This LEAD on READ episode features Dr. Amy Murdoch, Assistant Dean of Reading Science at Mount St. Joseph University. Starting her career as a school psychologist, Dr. Murdoch has been a leader in reading education, driving systemic change and empowering teachers through the science of reading. In this episode, Dr. Murdoch discusses

• adopting a systems-level perspective and fostering collaboration among all stakeholders to instill change.
• leveraging consistent data as a tool to inform instructional practices, monitor progress, and advocate for evidence-based approaches.
• empowering educators with a deep understanding of the science of reading to enhance student outcomes and increase teacher agency and growth.

Dr. Murdoch shares powerful insights for any teacher, school and district leader, administrator in higher education, and policymaker. 

The Windward Institute invites you to share your top bookmarks from this episode by connecting with us on Instagram @thewindwardinstitute, or Facebook.  Subscribe to READ's newsletter for access to monthly episodes: Subscribe

Until next time, READers! 

Dr. Stephanie Al Otaiba joins READ to share her expertise in literacy interventions, the impact of social-emotional development on learning, and the future of reading education research. A leading researcher and professor at Southern Methodist University, Dr. Al Otaiba has led and collaborated on key studies on literacy and learning disabilities. In this episode, she discusses

• a framework for applying interventions in schools.
• the role of social-emotional learning and growth mindset in reading development.
• an integrated approach to dialogic reading for building language, emotional, and reading skills.
• how teachers ensure fidelity in applying instructional practices, including managing classroom behaviors and discourse.
• current gaps in reading science and her hopes for its future.

This episode offers practical strategies for educators and emphasizes the importance of structured literacy, data-driven decision-making, and supporting teachers to improve literacy outcomes.

Learn more about "The Science of Intensive Reading Interventions" at The Windward Institute's Robert J. Schwartz Memorial Lecture, featuring Dr. Jeanne Wanzek.

The Windward Institute invites you to share your top bookmarks from this episode by connecting with us on Instagram @thewindwardinstitute, or Facebook.  Subscribe to READ's newsletter for access to monthly episodes: Subscribe

Until next time, READers! 

Ola Ozernov-Palchik, PhD, joins READ to discuss her work in dyslexia, neuroscience, and early literacy policy. She explores the paradox of dyslexia—why early identification is critical yet often delayed—and how neuroimaging research uncovers the brain's role in reading development and challenges. In this episode, you'll learn:

• What neuroscience studies reveal about reading acquisition and dyslexia
• How research informs universal screening and early literacy policies
• The successes and challenges of translating research into advocacy and practice

Dr. Ozernov-Palchik's work bridges research, education, and advocacy, offering insights into the future of reading science and education.

The Windward Institute invites you to share your top bookmarks from this episode by connecting with us on Instagram @thewindwardinstitute, or Facebook.  Subscribe to READ's newsletter for access to monthly episodes: Subscribe

Until next time, READers! 

The Windward Institute team joins READ Podcast host Danielle Gomez for an in-depth exploration of knowledge and reading comprehension. Colleen McGlynn, associate director of language arts, and Alison Leveque, content and implementation director, discuss the research supporting comprehension, the role of knowledge in reading, and how these insights translate into classroom practice. In this episode, the co-hosts share

• insights on translating research on knowledge and reading comprehension into practice.
• strategies and instructional practices for activating, building, and connecting knowledge.
• implications for supporting teachers through professional development.

Learn more about the complexities of synthesizing research and gain tangible takeaways for instruction and further professional learning

The Windward Institute invites you to share your top bookmarks from this episode by connecting with us on Twitter @TheWindwardInst, Instagram @thewindwardinstitute, or Facebook.  Subscribe to READ's newsletter for access to monthly episodes: Subscribe

Until next time, READers! 

This month on READ, we’re revisiting one of our most popular episodes featuring Dr. Sonia Cabell to highlight the vital role of knowledge in reading comprehension.

In this conversation from episode 50, Dr. Cabell and Danielle discuss the integrated nature of reading comprehension, knowledge and writing. You will learn about

• the reciprocal nature between background knowledge and comprehension.
• literacy and content-rich instruction.
• effective practices for integrated literacy and content instruction.

Read Dr. Cabell and colleagues' (2025) study of a content-rich reading curriculum on kindergartners' vocabulary, comprehension, and content knowledge.

Don't miss a special NEW episode in two weeks on powerful strategies to enhance knowledge and comprehension in the classroom. Subscribe to READ's newsletter for early access: Subscribe

The Windward Institute invites you to share your top bookmarks from this episode by connecting with us on Twitter @TheWindwardInst, Instagram @thewindwardinstitute, or Facebook.  

Until next time, READers! 

