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Science of Reading: The Podcast will deliver the latest insights from researchers and practitioners in early reading. Via a conversational approach, each episode explores a timely topic related to the science of reading.
Episode | Date |
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S7 E4: Scaffolding is built to be temporary with Zaretta Hammond
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While in New Orleans at the Plain Talk About Literacy and Learning conference, Susan sat down with keynoter Zaretta Hammond. Zaretta shared her thoughts on the importance of scaffolding in literacy education. In this episode, Susan and Zaretta also look back on Zaretta’s impactful book Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain: Promoting Authentic Engagement and Rigor for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students and talk about scaffolding, mastery, and the importance of learning how to learn.
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May 31, 2023 |
Special episode: The Right to Read: Live from Plain Talk with Kareem Weaver
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After three years and more than 3 million downloads, Science of Reading: The Podcast recently conducted its first ever taping in front of a live audience. The recording took place on March 9, 2023, in New Orleans at the Plain Talk About Literacy and Learning conference. Susan Lambert was joined by none other than Kareem Weaver, NAACP activist, whose first appearance on this podcast remains an all-time favorite among listeners. This time around, Kareem gave Susan a behind-the-scenes look at his involvement with the new film: The Right to Read. Kareem also offered insights into his latest work with NAACP. Plus, Kareem addressed the topic of accountability: can we make the changes we need to make when it comes to literacy instruction without holding some people accountable? Show notes:
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May 17, 2023 |
S7 E03: When not to differentiate: A guide to small-group instruction with Jamey Peavler
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This season is all about tackling the hard stuff, and there is no harder pill to swallow than being told by a student that you don't know how to teach reading—especially when you realize they're right! After this happened to Jamey Peavler, Co-Director in the Reading Science Graduate Program at Mount St. Joseph University, she leaned in and took the opportunity to completely rethink her approach to literacy instruction. Now, her research focuses on maximizing small-group instruction. In this episode, she'll share her findings and her advice, as well as some best practices for small-group instruction and balancing small- and whole-group work.
Quotes: “There's a certain amount of proactive, preventative foundation-building work that should be done for all kids. We can do that more efficiently in a whole-group setting and then reserve that small-group setting for what truly needs to be differentiated, because not everything has to be differentiated.” —Jamey Peavler |
May 03, 2023 |
The Science of Reading in the Montessori classroom with Susan Zoll, Natasha Feinberg, and Laura Saylor
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For the second episode in our new season focused on tackling the hard stuff, we're taking on a question that listeners have asked: how can we apply the Science of Reading in a Montessori setting? To help explore that question, we're joined by the three authors of the recent book Powerful Literacy in the Montessori Classroom: Aligning Reading Research and Practice. Listen to Dr. Susan Zoll, Dr. Natasha Feinberg, and Dr. Laura Saylor as they explore the shared qualities between the Science of Reading and Montessori approach. They share tips and guidance for literacy instruction both inside and outside a Montessori setting and end with an impassioned call to educators from all approaches to come together and learn from each other for the benefit of students everywhere.
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Apr 19, 2023 |
S7 E01: Navigating the noise with Claude Goldenberg
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Claude “Skeptic” Goldenberg, professor of Education at Stanford, rejoins Susan Lambert to kick off season seven of this Science of Reading podcast—all centered around “tackling the hard stuff.” In this week’s episode, Claude and Susan take on the topic of what is actually true when it comes to the Science of Reading and how to navigate the noise to find it! Together they discuss the opportunities and challenges of social media, the importance of limitations of foundational skills, and striving to maintain hope even when the journey towards success gets overwhelming.
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Apr 05, 2023 |
Amplify's literacy, math, and science podcasts—new season trailer
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We're thrilled to share that we are about to launch brand new seasons of our hit podcasts— Science of Reading: The Podcast, Science Connections, Math Teacher Lounge.
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Mar 27, 2023 |
Special: The science of learning, the humility of teaching
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Learning is at the center of everything in education, so understanding how the human brain processes, retains, and retrieves new information is essential to student growth. In this special crossover episode, Susan joins forces with fellow Amplify podcast hosts Eric Cross from Science Connections, and Dan Meyer and Bethany Lockhart Johnson from Math Teacher Lounge, to discuss what learning really means across subjects. Susan is also joined by Peter C. Brown, author of the book Make It Stick: The Science of Successful Learning, to dive into the cognitive science behind how our brains learn and ways you can apply that research in your classroom right now!
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Mar 22, 2023 |
Special: Why the Science of Reading isn't just about reading with Natalie Wexler
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Back in 2019, Natalie Wexler joined Susan Lambert as the very first guest on Science of Reading: The Podcast. Now—more than three years and three million downloads later—Science of Reading: The Podcast welcomes Natalie back on the show. She and Susan discuss what she's seen in the 3+ years since releasing her groundbreaking book The Knowledge Gap and delve into the importance of managing cognitive load, building long-term memory, writing, and the broader science of literacy. Lastly, Natalie shares what she hopes to see in the education headlines in the not-so-distant future.
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Mar 08, 2023 |
S6 E13: From education outsider to literacy expert with Todd Collins
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Todd Collins went from education outsider to literacy expert when he joined his local school board after a career in finance and technology. When Todd saw the literacy assessment number, his data-driven mind said "this isn't good enough" and got to work. Todd went on to organize the California Reading Coalition, a movement of educators, advocates, parents, and policymakers committed to improving reading instruction and outcomes for California's six million students. In this episode, he joins Susan Lambert to discuss what it really takes to make effective change; the importance of clear, ambitious goals and strong leadership in schools; and which numbers within literacy data are most important to focus on.
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Feb 22, 2023 |
S6 E12: Celebrating many meanings: Language comprehension and bidialectal students with Jasmine Rogers
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While working with students, one educator came to a realization that put her on a path to fascinating research in the Science of Reading. In this episode, Jasmine Rogers—manager and coach with the In Schools program at the DC Reading Clinic and an early literacy intervention lead at American University—shares her story and delves into her research on dialects and best practices for structured literacy instruction. She discusses Black language and how it connects with the language comprehension strand of Scarborough's Reading Rope. Jasmine also offers recommendations for classroom teachers who have bidialectal students.
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Feb 08, 2023 |
S6 E11: What I should have learned in college with Donna Hejtmanek
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Throughout this season, we've explored different tiers of the education system. In this episode, we look at the role higher education plays in equipping teachers with the right training and tools. Our guest Donna Hejtmanek, a retired special education teacher and reading specialist, shares her disappointing first-hand experience of going back to school at the age of 58—an experience that made her realize many universities weren't training educators in the Science of Reading. Donna tells Susan the story of how she came to create the incredibly popular Facebook group Science of Reading–What I Should Have Learned in College, and discusses what it will take to change higher education.
Quotes: Announcing the 2023 Science of Reading Star Awards! |
Jan 25, 2023 |
S6 E10: The big win is just the beginning with Dr. Jennifer Throndsen
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With Utah's recent passing of Senate Bill 127, a sweeping piece of literacy legislation, many are turning to the state as a model of what statewide implementation of the Science of Reading can look like. In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Throndsen, Director of Teaching and Learning at Utah State Board of Education, joins Susan to tell the story of how Senate Bill 127 came to be and how they are continuing to make changes to schools across Utah. Together, they discuss what the bill included, the opportunities and challenges the bill provides when it comes to implementation, and advice for other states looking to enact literacy legislation. Throndsen also discusses her experience as a teacher and her journey with the Science of Reading.
Quotes: "Our students are the state's greatest asset, and we need to invest in them with all the energy and knowledge we have to do our best to serve them with urgency, compassion, and high expectations." —Jennifer Throndsen |
Jan 11, 2023 |
S6 E9: Lessons from a talking dog: TV's "Reading Buddies" on making learning fun
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In this episode, we take you behind the scenes of the smash hit foundational reading series The Reading League’s “Reading Buddies,” aimed at students in pre-K through third grade. Susan is joined by Andrea Dotto and Brendan Malafronte—artists, performers, and co-founders of children's story hour and media company Dusty & Dott—as well as "Reading Buddies" executive producer Toni Ann Walsh. Together, the four of them discuss how the show started and how Andrea and Brendan got up to speed on the Science of Reading, and share tips for educators and caregivers on how to make reading instruction fun for kids.
Quotes: “Little by little you can learn to read, you can do something hard and we can do it together.” —Andrea Dotto |
Dec 28, 2022 |
S6 E8: Love at the center of literacy with Dr. Nyshawana Francis-Thompson
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Dr. Nyshawana Francis-Thompson, Deputy Chief of Curriculum and Instruction in the School District of Philadelphia, has played an integral role leading and sustaining a transition to the Science of Reading in the Philadelphia public school district. But making such a change across a large district is difficult. In this episode, Dr. Francis-Thompson (who goes by Dr. Ny) talks with Susan about Philadelphia’s experience. She also talks about her own experience learning about the Science of Reading, and offers tips to other district-level leaders and wisdom about providing all students with the liberation that comes through reading and leading—all with love at the center.
