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Iowa first graders will soon receive one million books as part of a $3.5 million initiative by the governor and Department of Education to support early literacy.
Before students headed home for winter break, first-grade students at Waukee’s Schuler Elementary School received a little something extra.
“They were very excited to get their books,” said Mara Phillips, instructional coach at Schuler Elementary School.
The “decodable” books, a gift from the state, aim to give beginner readers a boost.
“The importance of having students get in a lot of reading and exposure to more words at this age is really important,” Phillips said.
The take-home books from reading vendor Just Right Readers are designed to reinforce classroom learning. They use simple words to help students connect letters and sounds.
The Department of Education’s literacy experts selected the program from Texas because it aligns with the state’s goal of prioritizing early literacy through evidence-based learning.
“When it comes to actual ability to be able to read grade-level text, it’s shockingly low,” said reading tutor Nicki Pratti.
State test scores from last year show that 66% of Iowa third-grade students are reading at grade level, slightly below the national average.
Pratti points to some teachers not being given the best curriculum to teach fundamental reading skills, which she believes causes students to struggle with reading after second grade.
“Mostly you’re reading content, and it does not have pictures, and you can’t lean on those pictures for vocabulary, three or multi-syllable words, and that’s where a lot of kids get stuck,” Pratti said.
Pratti acknowledges the importance of reading at home for young readers, but questions how the state plans to support parents in this effort.
“Not all parents have that. They might have a standard 8-t0-5 job, and they may struggle with reading themselves. We can’t put that on parents, too,” Pratti said.
The Iowa Department of Education says it is offering digital resources with the take-home books to help families support their readers.
KCCI asked how the state will measure the program’s success. The Department of Education said teachers can monitor progress through reading screenings and assessments.
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