The READ Podcast celebrates its 5th anniversary in research, education, and advocacy with distinguished professor and researcher in literacy, Devin Kearns, PhD. A longtime friend and advisory board member of The Windward Institute, Dr. Kearns and host, Dr. Danielle Gomez, reflect on the evolution of the Science of Reading (SoR) and its impact on educational practices over the past five years. In this episode, you will learn about

• the key headlines in research around the Science of Reading.
• trends in the needs and questions about reading from educators.
• a focus on data-driven decision making to refine instructional approaches.
• an outlook for the future of the SoR in education.

At the end, Dr. Kearns emphasizes, "Stay the course. Check the data." This episode offers reflections and insights for the future of reading research and implementation across school settings for 2025 and beyond.

Join co-hosts Danielle Gomez and Jamie Williamson as they interview Kelly Carvajal Hagemen for an episode of LEAD on READ. Kelly Carvajal Hagemen shares the story of the Seaford School District as the district transformed its literacy outcomes from an underperforming "focus school" to one of the highest achieving districts in the state of Delaware. As the former Director of Instruction of Seaford, Kelly shares a behind the scenes case study of the district's turnaround. In this episode, you will learn about

• the district's commitment to intersect literacy, equity, and organizational change.
• principles of change management that informed buy-in, professional development, and community involvement.
• a partnership between the district and researchers that grounded their professional development work.

Kelly shares more about Seaford's story in The 74.

Do you want to learn more from this episode or past READ episodes? Visit readpodcast.org for host Danielle Gomez's bookmarks.

Do you have questions for future topics and speakers? E-mail us at [email protected].

The Windward Institute invites you to share your top bookmarks from this episode by connecting with us on Twitter @TheWindwardInst, Instagram @thewindwardinstitute, or Facebook.  

Until next time, READers! 

Jan Hasbrouck, PhD, joins READ to discuss the complexities of fluency, including its components and misconceptions, and how it relates to word reading and comprehension. Dr. Hasbrouck emphasizes the importance of effective assessment, instruction, and intervention to support struggling readers at all grade levels.

In this episode, you will learn about

• the multifaceted nature of fluency.
• effective instruction that addresses the progression of skills necessary for fluency.
• implications for assessment to identify areas of need and provide targeted support.
• current research on supporting children with dyslexia.

This episode is packed with direct and immediate takeaways for instruction and deep insights on the complexities of nuances of reading.

Do you want to learn more from this episode or past READ episodes? Visit readpodcast.org for host Danielle Gomez's bookmarks.

Do you have questions for future topics and speakers? E-mail us at [email protected].

The Windward Institute invites you to share your top bookmarks from this episode by connecting with us on Twitter @TheWindwardInst, Instagram @thewindwardinstitute, or Facebook.  

Until next time, READers! 

Kareem Weaver, a leading advocate for literacy equity and social justice, joins a special conversation of LEAD on READ to discuss critical issues and questions surrounding literacy, leadership, and education. Kareem's commitment to literacy for all is unwavering. In this episode, we discuss

• literacy as a fundamental civil right for all children across the United States.
• the consequences to illiteracy that impact all aspects of academic, civic, and personal life.
• insights on the systemic challenges hindering literacy outcomes for all students across the country.
• systems, structures, and strategies needed to drive meaningful change.

Kareem shares valuable experiences and insights toward scaling literacy change and building more equitable schools and communities across the country.

Do you want to learn more from this episode or past READ episodes? Visit readpodcast.org for host Danielle Gomez's bookmarks.

Do you have questions for future topics and speakers? E-mail us at [email protected].

The Windward Institute invites you to share your top bookmarks from this episode by connecting with us on Twitter @TheWindwardInst, Instagram @thewindwardinstitute, or Facebook.  

Until next time, READers! 

Current research and insights in education examine a whole child approach to development. What does this mean in the context of literacy and social emotional learning?

 In this episode of READ, Dr. Rebecca Gotlieb explores the interconnectedness of literacy and social emotional learning and emphasizes the importance of viewing these two aspects of child development as coordinated and interdependent processes. In this episode, you will learn about the

• brain’s reading circuit and the multifaceted nature of reading, from decoding to deep comprehension and emotional engagement
• role of emotions on literacy and whole child development
• environmental factors that impact brain development and literacy outcomes, highlighting the importance of creating learning environments that support equity, diversity, and belonging.

Dr. Gotlieb offers implications for supporting children at home and in the classroom through an integrated, inclusive approach.

Do you want to learn more from this episode or past READ episodes? Visit readpodcast.org for host Danielle Gomez's bookmarks.

Do you have questions for future topics and speakers? E-mail us at [email protected].

The Windward Institute invites you to share your top bookmarks from this episode by connecting with us on Twitter @TheWindwardInst, Instagram @thewindwardinstitute, or Facebook.  

Until next time, READers!