Governor Reynolds recently visited Adel, Iowa to observe first graders engaged in reading exercises led by teacher Erin Koelker. The main focus of the visit was to implement “the science of reading” in schools to improve students’ reading skills. The Adel-DeSoto-Minburn district has been following this approach for the past three years and has seen remarkable improvements in student reading proficiency. In 2017, 25% of K-11 students in the district were not skilled readers. However, this year’s results show that 95% of students are now proficient in reading and writing.
The district’s success in implementing the science of reading across all grade levels was highlighted by administrator Travis Welker, who noted the positive outcomes seen at the high school level as well. Governor Reynolds signed a bill into law at an ADM board room, requiring Iowa schools to develop individualized plans for students in first, second, or third grade who are not reading at grade level. While the law does not ban the “three-cueing” reading curriculum, it mandates testing of Iowa college students aspiring to become teachers to assess their knowledge of the science of reading.
Recent data shows that 35% of Iowa third graders are not reading at grade level, prompting the state to invest $9 million in training for teachers and administrators to implement the science of reading in classrooms. Governor Reynolds expressed optimism about the progress that will be achieved through this initiative and emphasized the importance of empowering educators with the necessary tools to improve literacy outcomes. The governor’s remarks came at the end of a hallway in the Adel school named “Literacy Way,” underscoring the commitment to advancing reading skills among Iowa students.