Quotes: “We have to listen to our young people in order to be able to move with that sense of urgency.” |
Dec 14, 2022 |
S6 E7: The how and why behind high-quality instructional materials with Rebecca Kockler
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As the former chief academic officer at the Louisiana Department of Education, Rebecca Kockler made it her mission to empower districts to select higher quality materials. This involved a thorough and rigorous curriculum review, and allowing teachers to choose the program they wanted once they knew exactly what they were getting. This work built Kockler’s case for focusing on quality curricula as a vital part of student success. Using Kockler’s work in Louisiana as a case study, this episode shows why state governments should focus on logistics, procurement, and equipping educators with the information they need to make the best decision for their students. Additional Resources:
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Nov 30, 2022 |
S6 E6: Literacy is Law: Leading Legislative Change with with State Senator Mimi Stewart
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Mimi Stewart is a state senator from New Mexico and previously worked as a public school elementary special education teacher for thirty years, with an expertise in reading literacy. Her unique background has turned into a passion for and a history of championing educational policies as a legislator. This episode focuses on how state government and state legislation can work to improve literacy instruction. She takes us through the process of creating a piece of literacy legislation, New Mexico Senate Bill 398, which passed in 2019. Sen. Stewart also shares the latest on that bill and also talks about what she’s now focusing on from her place in the legislature—like changing that way we teach teachers from a university level.
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Nov 16, 2022 |
S6 E5: Leading with the head and the heart: Enacting lasting literacy change with Mitchell Brookins
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Equal parts educational leader, educator, and life-long learner of reading science, Mitchell Brookins has leveraged his passion and dedication to affect change in the lives of the students and teachers he works with, as well as the many educators he has inspired online. In this episode, he opens up about the emotional journey he took—from realizing everything he’d been doing wasn’t working and that he’d never actually learned how to teach kids to read, to seeking out reading research and encountering the Science of Reading—a path that brought unparalleled transformation and success to his schools. Mitchell talks about how he is still learning and keeping students at the forefront of what he does every day, ending on a powerful story of a student who changed his life forever.
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Nov 02, 2022 |
S6 E4: From the community, for the community: Grassroots organizing with Naomi Peña & Akeela Azcuy
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Community and education activist Naomi Peña and clinical psychologist Dr. Akeela Azcuy knew that, as moms of struggling readers themselves, they had the opportunity to advocate for not only their own children but all children. These two leaders and changemakers founded Literacy Academy Collective with the goal of one day creating a stand-alone New York City public school devoted to educating children with language-based learning disabilities as well as struggling readers. In this episode, our guests share their own families’ experiences with dyslexia, how that impacted their activism, and how listeners at home can effect grassroots change in their own communities. Additional Resources:
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Oct 19, 2022 |
S6 E3: Focused implementation: Doing less to do more with Dr. Doug Reeves
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As an educator, researcher, author, and leadership consultant—there is little within the education world that Doug Reeves has not done. Twice named to the Harvard University Distinguished Authors Series, Doug has written more than forty books and joins Susan to discuss one in particular—Building to Impact. Together they dive into what evidence-based implementation looks like including the importance of de-implementation. Doug provides tangible advice for educators on what success looks like, how to define it for your school, and the ways to make it happen by focusing on one thing at a time until it becomes part of your school’s culture. Show Notes:
Quotes: “When was the last time in education, anybody heard of de-implementation? All we do is pile one thing on top of another, on top of another, and then we don't then, then we wonder why it didn't work.” —Doug Reeves “If you're not gonna have deep implementation, which requires a level of focus and allocation of time and resources, then don't bother.” —Doug Reeves “You have to have a singular focus and, and it's gotta be sustained year after year after year until it becomes part of your culture.” —Doug Reeves “You have to distinguish between an initiative, something that is new, and culture, something that's part of what we do every day and that is embedded. That is more important.” —Doug Reeves “The problem is this. If you only look at the results, then you don't know what caused it. Somebody has to look at underlying causes.” —Doug Reeves “It's really important for administrators to say, hey, I can deal with some chaos. I can deal with students making mistakes. That's real learning.” —Doug Reeves |
Oct 05, 2022 |
S6 E2: NAEP: What you've always wanted to know with Chester Finn, Jr.
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In this episode, we dive deep into the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), also known as the Nation’s report card. Chester Finn, Jr., author of the new book Assessing the Nation's Report Card: Challenges and Choices for NAEP, joins Susan to talk about the NAEP assessment. They discuss how the assessment works, what it is and isn’t, and what benefits and opportunities it provides as the achievement gap continues to grow.
Want to hang out with Susan and chat live about this episode of this podcast? Don’t miss our next “Off the Pod” FB live on our Community Facebook Group, where you can ask Susan your questions in real time! Also, join Susan on Sept. 26, as she kicks off a webinar series all about building a Science of Reading ecosystem. The first session will focus on demystifying the Science of Reading and MTSS. Additional resources:
—Chester Finn “The single most important thing NAEP cannot do [is that] it cannot in any definitive way explain why scores are what they are or are rising or falling.” —Chester Finn |
Sep 21, 2022 |
S6 E1: The other side of Scarborough’s Rope with Margaret Goldberg
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In our kick-off episode for season six, host Susan Lambert is joined by podcast alum Margaret Goldberg, the co-founder of the Right to Read Project. They discuss the new, animated Science of Reading series Brain Builders, and how this free tool can be shared directly with students and with their caregivers. Importantly, Margaret also elevates the need to focus on the comprehension strand of the Science of Reading.
Brain Builders animated videos Brain Builders: VIP launch party
— Margaret Goldberg “It's never too late to learn how to read. We can get you there.” — Margaret Goldberg |
Sep 07, 2022 |
Summer ‘22 Rewind: Empowering English language learners: Elsa Cárdenas-Hagan
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In this episode, Susan Lambert was joined by Dr. Elsa Cárdenas-Hagan to discuss the unique challenges and opportunities presented when teaching multilingual learners how to read. Dr. Cárdenas-Hagan is a bilingual speech language pathologist and a certified academic language therapist. She is also the director of Valley Speech Language and Learning Center in Brownsville, Texas. On the podcast, she and Susan talked about how teachers can make connections between students’ home languages and English in order to celebrate their language and give them new tools to better understand English. She stressed the importance of teachers educating themselves on their students’ home languages so they can spot orthographic and phonological similarities and differences, and highlighted the importance of educator collaboration to drive student success. Literacy Foundations for English Learners: A Comprehensive Guide to Evidence-Based Instruction by Dr. Elsa Cárdenas-Hagan Presentation: “Making Connections for Structured Literacy Instruction Among English Learners” Reading SOS special video series: Expert Answers to Family Questions About Reading Online book study of Literacy Foundations for English Learners By Dr. Elsa Cárdenas-Hagan Podcast survey —Dr. Elsa Cárdenas-Hagan “Sometimes as teachers, we feel so overwhelmed with, Oh, I don't know that language. How in the world am I going to introduce a whole new thing? Instead we should be starting to understand connections.” —Dr. Elsa Cárdenas-Hagan |
Aug 24, 2022 |
Summer '22 Rewind: Myths and misconceptions about universal screening: Nancy Nelson
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Dr. Nancy Nelson, assistant professor of special education at Boston University, discusses myths and misconceptions around RTI, MTSS, and assessment screening in reading and mathematics instruction. She highlights what tools need to be in place for the RTI system to be implemented well, her work on DIBELS®, and the importance of dyslexia screeners. DIBELS® at the University of Oregon
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Aug 10, 2022 |
Summer '22 Rewind: Research, comprehension, and content-rich literacy instruction: Sonia Cabell
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Join Sonia Cabell, associate professor at the School of Teacher Education at Florida State University, as she shares findings from her research trials on content-rich literacy curricula and discusses whether activating students’ background knowledge alongside explicit phonics instruction is more effective than the traditional approaches. She also describes what constitutes “compelling evidence” in the Science of Reading and explains why students need to interact with both written and spoken language while learning to read. Florida Center for Reading Research Writing Into Literacy TEDx Talk by Sonia Cabell National Reading Panel Report 2000 EdWeek Science of Reading article by Sonia Cabell Special Issue: The Science of Reading: Supports, Critiques, and Questions Live with the Author interview Twitter: @SoniaCabell “When I think about content-rich English Language Arts, I think about how we can integrate science and social studies into the language arts in ways that make sense.” |
Jul 27, 2022 |
Summer '22 Rewind: The symbiotic relationship between literacy and science with Jacquey Barber
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Jacquey Barber, director emerita of The Learning Design Group at UC Berkeley's Lawrence Hall of Science, joins the podcast to discuss her research on the symbiotic relationship between literacy and science, as well as what educators should be looking for in high-quality, literacy-rich science curricula. She also goes into strategies for engaging students, including the do, talk, read, write model, then ends the episode by highlighting the many ways science supports reading. No More Science Kits or Texts in Isolation by Jacqueline Barber and Gina Cervetti. “Develop opportunities for students to learn to read, write, and talk like scientists do.” |
Jul 13, 2022 |
S5-E10: Training the next generation of Science of Reading educators with Dr. Amy Murdoch
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Dr. Amy Murdoch is the assistant dean of Reading Science in the School of Education at Mount St. Joseph University. She received her doctorate in school psychology with an emphasis in early literacy from the University of Cincinnati. In this episode, she chats with Susan Lambert about creating prominent graduate and doctoral programs in the Science of Reading, and the responsibility of training the next generation of early literacy educators. She discusses how she has seen Science of Reading interest escalate, shares her hopes for the future of reading science in schools, and offers advice for those who are new to the Science of Reading and/or exploring an advanced degree rooted in reading science. Meaningful Differences in the Everyday Experience of Young American Children by Betty Hart and Todd R. Risley Project Ready! An Early Language and Literacy Program to Close the Readiness Gap - Research article Mount St. Joseph University Reading Science Program Center for Reading Science "Don't do it alone, try to find community and find people you can, you know, your trusted colleagues that you can bounce ideas off of and grow your learning." |
Jun 29, 2022 |
S5-E9: Making every day a "wins day" with Grammy-winning educator Mickey Smith Jr.
