Iowa is investing over $3.5 million in American Rescue Plan funds to provide every first-grade student in the state with decodable book packs to support their reading skills. These “decodable” books are tailored for beginning readers to help them connect letters and sounds, reinforcing what they learn in the classroom. Families can use these books to enhance phonics and decoding skills with their children at home.
The Iowa Department of Education selected Just Right Reader to provide the customizable book packs for free to elementary schools and families across the state. The books, which align with the Science of Reading method, include QR codes for video lessons to engage families in the learning process.
Over 100,000 book packs will be distributed to schools and families this winter, benefiting nearly 38,000 first-grade students. The initiative aims to support students in need of reading support, including those who participated in summer reading programs. The funding for these book packs comes from the American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund and the Emergency Assistance to Nonpublic Schools Fund. Schools and families can expect to receive the book packs without needing to apply.
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Photo credit cbs2iowa.com