Literacy Mindset

In this episode of Literacy Mindset, Jeff Pendleton sits down with Dr. Jim Masters, superintendent of Henry County Public Schools in Kentucky, to unpack a roadmap for real, data-driven literacy transformation. With nearly three decades in education—and a track record of turning around school performance—Dr. Masters reveals why culture must come before curriculum, how his district tackled gaps in tier one instruction, and what it really takes to boost reading proficiency. 

You’ll learn how Henry County made the strategic move to evidence-based curricula like Amplify CKLA, integrated MTSS-informed interventions with surgical precision, and adopted AI tools to both lighten teacher workloads and elevate student writing. From phonics diagnostics to Google Notebook-powered feedback loops, this episode delivers a blueprint for change that’s as practical as it is visionary.

Key Moments

04:39 Effective School Behavior Management

09:30 "Ensuring Effective, Measurable Learning"

11:46 "Shift to Science of Reading"

14:06 Targeted Skill Development for Literacy

19:25 "AI Enhancing Teaching Efficiency"

23:19 Enhancing Learning with Touchscreens

24:12 Future of Education and AI

27:50 "Cultural Focus Boosts Reading Success"

Why You’ll Love This Episode:

If you're seeking a no-nonsense playbook for how to raise literacy scores and revitalize school culture, Dr. Masters delivers. His approach combines heart, strategy, and cutting-edge innovation—balancing the human elements of teaching with data and technology. You’ll walk away inspired by what’s possible when leadership is both servant-minded and evidence-driven.

Connect with Dr. Jim Masters

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-jim-masters-42985569

Website: https://www.henry.kyschools.us/

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Host LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-pendleton-2a614b26/

Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mindplayeducation

Company Website: http://MindPlay.com

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In this episode of Literacy Mindset, Jeff Pendleton sits down with Dr. Kellen J. Adams, superintendent of Leavenworth USD in Kansas, to unpack what it really means to place literacy at the heart of a school district’s mission. With a unique blend of military-influenced demographics, generational roots, and socioeconomic challenges, Leavenworth stands out—and so does its approach to education. 

Dr. Adams discusses how his district is navigating the state-mandated push for the Science of Reading, how MTSS is being used to intervene effectively, and why early literacy isn't just a priority—it’s a non-negotiable. The conversation also tackles technology’s evolving role in personalization, device management in schools, and Leavenworth's pioneering embrace of AI in the classroom. If you’re an education leader, policymaker, or literacy advocate, this episode is packed with candid insights and practical strategies.

Key Moments

00:00 Leavenworth: Prisons, Army, and Transience

05:55 Missouri Schools' Attendance Challenges

07:47 "Essential Reading Skills in Education"

12:24 Balancing Education Focus: STEM vs. Reading

14:48 Addressing Classroom Learning Challenges

17:29 Technology's Role in Personalized Education

21:33 Kansas Legislative Efforts Stalled

24:04 Predicting Unchanging Future Trends

Why You’ll Love This Episode:

Dr. Adams doesn’t shy away from the hard truths: literacy must come first, and the system must deliver results. 

You’ll appreciate his clear-eyed view on the urgent need for foundational reading skills, the challenge of balancing equity and rigor, and the promise of technology when implemented with purpose. 

Whether you’re rethinking your district’s approach to reading or seeking ways to empower teachers and students alike, this episode will leave you both grounded and inspired.

Connect with Kellen J. Adams

Website: http://www.kellenjadams.com/

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Host LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-pendleton-2a614b26/

Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mindplayeducation

Company Website: http://MindPlay.com

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In today’s episode, Dr. Balsley shares her deep-rooted passion for inclusive education, shaped from childhood through her extensive leadership experience in special education at both state and national levels.

We’ll delve into the evolution of special education policy, charting the milestones from exclusion to inclusion over the past 50 years, including a look at the impact of IDEA, No Child Left Behind, and more recent accountability measures. Dr. Balsley also unpacks the differences between special education and intervention, and the importance of high-leverage, evidence-based instructional practices for all students.

Whether you’re an education leader, teacher, or advocate, you’ll gain valuable insights on challenges such as funding, professional development, personnel shortages, and the critical role of technology in supporting educators. Tune in for a hopeful outlook on the future of special education as we work together to remove barriers and ensure every child receives the education they deserve.