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Mickey Smith Jr. is an acclaimed Louisiana educator, author, saxophonist, and self-described "solutionist" who feels a strong calling to help educators and teachers. Mickey, who received the Grammy Music Educator Award in 2020, brings his motivational blend of music and message to this very special episode in which he and Susan Lambert discuss music, perseverance, and finding purpose as educators and human beings. In between interludes of uplifting songs and stories, Mickey shares his proven principles for helping educators create sound connections and culture in today's classrooms. He also describes his methods for providing all-purpose encouragement and offers a tangible approach to finding one's own personal mission statements—or, as he likes to call it, our legacy song. “I want to share some of the things that helped me to keep going, so that someone else won’t miss their next and best steps.” |
Jun 15, 2022 |
S5-E8: Linguistic structure: English vs. Spanish: Dr. Desirée Pallais-Downing
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Dr. Desirée Pallais-Downing is an assistant professor of instruction in the Bilingual/Bicultural Education Program at the University of Texas at Austin. Having lived in Nicaragua, England, the United States, and Spain, she has experienced bilingual learning across four different countries. In this episode, she differentiates between sequential and simultaneous bilingualism, and the importance of assessment in the home and second languages before diving deep into the linguistic structures of Spanish vs. English. She also offers advice for non-Spanish speakers on the best ways to support Spanish speakers. |
Jun 01, 2022 |
S5-E7: Unlocking change through literacy legislation: Dr. Kymyona Burk
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Dr. Kymyona Burk is Policy Director for Early Literacy at the Foundation for Excellence in Education (ExcelinEd). In this role, she supports states pursuing a comprehensive approach to K–3 reading policy. She joins host Susan Lambert to give listeners a look behind the curtain of the legislative process creating education policy, including writing and passing literacy legislation, the politics of advocating for the Science of Reading within legislation, and what the results look like for states that have this legislation in place. The Perfect Storm: Mississippi’s Momentum for Improving Reading Achievement - The Reading League Journal |
May 18, 2022 |
S5-E6: Why skepticism is essential to the Science of Reading, with Dr. Claude Goldenberg
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Claude Goldenberg joined the podcast to introduce what he argues is much-needed skepticism to the conversation of reading science. Goldenberg mentions that while the Science of Reading may be the latest buzzword, reading science is here to stay and, like any other science, will only grow stronger alongside informed critique. He later talks about the foundational skills and what the movement can learn from the failings of Reading First; offers advice for implementation; and ends with a hopeful note, highlighting that all educators can come together around a shared mission to see students succeed. — Dr. Claude Goldenberg Reading Wars, Reading Science, and English Learners by Claude Goldenberg Amplify’s Virtual Symposium 2022 - Celebrating Biliteracy: Realizing a Better Future for Our Spanish Speakers Teaching All Students to Read: Practices from Reading First Schools With Strong Intervention Outcomes by Elizabeth Crawford & Joseph Torgesen Catch Them Before They Fall by Joseph K. Torgesen |
May 04, 2022 |
S5-E5: Implementing Multi-Tiered Systems of Support with Dr. Brittney Bills
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Susan Lambert is joined by Dr. Brittney Bills, educator and recent Science of Reading Star Award Winner to discuss MTSS. Dr. Bills began her journey as a school psychologist for six years before transitioning to the role of curriculum coordinator at Grand Island Public Schools. In this episode, Dr. Bills explains what MTSS is and how it centers on prevention rather than intervention. She talks about the intersection of universal screening data and MTSS and provides advice on evidence-based strategies and techniques to make a positive impact in your classroom. Using examples from her own district, Dr. Bills discusses avoiding burnout, learning to use data, and the process of ongoing improvement. |
Apr 20, 2022 |
S5-E4: What bilingualism can teach us with Dr. Doris Baker
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Joining host Susan Lambert, Dr. Doris Baker speaks from her background researching the academic outcomes of English language learners to discuss ways educators can better engage and support all of their students. Dr. Baker emphasizes how much there is to learn about our native language by learning another language, and the many advantages of bilingualism. She then dives into a conversation around codeswitching and the importance of cultural awareness. Dr. Baker also gives listeners practical advice on how to include English language learners in core instruction and highlights how critical it is to provide students with opportunities to engage in sophisticated and deep conversations. Lastly, Dr. Baker outlines how educators can include parents in their children’s language learning by teaching them how, when, and what to read to their kids—in their native language! |
Apr 06, 2022 |
S5-E3: The right assessment and the right data with Dr. Jan Hasbrouck
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Today on the podcast, we‘re joined by literacy expert Jan Hasbrouck, Ph.D. Dr. Hasbrouck is an education consultant, author, and researcher. She opens the episode talking about her start with literacy, underscoring how she was one of the lucky ones who learned how to teach reading correctly in college. Dr. Hasbrouck also discusses what it’s like to combat skepticism—both of the Science of Reading and the power of assessment. She then goes on to talk about the book she co-authored on student-focused coaching and ends the episode by addressing assessment anxiety directly, including a discussion of where it comes from, the importance of progress monitoring, and more! |
Mar 23, 2022 |
S5-E2: Biliteracy and assessment with Dr. Lillian Durán
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Susan Lambert joins biliteracy expert and professor Dr. Lillian Durán, who holds a doctorate in educational psychology from the University of Minnesota and researches the improvement of instructional and assessment practices with preschool-aged dual language learners (DLLs). Durán begins by pointing out the difference between being bilingual and biliterate, then describes the key advantages of being bilingual and the unique skills students who speak multiple languages bring to school. She then discusses how the Simple View of Reading connects to Spanish, the double standard often occurring when bilingual students are celebrated vs. when they are not, and the process of screening and assessment for multilingual students. Lastly, Dr. Durán compels educators to avoid viewing biliteracy and dual language support as a sub-population of their classroom and instead prioritize the development of students’ home languages, whatever they may be, alongside English instruction. “No matter what language you start to learn some of those skills in, there's a transfer and understanding of how to listen to sounds and how to put sounds together.” —Dr. Lillian Durán |
Mar 09, 2022 |
S5-E1: The right to read: Lacey Robinson
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In this episode, host Susan Lambert is joined by Lacey Robinson, Chief Executive Officer of UnboundEd. Robinson opens the podcast by telling her personal story of learning to read, discussing those who influenced her, and sharing how literacy empowered her to pursue education reform. Robinson emphasizes the responsibility that educational practitioners and leaders have to dismantle and eliminate all barriers to education. She helps to define equity and equitable instruction and describes the literacy experiences of Black students, stressing how an understanding of history is essential to moving forward and not repeating past mistakes. Lastly, Robinson outlines what productive struggle should look like in the classroom, encouraging educators to embrace their students’ local, cultural, linguistic, and historical context to enable more rigorous reading opportunities. Listen now. |
Feb 23, 2022 |
S4-E16: Celebrating changemakers: Science of Reading Star Award winners
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In this episode, Susan Lambert sits down with all of our Science of Reading Star Award winners to discuss their journey with the Science of Reading—from the very beginning, to the work they are doing now. Susan is joined by Brittney Bills (Curriculum Coordinator, Grand Island Public Schools, Nebraska) and Alli Rice (Elementary ELA Lead, Kansas City Public Schools, Kansas), who both won our Amplifying Your District award. Susan also talks with Anila Nayak (Instructional Coach and Reading Intervention Teacher, Los Angeles Unified School District, California), winner of our Superstar award that celebrates a teacher who has made a direct impact on their students by applying the Science of Reading. Lastly, this episode features Cathy Dorbish (Principal, Austintown Elementary School, Ohio), who won the Standout School award that celebrates educators successfully shifting their school to the Science of Reading. These incredible educators share their stories of driving change, giving listeners inspiration and advice to take back to their own schools and classrooms. “When you’re helping teachers and supporting other people’s classrooms, you do as much as you can.” —Alli Rice Show notes: Read Brittney’s spotlight. Read Alli’s spotlight. Read Anila’s spotlight. Read Cathy’s spotlight. |
Feb 09, 2022 |
S4-E15: How to motivate middle schoolers: Kamilah Simpson
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In this episode, Susan Lambert joins senior product specialist at Amplify, Kamilah Simpson. Kamilah’s roots in education took shape when she was a Title 1 middle school intensive reading teacher and from there she became an instructional coach. Kamilah shares her knowledge with podcast listeners as she dives into teaching reading to middle school students. She gives tangible advice on how to allow for productive struggle so that students can learn through discovery. Some of the topics Kamilah highlights include complex text and rigor, learning to scaffold, the importance of having students listen to text, incorporating writing practice, and supporting students without over-supporting. Finally, Kamilah stresses the importance of motivating middle school students to read by providing texts that they can see themselves and their world in.
