Iowa’s Vision for Literacy Instruction & State Plan

Vision

Every student will demonstrate literacy proficiency and growth in reading, writing, speaking and listening skills that are essential for college and career readiness in a global society.

  • Students across all grade levels will engage with high-quality instructional materials (HQIM) — from kindergartners listening to rich, meaningful stories to high schoolers exploring complex, content-rich texts about history, science, and current events. These materials will build literacy skills, expand students’ knowledge of the world, and deepen their understanding of themselves and others.
  • In early grades, students will confidently master the foundational skills of reading through evidence-based instruction grounded in the Science of Reading.
  • Classrooms will be filled with thought-provoking, content-rich texts that challenge students to think critically, ask big questions, and engage in meaningful conversations. 
  • Every student will be on a clear path to grade-level success, supported by timely interventions and instructional adjustments that ensure no learner is left behind.
  • Instructional quality will be evident in student work and classroom conversations—not just test scores—as students demonstrate their readiness to take on the next academic challenge with confidence and curiosity.

Iowa Comprehensive State Literacy Plan

The Iowa Comprehensive State Literacy Plan (CSLP) is designed to ensure that every child in Iowa achieves literacy proficiency by the end of third grade. Recognizing that literacy is the foundation for all learning, the plan outlines a strategic, evidence-based approach to support literacy development from birth through high school. It focuses on equipping educators, engaging families, and aligning resources to create a coherent system that addresses the needs of all students. Iowa is committed to preparing students for lifelong learning and success. To support local literacy efforts, access the Iowa CSLP Brief (1020.97 KB).pdf (1020.97 KB) .pdf and the full version of the Iowa CSLP (3.16 MB).pdf (3.16 MB) .pdf .