What happens when leading voices in literacy come together—not to lecture, but to listen, question, and grow? In this bonus episode, Donell Pons recaps her experience at the 2025 Reading League Summit, joined by co-hosts Stacy Hurst and Lindsay Kemeny and special guests Kari Kurto and Andrea Setmeyer of The Reading League. Together, they explore what made the summit so impactful—from thoughtfully curated panels and civil discourse among top researchers to the “just right” tone set by Andrea’s now-legendary Goldilocks metaphor. Whether you missed the summit or want to relive its most powerful moments, this episode brings you straight to the front row.

Chat about this episode in The Science of Reading Collective.

Explore the Reading Horizons Discovery® Product Suite.

Access past show notes.

Read the transcripts.

As we wrap up Season 7 of Literacy Talks, we reflect on a powerful journey through the lens of the 75th Anniversary Issue of the International Dyslexia Association. In this special finale, hosts Stacy Hurst, Donell Pons, and Lindsay Kemeny revisit the insights, standout moments, and expert voices that shaped a season devoted entirely to Structured Literacy. From defining integration to honoring teacher-researcher collaboration, we explore what’s evolved, what endures, and what’s next in the science of reading.

Chat about this episode in The Science of Reading Collective.

Explore the Reading Horizons Discovery® Product Suite.

Access past show notes.

Read the transcripts.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Elsa Cárdenas-Hagan—renowned author, educator, and advocate for multilingual learners—to explore how Structured Literacy can empower every student. From bridging language and culture to practical classroom strategies, Dr. Cárdenas-Hagan shares inspiring insights and actionable tools for supporting English learners in meaningful, evidence-based ways. She dives into the importance of oral language, cross-linguistic connections, and how all teachers—regardless of background—can feel confident supporting linguistically diverse students.

Note: The article starts on page 86 of the online version of IDA's 75th anniversary edition of "Perspectives on Language and Literacy".

Chat about this episode in The Science of Reading Collective.

Explore the Reading Horizons Discovery® Product Suite.

Access past show notes.

Read the transcripts.

In this episode, the Literacy Talks team dives into Dr. Tim Odegard’s compelling article from Perspectives on Language and Literacy—“Structured Literacy: The Backbone of a Robust Literacy Ecosystem.” Join Stacy, Donell, and Lindsay as they explore what it really means to teach at the “magical intersection” of instruction and student engagement. From tiered systems of support (MTSS/RTI) to the practical realities of implementing Structured Literacy in the classroom, this episode offers both inspiration and actionable insights for educators at every level.

Note: The article starts on page 80 of the online version of IDA's 75th anniversary edition of "Perspectives on Language and Literacy".

Chat about this episode in The Science of Reading Collective.

Explore the Reading Horizons Discovery® Product Suite.

Access past show notes.

Read the transcripts.

In this episode of Literacy Talks, we’re joined by the incomparable Dr. Louise Spear-Swerling—professor, researcher, and long-time advocate for evidence-based reading instruction. Building on her article in the 75th anniversary issue of Perspectives on Language and Literacy, Dr. Spear-Swerling dives into the how of Structured Literacy instruction and why it’s just as critical as the what.

Together with hosts Stacy Hurst, Donell Pons, and Lindsay Kemeny, Dr. Spear-Swerling explores what it really means to teach reading systematically and explicitly, how to use assessments to target instruction, and how teacher preparation programs can better equip educators to meet the needs of diverse learners. With practical strategies, powerful anecdotes, and expert-level clarity, this episode is a must-listen for educators at every stage of their journey.

Link to the article: https://www.flipsnack.com/B88EAE88B7A/perspectives-winter-2024/full-view.html?p=70 

Chat about this episode in The Science of Reading Collective.

Explore the Reading Horizons Discovery® Product Suite.

Access past show notes.

Read the transcripts.

In this episode, Dr. Kate Cain joins Literacy Talks hosts Stacy Hurst and Donell Pons to explore why comprehension isn’t just about decoding—it’s about what students bring to the text. From oral language and background knowledge to the structure of “considerate texts,” Dr. Cain offers practical insights into how educators can teach comprehension intentionally. Tune in for a deep, thought-provoking conversation that connects research to classroom practice and redefines what it means to understand what we read.

Chat about this episode in The Science of Reading Collective.

Explore the Reading Horizons Discovery® Product Suite.

Access past show notes.

Read the transcripts.

In this episode of Literacy Talks, Donell, Stacy, and Lindsay dive into Linnea Ehri’s article from Perspectives on Language and Literacy, exploring how reading proficiency develops over time through explicit, systematic instruction. From early learners to older struggling readers, the hosts reflect on the power of Structured Literacy to support all students—unpacking the phases of reading development, the role of decoding and spelling, and why practice and integration are key. If you've ever wondered how reading really takes root, this episode offers valuable insights—and maybe even a few laughs—along the way.

Article link: https://www.flipsnack.com/B88EAE88B7A/perspectives-winter-2024/full-view.html?p=48

Chat about this episode in The Science of Reading Collective.

Explore the Reading Horizons Discovery® Product Suite.

Access past show notes.

Read the transcripts.

In this episode of Literacy Talks, we continue our deep dive into the Structured Literacy Infomap, shifting our focus from word recognition, handwriting, and spelling to comprehension and composition. Hosts Stacy Hurst, Donell Pons, and Lindsay Kemeny explore how vocabulary development, sentence structure, grammar, text organization, and critical thinking all play a role in effective literacy instruction. They discuss the importance of integrating reading and writing, fostering deep engagement with text, and building a strong foundation for comprehension and expression.

This episode is a must-listen for educators looking to refine their instruction and support students in becoming confident, skilled readers and writers.

Note: If you're viewing the online version of the Perspectives issue, the article referenced in this episode starts on page 32.

Chat about this episode in The Science of Reading Collective.

Explore the Reading Horizons Discovery® Product Suite.

Access past show notes.

Read the transcripts.

In this episode of Literacy Talks, we dive into the Structured Literacy Infomap, a powerful tool designed to align educators on the principles and practices of effective literacy instruction. Hosts Stacy Hurst, Donell Pons, and Lindsay Kemeny explore how this visual framework supports professional development, bridges gaps between teacher knowledge and practice, and enhances reading and writing instruction. From phonemic awareness to morphology, syllable structure to orthographic conventions, our hosts break down key components of Structured Literacy and discuss practical strategies for integrating them into the classroom.

Whether you're a seasoned educator or just beginning your literacy journey, this episode offers valuable insights to help you navigate the road to literacy success.

Note: If you're viewing the online version of the Perspectives issue, the article referenced in this episode starts on page 32.

Episode Resources

Chat about this episode in The Science of Reading Collective.

Explore the Reading Horizons Discovery® Product Suite.

Access past show notes.

Read the transcripts.

Join Literacy Talks hosts Stacy Hurst, Donell Pons, and Lindsay Kemeny as they dive into their favorite moments from the 2025 Plain Talk Conference! In this special bonus episode, they reflect on what makes this conference a must-attend event, from the inspiring keynotes to the camaraderie among educators. They also break down key takeaways from their favorite sessions, highlighting powerful insights on comprehension, writing, fluency, and the science of reading. Plus, don’t miss hearing about all of the free resources shared by presenters—practical tools you can start using right away!

Whether you attended Plain Talk or not, this episode will leave you energized and equipped with valuable literacy strategies.

Show Notes & Resources

Chat about this episode in The Science of Reading Collective.

Explore the Reading Horizons Discovery® Product Suite.

Access past show notes.

Read the transcripts.