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Jan 26, 2022 |
S4-E14: What it takes to be a literacy education changemaker: Kareem Weaver
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In this episode, Susan Lambert sits down with Kareem Weaver to discuss change management for educators implementing the Science of Reading. Kareem Weaver is a member of the Oakland NAACP Education Committee and a leader of the organization Full and Complete Reading is a Universal Mandate (FULCRUM). He was also an award-winning teacher and administrator in Oakland, California, and Columbia, South Carolina. Kareem discusses what the Science of Reading is at the simplest level and why it’s important that educators are undivided in backing the research. He goes on to give an impassioned plea to educators to come together, because this is an issue that impacts all kids. Kareem also highlights the importance of meeting educators where they are and realizing that change cannot happen if teachers aren’t given the tools and support they need first. Lastly, Kareem calls for systemic changes to education so that teachers can do their jobs in a way that is balanced, sustainable, and ultimately benefits the students. Show Notes: FULCRUM: Full and Complete Reading is a Universal Mandate |
Jan 12, 2022 |
S4-E13: Revisiting a conversation with Dr. Nancy Nelson
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In this episode, we join Susan Lambert as she revisits a conversation she had during season 1 with Dr. Nancy Nelson, a research assistant professor at the Center on Teaching and Learning at the University of Oregon. They discuss myths and misconceptions around Response to Intervention (RTI), Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), and universal screening in reading instruction. Dr. Nelson also describes her work on DIBELSⓇ and explains the importance of dyslexia screeners and what tools need to be in place for RTI to work well. “I feel very strongly that students get access to instruction that is delivered through evidence-based practices, because that’s what we know works.” —Dr. Nancy Nelson |
Dec 29, 2021 |
S4-E12: A conversation on growing up with dyslexia with 10th grader Hadyn Fleming
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In this episode, we join Susan Lambert as she talks to 10th grader Hadyn Fleming about his experiences growing up with dyslexia. Hadyn shares his story of moving around a lot and what it took in his educational journey to feel like he had the tools and resources to be successful. Hadyn openly discusses the experiences that made a difference in his life and candidly discloses what it really feels like to have dyslexia. He also shares the way that dyslexia impacts all facets of education and, conversely, how becoming a confident reader gave him increased confidence in other areas of his life. Lastly, Hadyn helps debunk dyslexia myths, and talks about how an educator's belief in their students' potential is essential to student success. Rocky Mountain Camp for Kids with Dyslexia |
Dec 15, 2021 |
S4-E11 Building resilience through routine, relationships, and regulation in the classroom: Ricky Robertson
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In this episode, we join Susan Lambert as she talks to Ricky Robertson about building systems of support for students impacted by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and the educators who work with them. Ricky is an educator, author, and consultant who has worked with alternative and traditional schools. The episode focuses first on how teachers can prioritize their own self-care and why it is essential in order to care for students. Ricky then goes into explaining what ACEs are and the ways that fight, flight, freeze, and fawn responses can manifest in the classroom. Lastly, they go into explaining resilience and how routine and relationships help build a foundation for resilience—ending on a note of encouragement to educators that their investment is never wasted. Building Resilience in Students Impacted by Adverse Childhood Experiences by Ricky Robertson, Victoria E. Romero, and Amber Warner Ricky Robertson: Adverse Childhood Experiences Webinar [Video/Webinar] Adverse Childhood Experiences: Trauma-Informed Strategies for Teacher and Student Well-Being [Video/Webinar] |
Dec 01, 2021 |
S4-E10: What we’ve learned and the guests we’re grateful for
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In this episode, we join Susan Lambert as she rewinds the tape and highlights some of the standout learning moments that have occurred throughout this season of the podcast. Guests like Sue Pimentel, Julie Washington, Nadine Gaab, and more have all taught us invaluable lessons about the Science of Reading. You’ll hear top takeaways from each of their episodes as they cover topics such as literacy accelerators, learning to read digitally versus in print, teaching reading to multi-language learners, dialectical variety, and so much more. Podcast Episode 7: Julie Washington Podcast Episode 8: Elsa Cárdenas-Hagan Podcast Episode 9: Nadine Gaab |
Nov 17, 2021 |
S4-E9: Dyslexia and developmental trajectories: Dr. Nadine Gaab
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In this episode, Susan Lambert joins Dr. Nadine Gaab to discuss dyslexia and the developmental progression of the brain and behavior of students as they learn to read. Dr. Gaab, an Associate Professor of Education at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, focuses on both typical and atypical learning trajectories from infancy to adulthood, with a special emphasis on language and reading development and the role of the environment in shaping these trajectories. In this episode, Dr. Gaab provides further insight into these developmental trajectories as they relate to early intervention for at-risk students. She differentiates between early diagnosis of dyslexia versus early identification of at-risk students. Adding nuance and complexity to the discussion of dyslexia, Dr. Gaab emphasizes the ways educators can ensure that all students experience the joy of learning to read. Show Notes: Gaab Lab - myths about dyslexia , by Nadine Gaab National Center for Improving Literacy Video - How the brain learns to read by Nadine Gaab |
Nov 03, 2021 |
S4-08: Empowering multilingual learners: Elsa Cárdenas-Hagan
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In this episode, Susan Lambert is joined by Elsa Cárdenas-Hagan to discuss the unique challenges and opportunities presented when teaching multilingual learners how to read. Dr. Cárdenas-Hagan is a bilingual speech language pathologist and a certified academic language therapist. She is also the director of Valley Speech Language and Learning Center in Brownsville, Texas. She discusses how teachers can make connections between students’ home languages and English in order to celebrate their language and give them new tools to better understand English. She stresses the importance of teachers educating themselves on their students’ home languages so they can spot orthographic and phonological similarities and differences. Lastly, she highlights the importance of educators collaborating for the success of the students. “The more we’re able to read, the more we’re able to learn.“—Dr. Elsa Cárdenas-Hagan “Sometimes as teachers, we feel so overwhelmed with, “Oh, I don't know that language. How in the world am I going to introduce a whole new thing?” Instead we should be starting to understand connections.”—Dr. Elsa Cárdenas-Hagan
Literacy Foundations for English Learners: A Comprehensive Guide to Evidence-Based Instruction by Elsa Cárdenas-Hagan Presentation: Making Connections for Structured Literacy Instruction Among English Learners Reading SOS Special Video Series: Expert Answers to Family Questions About Reading Online book study of Literacy Foundations for English Learners By Dr. Elsa Cárdenas-Hagan |
Oct 20, 2021 |
S4-07: Linguistic Variety and Dialects: Difference, not error: Julie Washington
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In this episode, Susan Lambert is joined by Dr. Julie Washington to discuss linguistic variety and dialects as difference, not error, and how to best support all students as they learn to read. Dr. Washington, professor in the School of Education at the University of California, Irvine (UCI) and a speech-language pathologist, offers practical advice for educators teaching reading to children who don’t use general American English and discusses how to do so in a way that respects students' community languages and dialects. She reminds educators that students rise or fall to the expectations set for them, and encourages educators to remember that if they embrace language variety as something that needs to be understood and incorporated into developing successful readers, they will develop successful readers.
“Educating yourself as a teacher and recognizing where there is variety and difference and not error is critical for how you'll respond to it.” —Dr. Julie Washington Show Notes: Teaching Reading to African American Children by Julie A. Washington and Mark S. Seidenberg Cultivating Genius: An Equity Framework for Culturally and Historically Responsive Literacy by Gholdy Muhammad |
Oct 06, 2021 |
S4-06: Educator voices: Personal journeys through the Science of Reading
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In this episode, Susan Lambert joins elementary educator Lindsay Kemeny for a conversation about her journey of discovery with the Science of Reading. A current second grade teacher with ten years of experience in elementary education, Lindsay Kemeny has been published in the Reading League Journal and spoken alongside literacy experts like Emily Hanford. In this episode, Lindsay discusses how she processed her shock and guilt at realizing she’d never been taught how to properly teach reading. She also discusses the journey she took as a mother and an educator when her son was diagnosed with severe dyslexia alongside depression, and how that inspired her to dive into what is needed for good literacy instruction and what students with learning disabilities need. Listeners will also hear stories from additional educators from across the country about how the Science of Reading has transformed their classrooms. Sink or Swim: The Appearance of Reading by Lindsay Kemeny Quotes: “I love the phrase we have in the Science of Reading community: Know better, do better.” —Lindsay Kemeny CW // depression, suicide This episode includes discussion of depression and suicidal thoughts, specifically as it impacts students with learning disabilities. This is a very sensitive but important topic that impacts educators, parents, and students alike. It is also a pivotal part of today’s guest’s story. We understand that not everyone is in a place to listen to today’s episode and we look forward to having you with us next week.