Key Moments

03:57 Education Accountability Evolution
07:11 "Instructional Leadership for Special Ed Directors"
10:49 Improving Educational Technology Partnership
14:06 Teacher Shortage and Alternate Licensure
19:11 Curriculum Inclusivity Challenges
23:28 Education Funding Challenges and Medicaid Cuts
26:19 Optimistic Future Predictions
29:18 Optimism in Problem Solving

Why You’ll Love This Episode:

• Be inspired by Dr. Balsley’s lifelong commitment to inclusive education, shaped by personal experience, sharpened through policy leadership, and grounded in hands-on work with special education systems across the country.

• Discover how she empowers special education leaders to step into their role as instructional leaders, connecting compliance with real student outcomes through practices like data-driven decision-making and high-leverage instructional strategies.

• Learn how Dr. Balsley champions strategic alignment, ensuring that professional development, technology tools, and curriculum work together to support students with diverse learning needs, especially in the context of the science of reading.

• Gain insight into the funding landscape, personnel challenges, and evolving policy debates, alongside a hopeful vision for the future where collaboration, curiosity, and inclusion drive meaningful systems change.

Connect with Dr. Angie Balsley
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-balsley/
Website: https://www.unifiedleadership.org/

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Host LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-pendleton-2a614b26/ 

Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mindplayeducation/ 

Company Website: https://mindplay.com/ 

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to Mind Play for more conversations on building powerful school cultures at a time.

In this episode of the Literacy Mindset Podcast, Jeff Pendleton sits down with Larry Brunson Jr., Director of Special Education at Victor Valley Union High School District, to explore the evolving challenges and bold opportunities in literacy education from grades 7 through 12. With over 26 years in education, spanning K–12 and higher ed, Larry shares powerful insights into the post-COVID literacy crisis, the reality of seventh graders reading at a first-grade level, and how collaborative leadership can reverse the trend. You'll learn how his district has turned professional development into a cornerstone for change, bridged silos between special ed and curriculum teams, and begun reshaping instruction through intentional, inclusive planning.

Larry also weighs in on what the future may hold for public education, emphasizing the need for unity across school systems, including charter and district schools. Whether you're a teacher, administrator, or policymaker, this episode offers a nuanced, hopeful, and action-driven perspective on literacy as a civil right and a shared responsibility.

Key Moments

00:00 Education Career Journey

03:33 Early Literacy Challenges Persist in Middle School
07:09 Curriculum Partnership for Essential Standards

11:53 Fortunate Career in Literacy Education
15:35 Alternative Diploma Pathway Collaboration

19:13 Challenges in Teaching Phonics Techniques
23:01 Rushed School Return Neglects Students

26:02 Post-COVID Education Challenges

29:21 Public-Charter School Collaboration Needed

30:26 Collaborative Education Choices

Why You’ll Love This Episode:

If you're passionate about literacy, equity, and education that truly works for all students, this conversation will resonate deeply. Larry Brunson Jr. doesn’t just talk about challenges, he lays out what leadership looks like in real time, with actionable strategies, heartfelt reflections, and a vision of collaboration that schools everywhere can learn from.

Connect with Larry W. Brunson, Jr

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larry-brunson-jr-63a9312b

Website: https://www.vvuhsd.org/

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Host LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-williams-624a1485

Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mindplayeducation

Company Website: http://MindPlay.com

Enjoyed this episode?
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Share this episode with educators, district leaders, and literacy advocates who are passionate about student success.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Chad Burnett, Executive Director of Teaching and Learning at Eanes Independent School District in Austin, Texas. Drawing from his background in both secondary education and administration across Texas and Massachusetts, Dr. Burnett shares his unique perspective on the evolving landscape of literacy instruction.

Together, we explore how the science of reading is shaping curriculum and instructional practices from kindergarten through high school, with a special emphasis on early literacy, intervention strategies, and setting high expectations for all learners, including emergent bilingual and neurodiverse students. Dr. Burnett also provides us with an inside look at how Eanes ISD integrates technology and AI to enhance teaching, increase efficiency for educators, and ensure every student has access to the necessary tools.

From fostering collaboration across departments to navigating the challenges and opportunities presented by innovation, Dr. Burnett offers actionable insights and honest reflections on what it takes to support students and teachers in a rapidly evolving educational landscape. Tune in as we dig into the systems, mindsets, and future of literacy education!

