The overall pass rate for the state of Iowa was 46%. During that same period, 76% of Dordt University students passed the assessment—placing Dordt well above the state benchmark.
Dordt University education students are significantly outperforming the state average on Iowa’s newly required Foundations of Reading Test (FORT), positioning Dordt as a leader in teacher preparation across the state for structured literacy.
According to the Iowa Department of Education’s 2025 Foundations of Reading Test Pass Rates report, the overall pass rate for the state of Iowa was 46%. During that same period, 76% of Dordt University students passed the assessment—placing Dordt well above the state benchmark.
“It’s incredible,” says Dr. Matthew Beimers, associate professor of education and director of the M.Ed. program at Dordt. “It speaks to the quality of the teaching and the preparation our students are receiving.”
The Foundations of Reading Test is aligned with Iowa’s new legislative requirements that educator preparation programs integrate structured literacy into their curricula. The passing score of 240 reflects a national benchmark set by the Iowa Department of Education.
The Science of Reading refers to a vast and evolving body of research explaining how the brain learns to read. Structured Literacy is the practical application of that research in classroom instruction.
Dordt faculty say the university has been ahead of the curve for this shift.
“Because of the groundwork that was already being laid in our program, we were able to pivot quickly,” says Dr. Abby De Groot, associate professor of education. “As a smaller institution, we have the flexibility to respond faster than larger universities.”
Faculty members such as Thrive Center for Achievement Director Dr. Gwen Marra were instrumental in aligning Dordt’s coursework with Science of Reading principles even before state mandates required it. Assistant Professor of Education Trista Logan’s doctoral research focused specifically on the science of reading, and she now teaches the undergraduate course that prepares students for the assessment.
Notably, students are not required to pass the FORT to receive licensure; instead, educator preparation programs are held accountable for reporting outcomes. The data is publicly available and increasingly scrutinized by districts and administrators seeking well-prepared teachers.
“This is a publicly available document that people are starting to pay close attention to,” says De Groot. “Superintendents are looking for teachers trained in the Science of Reading and Structured Literacy approach.”
Beyond undergraduate preparation, Dordt offers graduate coursework for teachers interested in the science of reading and structured literacy. The literacy courses in the recently updated and revamped Dordt’s Master of Education reading track offer current teachers the opportunity to learn about the latest research. Also, there are opportunities for teachers to take one-off courses as a non-degree seeker or the full “reading” track.
“Current teachers often haven’t been trained in this approach, as the science of reading is based on new research,” De Groot adds. “This gives them access to research-based practices that can directly impact their classrooms.”
About Dordt University
As an institution of higher education committed to the Reformed Christian perspective, Dordt University equips students, faculty, alumni, and the broader community to work toward Christ-centered renewal in all aspects of contemporary life. Located in Sioux Center, Iowa, Dordt is a comprehensive university named to the best college lists by U.S. News and World Report, the Wall Street Journal, Times Higher Education, Forbes.com, Washington Monthly, and Princeton Review.
“I believe this work will be a powerful learning experience in designing ecologically resilient communities and exploring how beautiful, healthy natural spaces can be integrated into our cities."
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