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Sep 22, 2021 |
S4-05: Reading as Liberation: Sue Pimentel
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In this episode, Sue Pimentel—co-founder of the nonprofit StandardWorks, founding partner of Student Achievement Partners, and lead author of the Common Core State Standards for ELA—joins Susan Lambert to discuss her new report "Reading as Liberation—An Examination of the Research Base." Sharing key insights, she expands on her findings about personalization, literacy accelerators, and implementation, as well as how mutual respect between student and teacher is key to reading success. Announcing the inaugural Science of Reading Star Awards! Nominate a Science of Reading champion in your district for a chance to win $500. https://amplify.com/sor-star-awards/ |
Sep 08, 2021 |
S4-04: Learning to Read Digitally vs. in Print: Dr. Lauren Trakhman & Dr. Patricia Alexander
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In this episode, Susan Lambert sits down with Lauren Trakhman and Patricia Alexander, professors from the Department of Human Development and Quantitative Methodology within the College of Education at the University of Maryland, College Park, to discuss their research on the effectiveness of teaching reading in print vs. digitally. Their conversation explores the ways in which teaching reading in print remains vital even in a digital world. Drs. Trakhman and Alexander also explain why it's important to avoid making assumptions about students' abilities to use technology and how that can be a detriment to reading success. Lastly, they discuss strategies for using technology to boost children's foundational skills. Patricia A. Alexander Bio and research Announcing the inaugural Science of Reading Star Awards! Nominate a Science of Reading champion in your district for a chance to win $500. https://amplify.com/sor-star-awards/ |
Aug 25, 2021 |
S4-03: Learning disabilities and their emotional impact: Dr. Sheila Clonan
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This episode features Dr. Sheila Clonan discussing her work with identifying learning disabilities (particularly dyslexia) in children. Dr. Clonan also explores the mental and emotional effects of learning to read with dyslexia and how it impacts behavior and self-concept, providing two insightful analogies that illustrate what it feels like for students who aren’t given explicit instruction but are still expected to know how to read. She then ends the episode with practical advice for educators and parents on how to support and encourage children. “I don’t think there’s anyone who goes into teaching, not caring about children and not wanting what’s best for children.” Show Notes: Dyslexia by Sally E. Shaywitz International Dyslexia Association Fact Sheets |
Aug 11, 2021 |
S4-02: Ensuring literacy success for all: Dr. Tracy Weeden
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Dr. Tracy Weeden, CEO and President of the Neuhaus Education Center, joins host Susan Lambert to discuss ensuring literacy success for all. She shares what it means to be a literacy ally, what the ‘COVID Chrysalis’ is, and how teachers need to bridge the gap between the language students learn in school and the language they bring from home. “Quality of life and literacy are intrinsically tied to one another.” Resources: |
Jul 28, 2021 |
S4-01: Applying the Science of Reading at any grade level: Laura Cusack
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Kicking off our new season, Susan Lambert hosts this special episode with Laura Cusack, Executive Director of K–8 ELA Strategy at Amplify. This dynamic duo sheds light on the pandemic’s effects on literacy achievement and strategizes how to make up for lost foundational skills while keeping students moving forward in grade-level learning. They also urge educators to make it a point to honor the diverse experience of their students during reading instruction. Quotes: “It’s all about growing and learning.” “When we get that diversity of kids in the classroom, we have to honor all of their experiences.” Resources: Speech to Print by Louisa Moats Amplify Science of Reading Handbook (Primers #1 and #2) Science of Reading: The Podcast w/ Louisa Moats Episode Science of Reading: The Podcast w/ Nancy Hennessy Episode Science of Reading: The Podcast w/ Laurence Holt Episode |
Jul 14, 2021 |
S3-13. Deconstructing the Rope: A look back at Season 3
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Join your host, Susan Lambert, as she recaps Deconstructing the Rope, our series for season 3 of Science of Reading: The Podcast. She highlights the special guests we’ve had this season such as Louisa Moats, Bruce McCandliss, and Sonia Cabell and shares their expert insights on Scarborough’s Reading Rope. From vocabulary to word and sight recognition, tune into this special episode and cement this knowledge in your Science of Reading journey. |
Jun 30, 2021 |
S3-12. Fostering accessible instruction for all: DeJunne’ Clark Jackson
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Join DeJunne’ Clark Jackson, Vice President of Program Development for the Center for Development and Learning, as she underscores how to overcome barriers in the delivery of accessible instruction to students. She also urges listeners to recognize and confront bias both inside and outside of the classroom in order to foster better experiences for educators and students. Finally, she leaves us with an anecdote on diversity, equity, and inclusion and speaks on the connection between the Science of Reading and dyslexia. Plain Talk Conference |
Jun 16, 2021 |
S3-11. Continuously improving literacy instruction: Alana Mangham
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Join Alana Mangham, literacy specialist for the Center for Development and Learning, as she shares her pathway from educator to changemaker in the Science of Reading field. She’ll also highlight her successful four-part literacy plan and urge you to question your instructional practices to better foster reading achievement in children today. “The power in not being an expert to start out with is that we grow together.” “We need to give teachers credit, but we need to get to work. We have things to do. Resources: Center for Development and Learning Narrowing the Third Grade Reading Gap | EAB Want to discuss the episode? Join our Facebook group Science of Reading: The Community. |
Jun 02, 2021 |
S3-10. Deconstructing the Rope: Language structures with Kate Cain
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Join Kate Cain, professor of language and literacy at Lancaster University, as she unwinds language structures, a strand of Scarborough’s Reading Rope. In the latest episode of our Deconstructing the Rope series, Kate explores language structures in the simple view of reading and explains its connections across reading comprehension in literacy development. She also highlights the reciprocal relationship between books and conversation and underscores the importance of reading aloud to children from a young age to develop their vocabulary and semantics. Quotes: “Simply knowing the individual word meanings and the word order alone is not going to be sufficient to have accurate sentence comprehension.” “The language of books is different from the language of conversation.” References: Professor Kate Cain’s Publications Site |
May 19, 2021 |
S3-09. Deconstructing the Rope: Vocabulary with Nancy Hennessy
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Join Nancy Hennessy, past president of the International Dyslexia Association, as she unwinds vocabulary, a strand of Scarborough’s Reading Rope. In the latest episode of our Deconstructing the Rope series, Nancy defines the role of vocabulary and elaborates on the nuanced structures of comprehension in literacy instruction. She also highlights how to explicitly teach vocabulary to students through her research-backed, four-pronged approach. Quotes: "Every one of the strands of the rope is important. If any strand frays, then reading is in jeopardy. " "Vocabulary instruction is really getting our students interested in words as the building blocks of our language." Resources: The Reading Comprehension Blueprint: Helping Students Make Meaning from Text by Nancy Hennessy Daniel Willingham–Science & Education |
May 05, 2021 |
S3-08. Deconstructing the Rope: Language comprehension with Sonia Cabell
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Join Sonia Cabell, assistant professor at the School of Teacher Education at Florida State University, in the latest episode of our Deconstructing the Rope series as she unwinds language comprehension, a strand of Scarborough’s Reading Rope. Sonia explains the true definition of language comprehension in relation to the simple view of reading and highlights the role of parents and educators in the use of advanced language models in literacy development. She also reflects on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on teachers and families and discusses how it has highlighted the importance of education today. Quotes: “Young children are very smart. They know a great deal more than we give them credit for and they can do a lot more than we understand.” “Parents are childrens’ first teachers and so, to really embrace parents in childrens’ learning process is really critical.” Show Notes:
Want to discuss the episode? Join our Facebook group Science of Reading: The Community. |
Apr 21, 2021 |
S3-07. A Defining Movement: The Reading League on the science of reading
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In this special episode, Dr. Maria Murray, President and CEO of The Reading League, analyzes the intricacies of literacy instruction and shares common misconceptions that educators have about the science of reading. She explains why The Science of Reading: A Defining Movement coalition was founded: the belief of clear understandings of what the science of reading is and what it is not to promote the proper use of instructional practices aligned with the findings from the science of reading. Quotes: “What systems do we need to change and strengthen to ensure that everyone is successful?” “Nothing creates excitement more than success.” Resources: The Science of Reading: A Defining Movement The Reading League |
Apr 07, 2021 |
S3-06. Deconstructing the Rope: Background knowledge with Susan Neuman
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Join Susan Neuman, Professor of Childhood and Literacy Education at the Steinhardt School at New York University, as she unwinds background knowledge, a strand of Scarborough’s Reading Rope. In the sixth episode of our Deconstructing the Rope series, Susan explains the important link between background knowledge and reading comprehension in the science of reading and shares about her five research-based principles to build knowledge networks in literacy instruction. She also highlights the connection between speech and reading and previews her upcoming studies on the role of cross-media connections in children’s learning. Quotes: “What you’re helping children do is create a mosaic; putting all those ideas together in a knowledge network. If you don’t do it explicitly, many children cannot do it on their own.” Resources: Book: "Giving Our Children a Fighting Chance" by Susan Neuman. More books in the link. Article: The information book flood: Is additional exposure enough to support early literacy development? by Susan Neuman |
