Implementing Small-Group, Skills-Based Instruction

By:

Iowa Reading Research Center

Posted on: September 19, 2017

The addition of quality teaching materials and support from the Iowa Reading Research Center led to common beneficial practices used by teachers across schools during implementation of small-group, skills-based literacy instruction at Sioux City Community School District.

People sitting and looking at electronic devices

Delivering the Message About Literacy Improvement Efforts: the PROPeL Initiative

By:

Sean Thompson

Sandy A. Schmitz, Ph.D.

Deborah K. Reed, Ph.D.

Posted on: August 22, 2017

Positive, student-focused messaging about a literacy initiative delivered to potential audiences via various mediums can gain support for the initiative from important stakeholders.

Marketing Literacy Improvement Efforts to Relevant Audiences: the PROPeL Initiative

By:

Sean Thompson

Sandy A. Schmitz, Ph.D.

Deborah K. Reed, Ph.D.

Posted on: July 25, 2017

Marketing and communications plans allow school systems to gain support needed for a successful literacy initiative. We discuss identifying potential audiences for such efforts.

What Makes a Literacy Practice Evidence-Based?

By:

Deborah K. Reed, Ph.D.

Posted on: June 6, 2017

With what level of confidence can you say a given literacy instructional practice may work to help students in your school or district learn to read? It all depends on the available research and evidence for that practice.

Goal Setting and Progress Monitoring to Address a Literacy Issue: The PROPeL Initiative

By:

Sandy A. Schmitz, Ph.D.

Deborah K. Reed, Ph.D.

Jennifer Knight, Ph.D.

Posted on: May 23, 2017

Address a literacy challenge by setting a SMART goal, establishing benchmarks in the journey toward that goal, tracking the entire process using progress monitoring, and modifying instruction when progress monitoring suggests you should.