Iowa is launching a $3.5 million initiative to improve early literacy by providing first graders across the state with decodable book packs to take home. These books are designed to reinforce classroom lessons by helping young readers build essential phonics and decoding skills.
Governor Kim Reynolds highlighted the program as part of Iowa’s broader focus on literacy improvement, emphasizing the role of parents in reinforcing these skills at home. The initiative aims to engage families in supporting their children’s reading development outside the classroom.
The Iowa Department of Education partnered with Just Right Reader through a competitive process to supply the book packs. Each pack is tailored to meet student’s individual needs and includes QR codes linking to video lessons for family engagement. Nearly 38,000 first-grade students and additional K-2 students needing support will benefit, with over 100,000 book packs distributed statewide this winter.
The initiative is funded through federal COVID-19 relief programs, including the American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund, and aims to foster lifelong learning by building strong reading foundations at an early age.