Mar 24, 2021 |
S3-05. Deconstructing the Rope: Sight recognition with Dr. Bruce McCandliss
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Join Dr. Bruce McCandliss, Professor at the Graduate School of Education of Stanford University, as he unwinds sight recognition, a strand of Scarborough’s Reading Rope. In the fifth episode of our series, Bruce explains the role of sight and word recognition in the science of reading and highlights the importance of the rapid integration of print, speech, and meaning. He also encourages listeners to be cognizant of the ever-changing, technological learning environment while nurturing young readers and writers. Quotes: “You’re continually developing the system of word recognition. It’s not a one-and-done kind of thing. It’s continually being refined; it becomes more and more automatic.“ “Word recognition is the ability to see a written word and then in your mind link it very precisely to how that word is spoken and what that word might mean.” Resources:
Want to discuss the episode? Join our Facebook group Science of Reading: The Community. |
Mar 10, 2021 |
S3-04. Plain Talk: Making the Shift to the Science of Reading in Your District
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Join leading experts Natalie Wexler, Ernesto Ortiz, Dr. Carolyn Strom, and Susan Lambert for a podcast on making the shift to the science of reading. In this special episode, they discuss how educators can implement the science of reading through an incremental change on all levels, from a classroom to entire districts. Sharing their research and both professional and personal experiences, the panelists share the leadership knowledge, training, and curriculum advice you’ve been looking for. Quotes:
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Feb 24, 2021 |
S3-03. Deconstructing the Rope: Decoding with Louisa Moats
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Join Dr. Louisa Moats, President of Moats Associates Consulting, as she unwinds decoding, a strand of Scarborough’s Reading Rope. In the third episode of our Deconstructing the Rope series, Louisa highlights the significance of decoding in the science of reading and discusses the value of becoming students of our own language. She also mentions the reciprocal relationship between decoding and encoding and why both are essential to provide effective phonics instruction to children in the classroom. Quotes: “We need to be students of our own language so that when we accept the responsibility of teaching kids how it works, we’re very comfortable.” “We have much more insight into how kids learn any language-based academic skill, not only from neuroscience but also cognitive, developmental, linguistic, and educational intervention research.” |
Feb 10, 2021 |
S3-02. Deconstructing the Rope: Word recognition with Alice Wiggins
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Join Alice Wiggins, Vice President of Instructional Design & Products at UnboundEd, as she unwinds word recognition, a strand of Scarborough’s Reading Rope. In the second episode of our Deconstructing the Rope series, Alice explains the role of word recognition in the science of reading and highlights the importance of explicit phonics instruction. She also urges listeners to advocate for an aligned curriculum to bring forth a systematic and equitable approach to reading for all students. Quotes: “By explicitly teaching sound spellings, we’re strengthening students’ abilities to read so they can learn more.” “For equity’s sake, we want to teach reading in a way that we cast the widest net possible and support the most students possible.” Resources:
Want to discuss the episode? Join our Facebook group Science of Reading: The Community. |
Jan 27, 2021 |
S3-01. Deconstructing the Rope: An Introduction with Dr. Jane Oakhill
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Dive into our first episode as Dr. Jane Oakhill, Professor of Experimental Psychology at the University of Sussex, gives a high-level overview of Scarborough’s Reading Rope. She also emphasizes the importance of inferencing in comprehension, why the Simple View of Reading is still relevant almost 40 years later, and how each element of the rope comes together to deconstruct the complexity of reading. Quotes: “We’re often quite surprised at what children don’t understand and we make a lot of assumptions about things we find utterly trivial.” “It’s not just having knowledge that’s important, but also being able to activate that knowledge when appropriate.” Resources: Understanding and Teaching Reading Comprehension by Jane Oakhill |
Jan 13, 2021 |
S2-09. Unveiling insights from assessment data: Danielle Damico
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Join Danielle Damico, Director of Learning Science at Amplify, as she explores the impact of the pandemic on at-risk students and those in need of intervention. She shares the insights drawn from DIBELS 8th Edition and highlights how data is now more important than ever in understanding where students are—whether assessments are administered in person or through a digital platform. Finally, she leaves our listeners with best practices to nurture readers moving forward and ensure growth and success through the end of the year. Quotes: “Teachers and students need the right tools to help accelerate student learning and growth–especially in early literacy.” “We need to lean on the data we can collect and the science of reading.” Resources: |
Dec 30, 2020 |
S2-08. Behind the scenes of the National Reading Panel: Tim Shanahan
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One of our most popular guests, Tim Shanahan, returns! In our most recent episode, he reminisces about the creation of the National Reading Panel in 1997 and the release of its subsequent groundbreaking report. He highlights how reading instruction has evolved and discusses how new research seems to be changing the landscape of the “reading wars” he thought were settled long ago. Quotes: “We continue to learn, and we continue to refine.” “When people are trying to tell you how you should teach, I think you need to ask some real basic questions about what evidence supports those recommendations.” Resources:
Want to discuss the episode? Join our Facebook group Science of Reading: The Community. |
Dec 16, 2020 |
S2-07. Research, comprehension, and content-rich literacy instruction: Sonia Cabell
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Join Sonia Cabell, Assistant Professor of Education at Florida State University, as she shares findings from her research trials on content-rich literacy curricula and whether activating students’ background knowledge alongside explicit phonics instruction is more effective than traditional approaches. She also explains what constitutes “compelling evidence” in the science of reading and why students need to interact with both written and spoken language while learning to read.
Want to discuss the episode? Join our Facebook group Science of Reading: The Community. |
Dec 02, 2020 |
S2-06. Fostering growth and instructional change: Kelly Moran
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Join Kelly Moran, Curriculum Supervisor of Chardon Local Schools in Ohio, as she shares her journey of implementing a curriculum based around the science of reading. Hear about the steps her district took to reshape literacy instructional practices and about the challenges they faced along the way. Find out how the fostering of reading achievement in students renders all efforts worthwhile. Quotes: “We’re really taking advantage of every minute of direct, explicit instruction we have with our students.” “Once we invested the time in professional development and high-quality materials aligned to the science of reading, we could see a difference.” Resources:
Want to discuss the episode? Join our Facebook group Science of Reading: The Community. |
Nov 18, 2020 |
S2-05: The Right to Read Project on nurturing automatic readers: Margaret Goldberg and Alanna Mednick
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Join Margaret Goldberg and Alanna Mednick from the Right to Read Project as they address the science of reading and its translation into easy practice for educators. They break down the Seidenberg and McClelland Four-Part Processing Model and explain how it relates to the simple view of reading. They also reflect on how educators should approach reading as scientists and be ready to teach in a way that may be uncomfortable for a time—the “labor of love” stage of literacy instruction. Quotes: “We should anticipate reading difficulties and we should be prepared to be able to address them.” —Margaret Goldberg “We need to go at the pace of the child and we can’t leave anything up to chance.” —Alanna Mednick Resources:
Want to discuss the episode? Join our Facebook group Science of Reading: The Community. |
Nov 04, 2020 |
S2-04. Telling the fuller story: Afrika Afeni Mills
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Join Afrika Afeni Mills—diversity, equity, and inclusion director of BetterLesson—as she reflects on race, culture, and identity in education. She’ll shed light on the significance of integrating students' schemas to nurture language comprehension in early literacy, discuss the difference between asset- and deficit-based teaching, and highlight the impact “windows and mirrors” have on students’ classroom experiences. Quotes: “A lot of the foundational work starts by making sure that we’re inquisitive about the resources we’re providing students.” Resources:
Want to discuss the episode? Join our Facebook group Science of Reading: The Community. |
Oct 21, 2020 |
S2-03. The Reading League and the science of reading: Maria Murray and Pamela Snow
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In our first international episode, join The Reading League CEO and President Maria Murray and La Trobe University Professor of Cognitive Psychology Pamela Snow as they reflect on the long history of the science of reading. They’ll explain the true definition of “the science of reading” and explore why this knowledge has not been translated for the practitioners that need it the most—teachers. Our guests will also discuss the pandemic’s silver lining: the opportunity to reflect on instructional practices and how to best support educators and students now, and in the future. Quotes: “The science of reading informs approaches in all areas of reading.” —Maria Murray Resources:
Want to discuss the episode? Join our Facebook group Science of Reading: The Community. |
Oct 07, 2020 |
S2-02. Reflecting on past literacy experiences: Tamara Morris & Justin Pita
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Join Amplify interns Justin Pita, undergraduate at the University of Pennsylvania, and Tamara Morris, graduate of Stanford University, as they share their reading journeys. They highlight the major disparities and barriers that affected their academic experiences and reflect on how action must be taken by caregivers and educators to ensure that students across the nation have access to equal opportunities for achievement in literacy so that no student gets left behind. |
Sep 23, 2020 |
S2-01. Confronting the data: Dr. LaTonya Goffney