Key Moments

05:58 Raising Expectations in Education
08:44 Effective Student Progress Evaluation Strategies
12:06 Tiered Intervention and Enrichment Strategies
16:49 Balancing Technology in Education
20:03 Elementary Tech Challenges & Solutions
22:29 Collaborative District Improvement Approach
25:50 Enhancing Teaching Efficiency with AI
27:43 Embracing Technology in Education
31:04 Embracing Educational Innovation

Why You’ll Love This Episode:

• Dr. Burnett’s journey, from growing up in a family of educators to leading a curriculum in a Texas district, is told with humility, sincerity, and emotion. His candid reflections, especially his moment of vulnerability toward the end, resonate with anyone passionate about education.
  “I think we sometimes forget that kids learn best from people they really like... And I think when that's gone, that scares me a lot.” - Dr. Chad Burnett

• Though trained as a secondary math/science educator, Dr. Burnett dives into K-3 literacy with genuine curiosity and commitment. That rare cross-sector perspective helps bridge gaps that many districts struggle with.

• From "WIN time" (What I Need) for daily targeted support, to pacing maps aligned with TEKS, and collaborative curriculum planning, the episode is full of replicable practices for improving literacy and intervention.

• Rather than letting departments work in silos (e.g., special ed, curriculum, intervention), Dr. Burnett discusses merging teams and aligning shared goals, something often talked about, but rarely done well.

Connect with Dr. Chad Burnett
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-chad-burnett-3a819467/
Website: https://www.eanesisd.net/ 

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Host LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-pendleton-2a614b26/ 

Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mindplayeducation/ 

Company Website: https://mindplay.com/ 

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to Literacy Mindset and leave us a review! 

Share this episode with educators, parents, or advocates passionate about improving literacy and special education.

In this conversation, Glen shares the eye-opening discoveries he made as a teacher when he realized just how many students reached high school lacking essential reading skills, and how that ignited his mission to address literacy earlier and more effectively.

Together, Brian and Glen dive into the lessons learned from shifting a district’s literacy philosophy, the power of early assessment and intervention, building buy-in among educators, and the challenges (and opportunities) presented by new technology and evolving instructional practices.

Whether you’re a classroom teacher, administrator, or education advocate, this candid discussion offers practical insights, hard-won advice, and inspiring optimism for the future of literacy instruction. Stay tuned for stories from the frontlines, fresh takes on assessment, and Glenn’s vision for individualized learning in a fast-changing educational landscape.

Key Moments

00:00 Educator's Career Journey Summary
04:33 Bridging Learning Gaps for Students
08:40 Reading Challenges in Education Gaps

12:48 Early Literacy Assessment Challenges
15:20 Implementing Assessments and Strategic Instruction
18:16 Shifting Educational Beliefs
22:49 "Global Assessment Perspective Challenges"
27:17 Improving Reading Observation Techniques
28:14 Training Teachers for Dyslexia Screening
31:48 Navigating Literacy Debates in Education
36:33 "Goal Alignment for Literacy Success"
40:11 Mindplay's Evolving Assessment Tools
42:26 Navigating State-Driven Educational Change
48:15 Pandemic Boosted Teachers' Tech Skills
50:22 Embracing Technology in Education
53:15 "Fantastic Podcast with Glen"

Why You’ll Love This Episode:

• Be inspired by Glen Webb’s transformation from high school physics teacher to district-wide curriculum leader, and how his scientific mindset exposed critical literacy gaps and drove lasting change across K–12.

• Discover how foundational reading struggles show up in high school classrooms, and how Webb’s early insights led to a district-wide shift from balanced literacy toward structured, data-informed instruction.

• Learn how he built trust with teachers by embedding assessment literacy, creating non-evaluative coaching roles, and empowering reading specialists as school-based change agents.

• Gain insight into sustainable systems change, aligning strategic plans, funding, and belief shifts to ensure literacy equity isn’t a passing initiative, but a deeply rooted cultural shift.

Connect with Glen Webb
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glen-webb-26ba55246/
Website: https://www.mhusd.org/ 

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Host LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-williams-624a1485/ 

Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mindplayeducation/ 

Company Website: https://mindplay.com/ 

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to Literacy Mindset and leave us a review! 

Share this episode with educators, parents, or advocates passionate about improving literacy and special education.

