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 

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Core Instruction and Reading Intervention. One System. One Path Forward.

From Pre-K readiness to advanced fluency, Ascend®️ gives educators a consistent, needs-based approach to literacy—helping every teacher deliver the right instruction and every student build lasting mastery, one skill at a time. Coherent literacy for lasting impact.

See how Ascend works.

Do you teach Structured Literacy in a K–3 setting?
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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.

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Core Instruction and Reading Intervention. One System. One Path Forward.

From Pre-K readiness to advanced fluency, Ascend®️ gives educators a consistent, needs-based approach to literacy—helping every teacher deliver the right instruction and every student build lasting mastery, one skill at a time. Coherent literacy for lasting impact.

See how Ascend works.

Do you teach Structured Literacy in a K–3 setting?
Sign up for a free license of Reading Horizons Discovery® LIVE and start teaching right away—no setup, no hassle. Sign-up Now.

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

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Core Instruction and Reading Intervention. One System. One Path Forward.

From Pre-K readiness to advanced fluency, Ascend®️ gives educators a consistent, needs-based approach to literacy—helping every teacher deliver the right instruction and every student build lasting mastery, one skill at a time. Coherent literacy for lasting impact.

See how Ascend works.

Do you teach Structured Literacy in a K–3 setting?
Sign up for a free license of Reading Horizons Discovery® LIVE and start teaching right away—no setup, no hassle. Sign-up Now.

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.

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Core Instruction and Reading Intervention. One System. One Path Forward.

From Pre-K readiness to advanced fluency, Ascend®️ gives educators a consistent, needs-based approach to literacy—helping every teacher deliver the right instruction and every student build lasting mastery, one skill at a time. Coherent literacy for lasting impact.

See how Ascend works.

Do you teach Structured Literacy in a K–3 setting?
Sign up for a free license of Reading Horizons Discovery® LIVE and start teaching right away—no setup, no hassle. Sign-up Now.

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

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Core Instruction and Reading Intervention. One System. One Path Forward.

From Pre-K readiness to advanced fluency, Ascend®️ gives educators a consistent, needs-based approach to literacy—helping every teacher deliver the right instruction and every student build lasting mastery, one skill at a time. Coherent literacy for lasting impact.

See how Ascend works.

Do you teach Structured Literacy in a K–3 setting?
Sign up for a free license of Reading Horizons Discovery® LIVE and start teaching right away—no setup, no hassle. Sign-up Now.

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

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Core Instruction and Reading Intervention. One System. One Path Forward.

From Pre-K readiness to advanced fluency, Ascend®️ gives educators a consistent, needs-based approach to literacy—helping every teacher deliver the right instruction and every student build lasting mastery, one skill at a time. Coherent literacy for lasting impact.

See how Ascend works.

Do you teach Structured Literacy in a K–3 setting?
Sign up for a free license of Reading Horizons Discovery® LIVE and start teaching right away—no setup, no hassle. Sign-up Now.

This episode invites you into an eye-opening conversation about transforming reading instruction. Host Stacy Hurst, along with co-hosts Donnell Pons and Lindsay Kemeny, sits down with literacy expert Margaret Goldberg to challenge the outdated practice of three cueing—a method that once dominated classrooms but falls short of scientific backing. Margaret shares her personal journey from the challenges of remote teaching during the pandemic to pioneering research partnerships that underscore the power of structured literacy and systematic phonics. Discover how bridging the gap between theory and classroom practice can empower educators, enhance student reading outcomes, and reshape our approach to literacy education.

Tune in for a candid discussion that not only questions old methods but also lights the way for innovative, evidence-based teaching practices.

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Core Instruction and Reading Intervention. One System. One Path Forward.

From Pre-K readiness to advanced fluency, Ascend®️ gives educators a consistent, needs-based approach to literacy—helping every teacher deliver the right instruction and every student build lasting mastery, one skill at a time. Coherent literacy for lasting impact.

See how Ascend works.

Do you teach Structured Literacy in a K–3 setting?
Sign up for a free license of Reading Horizons Discovery® LIVE and start teaching right away—no setup, no hassle. Sign-up Now.

In this episode of Literacy Talks, we dive into the essential question: Why is Structured Literacy critical for all learners?

Hosts Stacy Hurst, Donell Pons, and Lindsay Kemeny explore research-backed reasons why explicit, systematic reading instruction is the most effective way to support students—especially those who struggle. They discuss the life-changing consequences of reading failure, the importance of well-trained educators, and the role Structured Literacy plays in promoting equity in education.

Tune in for an insightful, passionate conversation that reinforces why literacy is a right, not a privilege.

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Core Instruction and Reading Intervention. One System. One Path Forward.

From Pre-K readiness to advanced fluency, Ascend®️ gives educators a consistent, needs-based approach to literacy—helping every teacher deliver the right instruction and every student build lasting mastery, one skill at a time. Coherent literacy for lasting impact.

See how Ascend works.

Do you teach Structured Literacy in a K–3 setting?
Sign up for a free license of Reading Horizons Discovery® LIVE and start teaching right away—no setup, no hassle. Sign-up Now.

For decades, we've had the research, the science, and the strategies to teach every child how to read—so why has it taken so long to put them into practice? 🤔

In this must-listen episode of Literacy Talks, we welcome Dr. David Hurford, Editor-in-Chief of Perspectives on Language and Literacy, to discuss the latest issue focusing on Structured Literacy and its critical role in reading instruction.

We dive into:
✅ The biggest myths holding back effective reading instruction
✅ Why Structured Literacy isn’t just for striving readers—it’s for EVERY reader
✅ The movement pushing states and schools to finally adopt science-based reading practices

If you’ve ever asked, Why aren’t we just teaching reading the way science tells us to?, this episode is for you. 🎧

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Core Instruction and Reading Intervention. One System. One Path Forward.

From Pre-K readiness to advanced fluency, Ascend®️ gives educators a consistent, needs-based approach to literacy—helping every teacher deliver the right instruction and every student build lasting mastery, one skill at a time. Coherent literacy for lasting impact.

See how Ascend works.

Do you teach Structured Literacy in a K–3 setting?
Sign up for a free license of Reading Horizons Discovery® LIVE and start teaching right away—no setup, no hassle. Sign-up Now.

This season opener of Literacy Talks dives into the foundational elements of structured literacy, inspired by the International Dyslexia Association's 75th Anniversary issue of Perspectives on Language and Literacy. Hosts Stacy Hurst, Lindsay Kemeny, and Donell Pons explore the insights of Barbara Wilson and Jessica Hammond on how structured literacy, grounded in the science of reading, is transforming classrooms. Whether you’re new to the concept or a seasoned educator, join us for an engaging discussion designed to inspire and equip you with tools to champion effective literacy instruction.

💬 Want more insights like this?
Subscribe to the Literacy Talks Podcast Digest for episode recaps, resources, and teaching takeaways delivered straight to your inbox!

Core Instruction and Reading Intervention. One System. One Path Forward.

From Pre-K readiness to advanced fluency, Ascend®️ gives educators a consistent, needs-based approach to literacy—helping every teacher deliver the right instruction and every student build lasting mastery, one skill at a time. Coherent literacy for lasting impact.

See how Ascend works.

Do you teach Structured Literacy in a K–3 setting?
Sign up for a free license of Reading Horizons Discovery® LIVE and start teaching right away—no setup, no hassle. Sign-up Now.