What does it take to create lasting literacy improvement across an education system — and how can schools avoid the “pendulum swings” of educational change?In this episode of the Flourishing Podcast, Danny Jabber sits down with literacy and implementation expert Emina McLean for a rich conversation exploring literacy reform, explicit instruction, implementation science, leadership, assessment, oral language, reading stamina, and sustainable school improvement.Drawing on experience across education, speech pathology, adolescent mental health, public health, and system reform, Emina shares practical insights for teachers, leaders, and systems wanting to improve student outcomes through evidence-informed practice.⏱️ TIMESTAMPS00:00 – Why society is reading less and why literacy matters more than ever00:42 – Meet Emina McLean and her unique professional background01:25 – Curiosity, learning, and balancing large-scale system work02:19 – Sustainability and implementation science in education03:17 – Keeping up with evolving literacy research04:52 – Closing the gap between research and classroom practice05:40 – Emina’s work with Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS)06:27 – DIBELS, Year 1 Phonics Check, and assessment reform07:17 – Phonics Plus and supporting schools with literacy implementation07:34 – Vision for Reading and Vision for Writing explained08:05 – Why consistency across classrooms matters09:11 – Understanding the “pendulum swing” in education10:19 – Why schools must ask: What are we doing and why?11:04 – Lessons from working in schools and systems12:09 – Why implementation is hard and leadership matters12:46 – Advice for teachers overwhelmed by change14:47 – Why phonics is “the most important least important thing”15:48 – The critical role of oral language in literacy development18:16 – Supporting students learning English as an additional language20:03 – Non-negotiables for effective schools21:41 – Why reading and writing volume matters22:03 – How schools can build reading motivation and engagement24:21 – The impact of social media and short-form content on reading stamina25:18 – Why students need more time with complex texts26:46 – Why secondary schools must prioritise reading and writing28:47 – Disciplinary literacy across all subject areas29:32 – Why literacy is every teacher’s responsibility31:09 – Gradual release and building independent readers and writers33:02 – If teachers had 30 extra minutes a week — what should they do?34:17 – The power of classroom walkthroughs and peer observation35:43 – What inspires Emina’s work in education37:50 – Additional literacy resources and how to connect with the podcast teamIn this episode, you’ll learn:Why sustainable literacy reform mattersHow systems can implement change effectivelyWhy oral language underpins reading and writing successHow to improve reading stamina in a digital worldThe importance of explicit instruction and disciplinary literacyWhat high-performing schools consistently do wellHow leadership impacts implementation successWhy reading volume and text complexity matterPractical strategies for literacy improvement across primary and secondary schools📚 Explore more resources, professional learning, and teaching materials through the MACS teaching and learning platforms.👍 If you enjoyed this episode:Like • Subscribe • Share • Leave a comment#FlourishingPodcast #EminaMcLean #Literacy #ExplicitInstruction #ReadingScience #EducationLeadership #SchoolImprovement #Assessment #TeachingPractice #WritingInstruction #Phonics #Curriculum #TeacherDevelopment #VisionForInstruction