In today’s episode, we’re diving into the heart of what it takes to help every student learn to read, especially those who face unique challenges. Our host, Jeff Pendleton, sits down with Dr. Taneka Tate, assistant director of special education at Fort Smith Public Schools in Arkansas.

 With a background that spans teaching, coaching, and leadership, Dr. Tate brings a fresh, collaborative perspective to literacy instruction, grounded in research, personal experience, and a genuine passion for helping students thrive.

Get ready to explore why learning to read is such a complex process, the power of explicit instruction, and how Fort Smith’s teams break down standards into teachable skills to better meet student needs. Dr. Tate unpacks the “good mess” of assessment and intervention, shares insights about fostering a safe learning environment for both students and teachers, and discusses the evolving role of technology in literacy education.

Key Moments
05:07 "Explicit Learning in Reading Science"
06:49 Collaborative Approach to Special Education
09:48 Breaking Down Educational Standards
15:44 "Modeling Collaborative Learning Culture"
16:51 RTI Model for Middle Schools
20:21 Strategic Instructional Planning Meetings
24:49 Enhancing Education through Technology
26:55 Research Consistency Over 20 Years

Why You’ll Love This Episode:
Be inspired by Dr. Taneka Tate’s journey from Navy dental assistant to special education leader, and how her real-world perspective is shaping literacy work across an entire school system.

Discover how Scarborough’s Reading Rope serves as a powerful visual and instructional anchor, helping educators unpack standards into actionable, skill-based learning goals.

Learn how her team bridges curriculum and special education by co-constructing IEPs, designing kid-by-kid interventions, and redefining collaboration as “co-laboring” toward student mastery.

Gain insight into building a “good mess” culture, where teachers feel safe to say “I botched that up” and leaders model curiosity, vulnerability, and shared ownership of student growth.

Connect with Dr. Taneka Tate
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taneka-tate-a99b0b39/ 
Website: https://www.fortsmithschools.org/

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Host LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-pendleton-2a614b26/ 
Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mindplayeducation/ 
Company Website: https://mindplay.com/ 

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to Literacy Mindset and leave us a review! 

Share this episode with educators, parents, or advocates passionate about improving literacy and special education.

In today’s episode, host Jeff Pendleton welcomes Lana Ingram, principal at Harding Charter Preparatory Elementary in Oklahoma City, for a deeply insightful conversation.

With over twenty years in education across both public and charter schools, Lana brings a unique perspective to early literacy and foundational skills. She shares her journey from classroom teacher and special education to school leadership, and how her firsthand experiences led her to critically reexamine popular approaches to literacy instruction.

Together, they dive into the “science of reading” movement, discuss what it means to build a school from the ground up with these principles at the core, and explore the evolving challenges educators face, from technology’s impact on language development to bridging the gaps between families, teachers, and universities. Lana also offers a candid look at shifts in instructional mindset and why empowering both educators and parents is critical for student success.

Key Moments
00:00 Charter Schools: Diverse Educational Models
05:56 Harding School Opens for Young Learners
08:56 Reevaluating Special Education Approaches
11:51 Reforming Reading Curriculum Approaches
14:20 Embracing Data-Driven Change
20:24 Founding a Pre-K-2 School
21:51 A La Carte Literacy Approach
26:40 COVID's Impact on Language Development
29:35 "Teachers' Commitment to Student Success"
31:22 Parental Engagement and Child Language

Why You’ll Love This Episode:
Discover what it takes to launch a brand-new elementary school grounded in research, equity, and autonomy, and why Lana believes strong literacy foundations start at age four.

Hear how language deficits post-pandemic are reshaping early childhood classrooms, and what educators can do to support oral language development in every lesson.

Be inspired by Lana Ingram’s bold decision to wipe the slate clean and redesign literacy instruction, leading her team through a complete shift from balanced literacy to a science of reading approach.

Learn how “à la carte” literacy allows teachers to mix phonics, phonemic awareness, vocabulary, and writing tools to meet real student needs, without relying on a single boxed curriculum.

Connect with Lana Ingram
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lanaing/ 
Website: https://www.hardingcharterprep.org/schools/

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Host LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-pendleton-2a614b26/ 
Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mindplayeducation/ 
Company Website: https://mindplay.com/ 

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to Mind Play for more conversations on building powerful school cultures—one little win at a time.

