LETRS® Professional Learning for Iowa Educators

Empowering Iowa educators to improve student literacy through evidence-based professional learning

The spring 2023 assessment results from the Iowa Statewide Assessment of Student Progress show 66 percent of Iowa’s third grade students reading at grade level. Results also show significant achievement gaps experienced by students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch (51 percent proficient), students with disabilities (25 percent proficient), and students who are English learners (26 percent proficient).

The Iowa Department of Education is launching a sustained and job-embedded science of reading professional development opportunity statewide to support evidence-based reading instruction, improve grade-level reading proficiency, and close achievement gaps across the state. LETRS^®(Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) and LETRS^® for Administrators are being offered at no cost to eligible K-5 educators and administrators.

Early results show LETRS is making an impact!

Read stories shared by the Iowa Department of Education:

LETRS impact with Iowa teachers Right on time with LETRS

Who is eligible to register?

Lexia LETRS® for Early Childhood Educators is approved for any early childhood Iowa educator currently employed through the Statewide Voluntary Preschool Program (SWVPP), Shared Visions Preschool Program, or other program providing Early Childhood Special Education services and administrators who provide support for these programs.

Lexia LETRS^® for Elementary Educators is approved for any K-5 Iowa educator who provides reading instruction to students in an accredited Iowa elementary school. This includes:

K-5 educators
Special education teachers
Title I educators
Middle school teachers of special education or who provide literacy intervention
Higher education faculty who teach literacy courses in Iowa teacher preparation programs
*Instructional coaches

Lexia LETRS^® for Administrators is approved for any K-5 Iowa administrator serving in an accredited Iowa elementary school. This includes:

*Instructional coaches
District administrators
District curriculum leaders
Building principals

*Instructional coaches may choose to take either course. They will not need to take both courses.

Spots will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants may sign up for credit through the American College of Education, to be utilized for licensure renewal. Visit FAQ to learn more.

LETRS is accredited by the International Dyslexia Association®

NEW USERS

Reserve your spot now: register for LETRS!

Register as a building or district

Building/District Interest Form

Register as an individual

Complete Individual Interest Form

Note: Any educator or group who has completed or will complete Volume 1 (Units 1-4) independently or with another entity can enroll in Volume 2 (Units 5-8) to complete the course. This option is available within the above interest form links.

Reserve your spot now: register for LETRS for Early Childhood Educators!

Register as a building or district

Building/District Interest Form

Register as an individual

Note: Participation in multiple LETRS courses is not advised. If you are currently enrolled in LETRS for elementary educators or LETRS for Administrators, you are not eligible to apply for LETRS for Early Childhood Educators. It is not possible to switch registration from one course to another.

CURRENT USERS

Access your LETRS Account

For assistance, contact customer support:
800-507-2772 or
support@lexialearning.com

View Iowa LETRS FAQs

View Iowa LETRS Early Childhood FAQs

LETRS Informational Webinar

Cohorts are ongoing, but spaces are limited. The Iowa LETRS Courses are part of the state’s comprehensive plan to apply federal relief dollars to fund Science of Reading professional learning across the state. The LETRS course of study gives educators the skills they need to teach language and literacy to every student, even those with reading challenges like dyslexia.

Participation is on a first-come, first-served basis so reserve your seat now.

Why is this important?

Because literacy changes lives.

"Every child deserves to receive instruction and supports that empower them to read by third grade. Through Governor Reynolds’ leadership, we are investing in Iowa’s dedicated educators and evidence-based best practices because literacy changes lives."

McKenzie Snow

Iowa Department of Education Director

Why is this important?

Because research proves it, and science matters.

“Teachers are the most important factor in student success. Informed teachers can explain language to students, including sounds, spellings, and word meanings that might be confusing. They use lessons based on reading science and understand the process of learning to read and write. Research proves it. Science matters.”

Louisa Moats, Ed. D.

Literacy Expert
Author of LETRS

Why is this important?

Because this will help us further our mission.

“I'm excited for our state to put dollars toward evidence-based practices that are tied to the Science of Reading. This will help us further our mission of accelerating student learning across the state for all kids.”

Stacey Cole

Iowa Superintendent of the Year
Superintendent of Storm Lake Community School District

Why is this important?

Because it provides increased knowledge to make informed instructional decisions.

“The LETRS training has provided our teachers and administrators with increased knowledge needed to make informed instructional decisions based on skills needed for students to build reading and writing skills.”

TJ Schneckloth

Superintendent of Davenport Community School District

Why is this important?

Because teaching is both an art and a science.

“Teaching is both an art and a science. Much of the art of teaching is informed by experience and teacher professional learning. In other words, teachers make judgements about instruction based on what they know. LETRS training has provided teachers and administrators with deep learning into how the brain works and acquires reading. This has been eye opening to teachers as they unlearn and research, and work to teach and respond differently.”

Dr. Angela Hanson

Director of School Improvement
Spencer Community School District

What is LETRS?

Developed by Dr. Louisa Moats and leaders in the field of literacy, LETRS teaches the skills needed to master the foundation and fundamentals of reading and writing instruction—phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, and written language.

LETRS professional learning for elementary educators is an investment in teachers’ literacy knowledge and professional practice. Teachers gain essential knowledge to master the fundamentals of literacy instruction required to transform student learning.

LETRS for Administrators equips instructional leaders to create systems and structures in their schools and districts to achieve high levels of academic performance and growth in literacy.

Questions about LETRS Professional Learning?

Looking for FAQs? Questions about what is included? Need more information about how to view your assessment scores? Want to learn more about Bridge to Practice Activities?

Go to Help Center