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Join Dr. LaTonya Goffney, Superintendent of Schools for Aldine Independent School District in Texas, as she recounts her two-year journey with her team of district educators to adopt a new early literacy curriculum. Hear how they successfully challenged the traditional adoption process, studied the science of teaching reading, analyzed student data and experiences, and developed a district-wide set of beliefs and expectations. Quotes: “If you can read, you can go anywhere. Reading is a gateway to opportunity.” Resources: The Knowledge Gap: The hidden cause of America's broken education system--and how to fix it by Natalie Wexler |
Sep 09, 2020 |
S1-28. A look back at Season One
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Join us in reflecting on Season One and preview what’s in store for an exciting Season Two. In this special episode, we visit the highlights of Season One, with key clips from Emily Hanford, Natalie Wexler, Ernesto Ortiz, David and Meredith Liben, and Shawn Joseph, and other moments that inspired us and changed how we think about literacy. Quotes: “When our first episode launched last year, we had no idea what it might become, only hope that you would find it helpful to grow your knowledge and impact." “So much progress has been made in spite of some recent challenges—or maybe because of them.” Learning to Read: Primer Part One Learning to Read Primer: Part Two |
Aug 26, 2020 |
S1-27. Fostering relationships between parents and educators: Dr. Catherine Barnes
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Join Dr. Catherine Barnes, CEO of Sudden Impact Solutions and leader of the Black Parents Support Network, as she addresses the shortcomings of the educational system during the pandemic in underserved communities, the need for overcoming parents’ perceptions of judgment by educators, and how educators can foster relationships with parents in order to ensure continuous learning for students during these trying times. “We are not coming in to judge parents and we are not expecting them to be teachers, but we do value what they bring to the table.” “We need to make sure that we are addressing students where they are today, socially as well as academically” Resources: Black Parent Support Network Facebook group |
Aug 12, 2020 |
S1-26. The basic science in reading instruction: Daniel Willingham
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Author and University of Virginia psychology professor Daniel Willingham discusses the “reading wars” (and mischaracterizations among their factions), the importance of understanding basic science to teach reading, and the variations in implementation of the science of reading in literacy instruction across districts. “Everything touches education." Resources:
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Jul 29, 2020 |
S1-25. Aligning digital learning and the science of reading: Doug Lemov
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Doug Lemov, author and managing director of Uncommon Schools, discusses the role of technology in the classroom and remote instruction, how educators should reconsider how they approach literacy, and his experience reconstructing a reading curriculum for this next phase of digital learning while holding true to the values of the science of reading. Quotes: "Classrooms are first and foremost cultures and they shape students’ experiences." Resources:
Want to discuss the episode? Join our Facebook group Science of Reading: The Community. |
Jul 15, 2020 |
S1-24. The silent crisis: Shawn Joseph
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Educator, author, and leader Shawn Joseph, shares his passion for social justice and discusses his work advocating for equity in education, shedding light on what he calls the “silent crisis” in literacy instruction. In this episode, you’ll hear about his experience as a former superintendent of several large urban districts and learn how he fostered achievement in all of his students. “If we don’t speak up and speak out, the inequities will continue.” Becoming a Data Champion in 6 Steps by Shawn Joseph A research paper written by Shawn, titled School District Grow Your Own Principal Preparation Programs: Effective Elements and Implications for Graduate Schools of Education A podcast discussion guide to share with your colleagues Shawn’s book, The Principal's Guide to the First 100 Days of the School Year Want to discuss the episode? Join our Facebook group Science of Reading: The Community. |
Jul 01, 2020 |
S1-23. Improving dual language instruction: Elizabeth Jiménez Salinas
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Multilingual author and expert Elizabeth Jimenez Salinas and host Susan Lambert discuss advocating for underrepresented English Learners (EL), improving dual language instruction, and learned passivity. Elizabeth shares tips for EL students during this time and reinforces the importance of home connection and language development. Quotes: “English learners are put at a serious disadvantage by a school system that doesn’t use their home language.” Resources: Eradicating Learned Passivity: Preventing ELs from Becoming Long Term English Learners Want to discuss the episode? Join our Facebook group Science of Reading: The Community. |
Jun 17, 2020 |
S1-22. Success using the science of reading: Mary Clayman
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Join Mary Clayman, Director of the District of Columbia Reading Clinic, and host Susan Lambert, as Mary shares her experience founding one of the first graduate clinical practicums sponsored by a public school system and discusses how it has influenced the training of DCPS teachers and the success of students in early literacy by using the science of reading. Quotes: "Like Louisa Moats said, ‘Teaching reading is rocket science,’ it takes a long time to learn all about the English language.” “We’re committed to quality training for more teachers.” Resources: Teaching Reading Is Rocket Science: What Expert Teachers of Reading Should Know and Be Able To Do by Louisa C. Moats |
Jun 03, 2020 |
S1-21. The symbiotic relationship between literacy and science: Jacquey Barber
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Jacquey Barber, director of design & development at UC Berkeley’s Lawrence Hall of Science, examines her research on the symbiotic relationship between literacy and science and what educators should be looking for in high-quality, literacy-rich science curricula. Quotes: “Literacy is a domain in search of content; science is a domain in need of communication.” “Develop opportunities for students to learn to read, write, and talk like scientists do.” Resources: UCLA CRESST No More Science Kits or Texts in Isolation by Jacqueline Barber and Gina Cervetti. Want to discuss the episode? Join our Facebook group Science of Reading: The Community. |
May 20, 2020 |
S1-20. Evidence based solutions and tackling unfinished learning: David and Meredith Liben
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David and Meredith Liben, nationally recognized reading experts and authors of Know Better, Do Better, discuss their need to find evidence-based solutions, the importance of knowledge and skills instruction, and how to tackle unfinished learning in schools. Know Better, Do Better: Teaching the Foundations So Every Child Can Read The Knowledge Gap: The Hidden Cause of America's Broken Education System--and how to Fix it |
May 06, 2020 |
S1-19. The simple view of reading: Laurence Holt
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Laurence Holt, language acquisition expert and author of the Learning to Read primers, joins host Susan Lambert to discuss the simple view of reading, how the brain rewires itself to learn how to read, and the importance of background knowledge in language comprehension. Quotes: “Learning how to read is such a pivotal moment in all of K-12.” “Decoding and language comprehension need to come together in order to become an expert reader.” Resources: Learning to Read: Primer Part One Learning to Read Primer: Part Two |
Apr 22, 2020 |
S1-18. Using innovation to inform teaching: Larry Berger
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Larry Berger, CEO of Amplify, discusses the use of innovation and technology to inform teaching and learning, his new initiative called Wide Open School, and how we can step back and let this be a time of joy and creativity for kids––letting them discover a love of reading. Quotes: “Make this a time of exploration and openness." “There is a moment for necessity and necessity brings innovation.” Show notes: Free remote learning resources from Amplify Amplify website |
Apr 10, 2020 |
S1-17. Etymology of the English language: Freddy Hiebert
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Quotes: “Vocabulary is the base of building knowledge.” “Vocabulary represents your knowledge and knowledge is what determines your level of comprehension.” Show notes: Teaching Words and How They Work by Freddy Hiebert Facebook Want to discuss the episode? Join our Facebook group Science of Reading: The Community. |
Apr 07, 2020 |
S1-16. Leading a district adoption: Jared Myracle
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Jared Myracle, Chief Academic Officer of the Jackson-Madison County School System in Tennessee, shares his district’s experience in adopting the science of reading and navigating the change management process. He stresses the importance of high-quality instructional materials and implementation fidelity. Quotes: “Don’t be satisfied with where you are. Where could you be if every student was guaranteed this type of education?” “Imagine what your results could be if you did ensure that all students were able to experience systematic phonics instruction and opportunities to build background knowledge throughout their K-12 years.” Resources: The Hidden Mistake School Leaders Should Avoid This Year by Jared Myracle The Urgency I Feel Around Instruction – and Why I Look to Curriculum by Jared Myracle Want to discuss the episode? Join our Facebook group Science of Reading: The Community. |
Apr 01, 2020 |
S1-15. A principal on the shift to the science of reading: Ernesto Ortiz
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Ernesto Ortiz, principal at an elementary school in Pennsylvania, discusses how to understand when materials are meaningfully “research-based,” how his school made the shift to the science of reading, and how he is supporting his students with remote learning resources to continue their literacy development at home. Quotes: “We need to be more informed than influenced so that we can look at things with a critical eye.” “As leaders, we need to remain calm and steadfast so we can navigate throughout these unprecedented times.” Resources: Hard Words by Emily Hanford Ernesto's blog: Decoding Leadership |
Mar 25, 2020 |
S1-14. Maximizing our educational reach via technology: David Steiner
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David Steiner, Professor and Executive Director of the Institute for Education Policy at Johns Hopkins University, and Susan examine how school closures are impacting learning across the nation, how districts are responding to the rapidly-changing environment, and why maximizing our educational reach via technology should be a priority. Quotes: “This is a wake-up call to districts to really see that this digital inequality cannot persist.” “Don’t make the ideal the enemy of the possible.” Resources: USDOE Fact Sheet March 20, 2020 Report: The Problem with Finding the Main Idea by David Steiner |
Mar 25, 2020 |
S1-13. Science of Reading Special Episode: Remote Learning