In this episode, your host, Jeff Pendleton, sits down with Dr. Precios Armstrong, Director of Special Education at East Lansing Public Schools, to dig deep into what it really takes to help students become successful readers. Dr. Armstrong shares her unique journey from aspiring attorney to passionate educator and offers a wealth of insights on building strong literacy foundations for every child, no matter their starting point.

Together, they discuss why learning to read can be such a challenge, the importance of explicit, evidence-based instruction, and how educators can blend core teaching with targeted interventions to meet diverse student needs. Dr. Armstrong also emphasizes the significance of seeing and supporting the whole child, building meaningful connections, and creatively leveraging resources even in tough funding environments.

Whether you’re an education leader, teacher, or someone curious about driving real literacy growth, this conversation is packed with practical strategies and forward-thinking perspectives you won’t want to miss.

Key Moments
03:57 "Reading Transition Challenges in Early Grades"
09:50 "Fostering Student Connections and Engagement"
13:18 "Evidence-Based Teaching Practices"
17:04 Universal Design & Tiered Instruction
21:06 Tailored Educational Approaches for Children
22:14 Gamified Learning Success
26:06 Reimagining Educational Roles and Resources
29:06 Future Outlook: Predictions & Changes
31:49 Collaborative Potential Celebrated

Why You’ll Love This Episode:
Be inspired by Dr. Precios Armstrong’s passion for whole-child education rooted in her unique journey from aspiring attorney to special education leader and professor, shaping learning through empathy, expertise, and advocacy.

Discover how she blends evidence-based literacy strategies with meaningful student connection, emphasizing direct instruction, data-informed decision-making, and the science of reading to meet every learner where they are.

Learn how Dr. Armstrong uses MTSS and intervention models to drive reading success, reimagining roles, embracing digital tools, and leveraging teacher strengths to close skill gaps and accelerate growth.

Gain insight into navigating funding challenges, building strong vendor partnerships, and empowering teachers and students alike alongside a hopeful vision where equity, intentionality, and capacity-building lead the way forward.

Connect with Dr. Precios Armstrong
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-precios-armstrong-a8441326/ 
Website: https://elps.us/ 

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Host LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-pendleton-2a614b26/ 
Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mindplayeducation/ 
Company Website: https://mindplay.com/ 

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to Mind Play for more conversations on building powerful school cultures—one little win at a time.

In this episode of Literacy Mindset, we sit down with Dr. Daniel P. McGarry, Superintendent, and Ed Marshaleck, Assistant Superintendent of Student Services, from Upper Darby School District in Pennsylvania. Together, they share an unflinching look at the challenges and breakthroughs of leading a district with over 12,000 students, where more than 80 languages are spoken.

From rebuilding a once nationally recognized MTSS program to leveraging AI-driven reading tools, to implementing a district-wide device policy that transformed school culture, McGarry and Marshaleck reflect on how Upper Darby is navigating the post-pandemic education landscape with creativity, grit, and a deep commitment to literacy. Their conversation touches on early intervention, teacher preparation, secondary remediation, and the evolving role of technology in the classroom, highlighting what it takes to move the needle on reading proficiency in diverse, high-need communities.

Key Moments

00:00 Upper Darby Superintendent's Career Journey
06:07 Elementary Literacy Focus Revitalization
08:17 Early Literacy Milestone Challenges
12:47 Balancing Reading Interventions for Teens
16:01 Enhancing Metacognitive Reading Strategies
19:49 Balancing Technology in Schools
21:13 Enhanced Learning Through Tech Access
25:13 Social Media Discipline Strategy
27:53 Embracing AI in Education
32:45 Reading Books Enhances Brain Connectivity
33:47 Balancing Tech and Traditional Education

Why You’ll Love This Episode:

If you care about literacy leadership, practical strategies, and real-world innovation in public education, this episode is a must-listen. Dr. Daniel P. McGarry and Ed Marshaleck offer candid insights into the systems-level decisions that impact daily classroom practice, from training first-grade teachers in the science of reading to reimagining middle school schedules for targeted intervention. Their blend of vision, vulnerability, and boots-on-the-ground experience will leave you inspired to reexamine what’s possible in your district.

Connect with Dr. Daniel P. McGarry and Ed Marshaleck 

Website: https://www.upperdarbysd.org/

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Host LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-pendleton-2a614b26/
Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mindplayeducation
Company Website: https://mindplay.com/

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to Literacy Mindset and leave us a review!

Share this episode with educators, parents, and advocates passionate about literacy and special education.