IRA was founded in 1956 as a nonprofit professional organization for those involved in teaching reading to learners of all ages. Our members are dedicated to promoting high levels of literacy for all by

Improving the quality of reading instruction

Disseminating research and information about reading

Encouraging the lifetime reading habit

These goals are set forth in the Association’s Mission Statement, which also discusses the nature and purposes of the organization.

Whether your interest is research or practice, traditional print-based reading and writing or the “new literacies” of the Internet age, new readers or those acquiring higher level skills, we offer something for you.