Dordt education students excel on Foundations of Reading Test

The latest Foundations of Reading Test (FORT) scores have been released, with Dordt University education students achieving an 82% pass rate. With the state average at 52%, Dordt’s students scored well above the state benchmark. According to the Iowa Department of Education's 2026 FORT Pass Rates, Dordt received the second-highest pass rate in Iowa. 

The Foundations of Reading Test is a standardized examination taken by college students majoring in elementary and special education. In addition to measuring individual candidates’ knowledge and readiness to teach literacy, the results provide insight into the effectiveness of teacher preparation programs.

The results affirm the strength of Dordt’s teacher preparation program. “The high pass rate is an excellent quantitative indicator that Dordt’s Education department is preparing our teacher candidates really well in the area of literacy,” says Dr. Abby De Groot, director of the teacher preparation program at Dordt. “It helps both prospective students and their future employers recognize Dordt as a leader in this crucial field.”

According to De Groot, literacy is an essential skill in the classroom: “Reading is integral to learning in any subject. Each discipline has unique text structures, academic vocabulary, and writing demands, even at the elementary level. Having a strong understanding of the science of reading equips our students to teach well in all areas, and it also better equips teachers to reach all students, even those who would traditionally struggle to read.” 

As research on the science of reading continues to develop, Dordt is continuing to make improvements to its program, such as incorporating best practices in literacy instruction. Recently, Dordt announced updates to its Reading track within the Master of Education (M.Ed.) program. 

The track consists of 11 courses and allows students to meet the master's degree requirement for the master educator license in Iowa. Additionally, Dordt will offer EDUC 520, a course that allows students to explore the program before fully committing to the track, this spring.

“As Iowa and other states continue to focus on the science of reading as a non-negotiable piece of elementary reading instruction, it will be important for schools and teachers to be well versed in these practices,” explains De Groot. “We hope Dordt’s program can be a place for those teachers to learn and grow.”

For more information on Dordt’s Education program, visit www.dordt.edu/academics/programs/education-ba.

About Dordt University

As an institution of higher education committed to the Reformed Christian perspective, Dordt University equips students, alumni, and the broader community to work effectively toward Christ-centered renewal in all aspects of contemporary life.

Located in Sioux Center, Iowa, Dordt offers undergraduate and graduate programs that help students live their faith in every area of life. Through rigorous learning, meaningful relationships, and whole-person formation, students gain the practical wisdom to serve God and neighbor through their work and in their communities. Dordt has been named among the nation's leading Christian universities by U.S. News & World Report, Niche, and other national publications.