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We’ve been thinking a lot about you -- and our hearts go out to you during this confusing and uncertain time. Helping our students continue to learn in this unusual and unsettling situation is not easy. And here at the Science of Reading podcast, we want to do what we can to support you where we can. |
Mar 18, 2020 |
S1-12. Neuroscience and early literacy: Dr. Bruce McCandliss
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Susan and Dr. Bruce McCandliss, a professor in the Graduate School of Education at Stanford University, chat about combining neuroscience with education. How does neuroscience help us understand the changes going on in the brain of a child learning to read? Why do some children struggle so profoundly? He shares his research into focusing the student’s attention on letters and sounds versus on the word as a whole. Quotes: “Teachers play a huge role in shaping brain development for reading.” “This is where education and neuroscience are coming together to create a dialogue in the space of how we support children.” Resources: Bringing Words to Life, Second Edition: Robust Vocabulary Instruction by Isabel Beck 2019 Education Trends by Carrie Gajowski, MA Minds, Brains, and Learning: Understanding the Psychological and Educational Relevance of Neuroscientific Research by James P. Byrnes Want to discuss the episode? Join our Facebook group Science of Reading: The Community. |
Mar 18, 2020 |
S1-11. The science of reading in middle school: Jasmine Lane
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Jasmine Lane, a high school English teacher, discusses the importance of equity and education and the disconnect between how teachers feel and what they need to do to push education forward for all students, regardless of their background. She also shares how education has changed her life, how her students have been impacted by their early literacy teachers, and how high schoolers fill in the gaps for things they missed early on. Quotes: Jasmine's Blog |
Mar 04, 2020 |
S1-10. Myths and misconceptions about universal screening: Nancy Nelson
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Dr. Nancy Nelson, Research Assistant Professor at the Center on Teaching and Learning at the University of Oregon, discusses myths and misconceptions around RTI, Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), and universal screening in reading instruction. “Relying on data allows us to engage in a systematic process to implement systems to meet the needs of all kids.” DIBELS® at the University of Oregon |
Feb 19, 2020 |
S1-09. The cognitive science behind how students learn to read: Carolyn Strom
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Carolyn Strom, Professor of Early Childhood Literacy and Innovation at NYU, discuss her research and interviews with pre-school teachers and how students learn to read, her view on the science of reading and the cognitive science behind it all. She shares her insights on the importance of neuroscience, culturally responsive teaching and dives into Linnea Ehri’s four phases of learning how to read. “Our brains are not wired to read…we have to do a neurological backflip to teach our brains to read." “You can’t think about a tree without thinking of its environment the same way you should not be thinking about a kid’s reading development without thinking of their environment.” Resources: Reading in the Brain: The New Science of How We Read by Stanislas Dehaene Want to discuss the episode? Join our Facebook group Science of Reading: The Community. |
Feb 05, 2020 |
S1-08. Evidence-based literacy practice in the classroom: Tim Shanahan
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Literacy expert and author Tim Shanahan discusses his views on teaching reading in middle school as an extension of evidence-based early literacy practices. What are some of the challenges and what should reading instruction include? Tim and host Susan Lambert dive into boosting comprehension, how the English language is always changing, and how to structure reading instruction across content areas such as history, science, and math so students are equipped to comprehend those texts as well. Quotes: “It is absolutely essential in any comprehension lesson that the kids come away with knowledge.” “Not dealing with vocabulary early on is like leaving ticking time bomb for later.” Resources: Shanahan on Literacy website and blog posts Podcast: A conversation with Tim Rasinski Want to discuss the episode? Join our Facebook group Science of Reading: The Community. |
Jan 22, 2020 |
S1-07. The missing link in reading comprehension: Anne Lucas
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What is the missing link in reading comprehension? Anne Lucas, former curriculum director and current product manager of Amplify Reading, discusses the multifaceted nature of comprehension, why it’s so difficult to teach, a teacher's powerful "eureka! moment," and the specific sentence-level skills which, if practiced, improve overall comprehension. Quotes: “Background knowledge is incredibly important and is something that we need to integrate into instruction and curriculum.” Resources: Comprehension Microskills Classroom Activity The Missing Link in Comprehension White Paper Want to discuss the episode? Join our Facebook group Science of Reading: The Community. |
Jan 08, 2020 |
S1-06. The facts and myths of dyslexia: Emily Lutrick
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Emily Lutrick, a PreK-5 Curriculum and Dyslexia Coordinator with almost 20 years of experience in education, examines the facts and fictional myths of dyslexia, how early is too early to screen for dyslexia, and how to identify the signs and risk factors. Susan and Emily discuss how dyslexia relates to the science of reading and what educators and parents can do to help students after school. Quotes: “Be intentional about identifying what that risk factor is. What is it that’s causing that breakdown?” Resources: Twitter @drlutrick Want to discuss the episode? Join our Facebook group Science of Reading: The Community. |
Dec 24, 2019 |
S1-05. Connecting confidence in school and literacy development: Lois Letchford
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Lois Letchford, author of Reversed: A Memoir, shares personal accounts of her son’s struggles with learning how to read as well as her own in school with dyslexia. After being told by a teacher that her son was “the worst child [she’s] ever seen in [her] 25 years of teaching,” she persisted with endless patience to help her son and began writing poems to pique his interest in reading. What is he doing now? Was she successful? Resources: Reversed: A Memoir by Lois Letchford Poetry for kids by Lois Letchford Website with articles and blog: https://www.loisletchford.com/ Twitter: @LetchfordLois |
Dec 11, 2019 |
S1-04. The importance of fluency instruction: Tim Rasinski
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Susan and Tim Rasinski, author of The Megabook of Fluency: Strategies and Texts to Engage All Readers, discuss his work at the reading clinic at Kent State University, the aspects of good fluency instruction, what constitutes fluency, and how reading speed is correlated to word recognition and automaticity. He stresses the importance of fluency and finding ways to be artful while teaching reading. Quotes: “Fluency is the bridge and we can’t ignore it.” “Speed is the consequence of automaticity–automaticity is not the consequence of speed.” Resources: The Megabook of Fluency: Strategies and Texts to Engage All Readers by Tim Rasinski Why Reading Should be Hot! by Tim Rasinski Email: trasinsk@kent.edu Website with articles and blog: timrasinski.com Twitter: @trasinski1 Additional resources: Fluency: The Neglected Reading Goal by Richard Allington After Decoding: What? by Carol Chomsky The Method of Repeated Readings by Dr. S. Jay Samuels Jean Chall's Stages of Reading Development Tim Shanahan interview on The Science of Reading |
Nov 26, 2019 |
S1-03. Reporting on education and the science of reading: Emily Hanford
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Susan sits down with education reporter and host of the Education Post podcast, Emily Hanford, examines the big takeaways from her experience on reporting on dyslexia, patterns that emerged from her investigating, the science of reading and why schools don’t align with it more, the theory of how reading works, and the evolution of balanced literacy, phonics instruction and whole language. Quotes: “We have to be teaching kids how the written language works to help them become good readers.” “Family income and poverty affect educational opportunities and outcomes.” Resources: 'Hard Words' Education Post Podcast Additional resources: NAEP Reading Scores |
Nov 13, 2019 |
S1-02. Background knowledge and education reform: Robert Pondiscio
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Robert shares what inspired him to embark upon his esteemed career path and how we must acknowledge and address that children come to school from different places and backgrounds along their language trajectory in our schools. Susan and Robert discuss the latest in education reform, the knowledge gap, how it is only going to get larger as kids move through grades, the limited time we have to correct it, and how to start doing so. Quotes: “Language is heavily dependent upon readers making correct inferences about context, and that’s background knowledge.” “Language is a series of inference-making, that’s all knowledge-dependent. And if we’re not operating from the same base of knowledge, it all breaks down.” Resources: Robert Pondiscio's book: How the Other Half Learns: Equality, Excellence, and the Battle Over School Choice Robert Pondiscio's articles: How to improve literacy after elementary school The lost children of Hirsch: Will a fresh argument for content-rich curricula make a difference? Additional resources: "How knowledge helps", an article by Daniel Willingham |
Oct 30, 2019 |
S1-01. The Knowledge Gap: Natalie Wexler
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What's broken in our education system? Natalie joins Susan for a provocative talk about her latest book, The Knowledge Gap, and how a knowledge-based curriculum can bring equity into the classroom, and students' futures. Quotes “Kids actually love to learn stuff. They love to feel like they’re experts. It does wonders for their self-esteem.” - Wexler “Once teachers try it and can see what can happen…they’re going to say ‘I’m never going back to what I was doing before.” - Wexler Resources Natalie Wexler’s books: The Knowledge Gap: The hidden cause of America's broken education system--and how to fix it The Writing Revolution: A Guide to Advancing Thinking Through Writing in All Subjects and Grade Natalie Wexler’s articles: “Elementary Education Has Gone Terribly Wrong: The Case for Teaching Kids Stuff” (The Atlantic, August 2019) “Why American Students Haven't Gotten Better at Reading in 20 Years” (The Atlantic, April 2018) Additional resources: Cognitive scientist Daniel Willingham’s education blog Want to discuss the episode? Join our Facebook group Science of Reading: The Community. |
Oct 16, 2019 |
S1-00. About Science of Reading: The Podcast
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Welcome to Science of Reading: The Podcast! We bring educators the latest insights from researchers and practitioners in early reading. We believe equity in education begins with reading science. |
Oct 14, 2019 |