"Magnetic Reading" is an evidence-based reading comprehension program for students in grades 3 through 5 built on four pedagogical pillars: knowledge-rich learning, culturally and linguistically responsive pedagogy, scaffolds to support learner variability, and data to inform instruction. This study uses a prospective matched comparison…

This study is the first to empirically examine how school districts allocate resources in response to capital investment revenue from statewide penny sales taxes (called SAVE funds), and whether SAVE funds affect student outputs (i.e., educational achievement). We found evidence that school districts do not use SAVE funds to increase capital…

Expectations for reading achievement in the state of Iowa require all students to be proficient by the end of third grade (ELI, 2012). This requires both teachers and principals serving elementary schools to improve reading achievement. Although teachers are proven to have the most immediate impact on student achievement, it is principals'…

Iowa established the Statewide Voluntary Preschool Program (SVPP) in 2007. It has grown to be the largest--although not the only--public preschool program in the state. It is available without regard to family income. Iowa also supports preschool for low-income children through its Shared Visions program and Early Childhood Iowa, the…