Center for Research on Learning

Creating Solutions to Educational Challenges

The University of Kansas Center for Research on Learning (KUCRL) is a multidisciplinary research team, within the Life Span Institute, whose overarching goal is to create solutions to educational challenges. KUCRL is dedicated to development and research of educational programs and practices that improve outcomes for all learners, including those with learning differences or disabilities. These interventions and practices address higher-order reasoning skills, adolescent literacy, adult literacy, language and reading comprehension strategies, written expression strategies, math skills and strategies, social emotional learning skills, and explicit instruction and routines that respond to diversity in today’s schools.

CRL Today

Improve Literacy with Fusion Reading

Fusion Reading is a comprehensive, research-based reading intervention program developed by Dr. Irma Brasseur-Hock, Dr. Michael Hock, and Dr. Donald Deshler. Fusion Reading supports research-based strategies for students in grades 6-12 to help them achieve statistically significant gains in reading scores as well as other academic classes.

Fusion Reading Program Overview

Updated Possible Selves Course

Register for the updated Possible Selves (2nd Edition) Course made in Canvas by Dr. Jocelyn Washburn, KUCRL SIM Director.

Possible Selves (2nd Edition) Canvas Course

Supporting Teachers Through Innovation

Project iSTAR brings AI into an existing writing program for adolescents with disabilities. Through SIM™ (sim.ku.edu), it delivers web‑based, evidence‑based writing support that adapts to each learner and provides quick, ongoing feedback. Long‑term goals include improved student writing performance and stronger family‑school engagement.

Learn more about SIM tools and interventions

Kansas Blueprint for Literacy

KU researchers conducting statewide assessment to inform literacy improvement among Kansas students

Purchase Educational Materials

Visit our store to purchase educational materials!

KUCRL Store

Technical Assistance

The University of Kansas Center for Research on Learning provides technical assistance to State and Local Education Agencies seeking to address the language and literacy challenges faced by disadvantage children and youth. The CRL offers a wide array of programs, interventions, professional development, and instructional coaching that can impact literacy outcomes for students with disabilities, English learners, and students from low income households.

Contact crl@ku.edu for more information.

What others are saying about our products and services

Read these testimonials from individuals who have implemented KUCRL programs and products into their teaching routines.

Amy, FL

The Frame routine is a great way for students to collaborate when note taking. It also causes students to think at a higher cognitive level because they are taking a large role in the note taking process by summarizing and organizing what notes to take.

Leah, VA

These materials work. I was a critic at first, but feel as though these routines and strategies have improved my teaching and helping my students retain information.

Tina, GA

Since implementing and delivering SIM strategies, not only has student performance improved, but students frequently report that they actually used a strategy in another content area and that they felt more successful and less anxious by doing so.

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