Unlike Spring of 2020, this fall we have the opportunity to prepare for distance learning as students return to the classroom. But many questions still remain--will students return to the classroom or remote learning, or both? Will educators be ready? What can school leaders do to help educators prepare for blended or remote learning? Join our timely discussion with remote learning expert Dr. Rick Ferdig, an educator with over 20 years’ experience in blended-learning instruction, as he discusses how to help educators plan for a school year unlike any others we have experienced.

The American elementary education system continues to value so-called reading comprehension skills over knowledge, when in fact those skills are largely dependent on knowledge. Low-income students continue to struggle while children of educated parents with higher-income levels acquire more academic knowledge and vocabulary outside school, giving them an additional advantage over their more disadvantaged peers. In the past twenty years, a regime of high-stakes reading and math tests, intended to address educational inequity, has only exacerbated the problem. But there is much that schools can do to provide all students with access to the kind of knowledge that can boost outcomes on tests and in life.

Join us for this special conversation with Natalie Wexler, education expert and author of the recently-released book The Knowledge Gap. We will explore the question of learning equity and ways we can "right the wrongs” that continue to impact equality in learning.

According to the science of reading, students need to master phonemic awareness skills before they match the sounds to print, and phonics instruction is needed before students begin decoding text. We know this information, yet A-Z alphabetical word walls are still used in many classrooms, requiring students to match print to speech instead of sound. In this podcast, literacy and sound wall expert Dr. Mary Dahlgren will share why it is so important to implement a sound wall in the classroom and how it benefits reading development.

In this podcast, Blank discusses how the learning challenges he faced prepared him for the World Marathon Challenge and for life. He shares:

• What it feels like to grow up with dyslexia and the stigmas attached to it
• How he beat the odds when it seemed like the odds were against him
• How you can encourage and support students with dyslexia

As Blank says, “Dyslexia is not a limiting factor, it’s a superpower.”

Did you know language development is one of the most critical cognitive functions that supports social and emotional learning? During this podcast, educator and Reading League presenter Dr. Brandi Kenner takes an in-depth look at the ties between language and literacy development and SEL, including the role an educator plays in keeping learning brains activated and empowering student voices.

Schools are failing to support English language learners by not providing educators with the knowledge they need to teach reading effectively. With literacy leading as the main indicator of academic success, it is time for educators to accept responsibility for preparing ELLs for the tough challenges they face along the path to literacy, and learn ways to help these students reach literacy success.

In this podcast, Dr. Antonio Fierro will share his journey from English learner to award-winning educator. Dr. Fierro will talk about the knowledge he gained from working with educators across the country in the science of reading, including the crucial knowledge educators need to work effectively with ELLs. 

In recent years, many school districts have implemented a blended-learning model of literacy instruction that incorporates teacher-taught curriculum with student-driven technology. This shift creates a more flexible classroom for the educator, and also offers more opportunities to tailor instruction to individual student needs, especially students who are struggling. In this podcast, Hooker will discuss the future of blended learning, why it is so important in the classroom, and how it can help create new learning opportunities for students who are struggling. If you currently use a blended-literacy program in your classroom, or are considering using one, this podcast is for you.

If you agree with John Hattie’s statement, “every student deserves a great teacher, not by chance, but by design,” then this podcast is for you. Become a “change agent” in your district, school, or classroom as you learn from a respected expert about how you can implement the practices that accelerate student literacy. Part 1 of 2.

If you agree with John Hattie’s statement, “every student deserves a great teacher, not by chance, but by design,” then this podcast is for you. Become a “change agent” in your district, school, or classroom as you learn from a respected expert about how you can implement the practices that accelerate student literacy. Part 1 of 2.

Dyslexia screening is crucial to verifying the presence of dyslexia and providing the diagnostic documentation required for eligibility in specially designed programs throughout a student’s educational career. Dyslexia screening results also provide educators with the intervention strategies they need to help students reach their full academic potential. Listen to this podcast to learn more about how to use data to pinpoint the signs of dyslexia and create a roadmap to student success.