Iowa

The purpose of this document is to capture state-by-state information of policy and guidelines related to the science of reading / evidence-based reading instruction to be presented on The Reading League Compass, a website of reliable and reputable guidance and resources for targeted stakeholder groups.

Local control?

Yes

Does your state mandate or provide guidance on early screening?

Does your state have policy or guidance related to MTSS that incorporates information on the science of reading and/or evidence-based literacy practices?

https://educateiowa.gov/pk-12/learner-supports/multi-tiered-system-supports-mtss: Information is available relating to MTSS, and the page includes resources for evidence-based literacy practices.

Does your state have policy or guidance related to instruction and/or professional development

Yes –

Does your state have state-developed guidance documents or training courses related to the science of reading?

Yes.

Our state offers LETRS training for our PreK-8 teachers and administrators, as well as instructors of methods courses for those in higher education. Teachers within the State of Iowa also have free access to the Iowa Reading Research Center modules. The Iowa Reading Research Center collaborates with the Iowa Department of Education to distribute this information: https://irrc.education.uiowa.edu/.

There are eLearning modules based on the Science of Reading. A dedicated module for the Science of Reading on the Caregiver Hub also exists.

Please describe any grant work that names the science of reading and/or evidence-aligned instruction including links, where applicable

The Early Literacy Implementation grant lists “scientific, research-based reading instruction” and includes a link on the page which provides access to early literacy grants via IowaGrants.

Has your state reviewed standards for alignment to the science of reading?

The Iowa Academic Standards in ELA/Literacy include foundational reading skills essential for students as they progress from grade to grade: print concepts, phonological awareness, phonics and word recognition, and fluency.

The Introduction of the Standards includes a definition of the Science of Reading.

Please describe any other standards work related to the science of reading with links, where applicable

After adopting the Standards in June 2024, we provided multiple professional learning opportunities for educators across Iowa. During each session, we shared the definition of the Science of Reading, which is available in the Standards document. In the Foundational Skills sessions, we also included Scarborough’s Rope and information for the components of a Structured Literacy lesson. In addition to our professional learning opportunities, our team presented the same information at the 2024 IRRC Science of Reading Summit.

Does your state have licensure or program approval criteria to ensure Educator Preparation Programs are aligned to the science of reading?

In the 2024 Legislative session, House File 2545 it states, “g. A statewide literacy plan to increase student proficiency using systematic and sequential approaches to teaching phonetic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, and text comprehension. The statewide literacy plan shall address standards for practitioner preparation programs established under section 256.16 that promote evidence-based reading instruction and practical application that are direct, systematic, explicit, responsive, and that consist of phonetic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, and text comprehension. Such standards shall not include instruction or practical application that is designed to teach students using the instructional model commonly known as the three-cueing system.”

Do you have a “contact us” website that we can share publicly on TRL Compass?

Please describe and link to any other work you would like to share that relates to the science of reading

https://educate.iowa.gov/pk-12/standards/instruction/literacy#science-of-reading

We have hired a Science of Reading consultant at the Department of Education.

Use the interactive state map to find descriptions of state-level policy adoption, guidance, and practices related to the science of reading. State policy may include legislation incorporating training or practices related to the science of reading or state education agency guidance regarding policy, professional development, curricula, instruction, or assessment.

Filter by specific topic area(s) to find state-specific work: 

The Reading League expresses gratitude to our collaborators and associates within the state education agencies for sharing their state-specific data. This data will undergo semi-annual updates, contingent upon the availability and resources of the respective state agencies. For any inquiries, clarifications, or updates, please reach out to compass@thereadingleague.org.