Governor Kim Reynolds visited Adel, Iowa to observe first graders participating in reading exercises led by teacher Erin Koelker. The focus of the visit was on implementing “the science of reading” in schools to improve reading skills among Iowa students. The Adel-DeSoto-Minburn district adopted this approach three years ago and has seen significant improvements in student reading proficiency. Tests conducted four years ago revealed that a quarter of K-11 students in the district were not skilled readers, whereas this year’s results indicated that 95% of students are now proficient in reading and writing.
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.
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 does mandate testing of Iowa college students aspiring to become teachers to assess their knowledge of the science of reading. 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.
The governor’s visit to Adel came after she signed a bill into law requiring individualized plans for struggling readers in K-3 grades. This bill is part of a larger effort by Governor Reynolds to improve literacy outcomes for all students across Iowa. She has been vocal about her support for evidence-based practices such as phonics and early intervention programs that have been shown to be effective in improving literacy rates