Tim Odegard, PhD, joins the READ Podcast to discuss his research and perspectives on the state of reading policy and education in the United States. Dr. Odegard, a professor of psychology and the Katherine Davis Murfee Chair of Excellence in Dyslexic Studies of Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), shares his story in school as he struggled to read as a child, which fueled his career and research in dyslexia and reading. Citing a variety of studies across reading, Dr. Odegard comments about the flaws in the system and its policies that have failed too many children across the United States. He outlines key drivers that are foundational for improving reading outcomes and offers a perspective for holding space and compassion toward greater unity to support all children in their endeavors in school and beyond.

Do you want to learn more from this episode? Visit readpodcast.org and the Episode #33 homepage for host Danielle Scorrano's top bookmarks and resources. You can also connect with Dr. Odegard on Twitter (@OdegardTim) or learn more about his work at MTSU.

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!

Reading comprehension, by nature, is multifaceted and complex, and for Mindy Bridges, PhD, understanding its development and factors in children is a key passion in her professional work and research. This episode dives deep into the role of language in reading comprehension. Dr. Bridges explains how various factors contribute to comprehension, reflects on her research on comprehension across developmental stages, and offers insights on supporting children who struggle. Dr. Bridges discusses the role of collaboration and implementation science to better understand language and comprehension development in order to serve more schools and students.

Do you want to learn more from this episode? Visit readpodcast.org and the Episode #32 homepage for host Danielle Scorrano's top bookmarks and resources. You can also connect with Dr. Bridges on Twitter (mindy_msb) or learn more about her work at University of Kansas.

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!

What does it take to invest in improving the educational outcomes and livelihood of all children? In this episode, Nicole Patton Terry, PhD, director of the Florida Center for Reading Research (FCRR) shares her expertise and experience in collaborating between researchers, schools and community partners, and families to support literacy and academic goals of their students. 

Dr. Terry’s research focuses primarily on young learners who are vulnerable to experiencing poor language and literacy achievement. Applying a collective and integrated approach to implementation and dissemination of research in education, Dr. Terry offers insights and wisdom to the systems that are needed to make lasting change. 

Do you want to learn more from this episode? Visit readpodcast.org and the Episode #31 homepage for host Danielle Scorrano's top bookmarks and resources. You can also connect with Dr. Terry on Twitter (@TheDrPT) or learn more about her work at FSU and FCRR.

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

Connect with The Windward Institute on Twitter @TheWindwardInst, Instagram @thewindwardinstitute, or Facebook.  

How can an interdisciplinary research approach inform our understanding of the systems of education? This month’s guest, Matthew Kraft, PhD, associate professor of education and economics at Brown University, offers a research-based commentary of the macro-level trends in education that particularly impact large urban settings, including teacher growth and well-being, the role of school climate and context, and instructional coaching. 

Applying his expertise in various interdisciplinary research designs across urban settings, Dr. Kraft suggests innovative methods to repurpose resources and reform school systems for the benefit of all teachers and learners. The insights in this episode are intended to engage the listener to critically think about scalable and sustainable education solutions across broad education systems.

Do you want to learn more from this episode? Visit readpodcast.org and the Episode #30 homepage for host Danielle Scorrano's top bookmarks and resources. You can also connect with Dr. Kraft on Twitter (@MatthewAKraft) or by visiting his website.

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

Connect with The Windward Institute on Twitter @TheWindwardInst, Instagram @thewindwardinstitute, or Facebook.  

What is the role of language in our schools and curriculum? Simply put, language is everything. In the words of this episode’s guest, Lydia Soifer, PhD, “Language is the vehicle that drives the curriculum.” Dr. Soifer is a renowned language pathologist and literacy specialist with over forty-five years of experience in clinical settings as well as in professional and parent education. She explains a multidisciplinary approach to child development, offering immediate, actionable strategies for teachers and families.

Do you want to learn more from this episode? Visit readpodcast.org and the Episode #29 homepage for host Danielle Scorrano's top bookmarks and resources.

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

Connect with The Windward Institute on Twitter @TheWindwardInst, Instagram @thewindwardinstitute or Facebook.  

In the first episode of 2022, Dr. Louise Spear-Swerling, a leader and trailblazer in reading education, joins the READ Podcast. Speaking from her background and expertise as a professor, teacher educator, author, and researcher, Dr. Spear-Swerling identifies evidence-based practices that support structured literacy and clarifies common pitfalls of implementation. Listeners will understand how curriculum, consistency, and coherence are fundamental to supporting schools and teachers deliver high quality reading instruction for all students.

Do you want to learn more from this episode? Visit readpodcast.org and the Episode #28 homepage for host Danielle Scorrano's top bookmarks and resources.

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

Connect with The Windward Institute on Twitter @TheWindwardInst, Instagram @thewindwardinstitute or Facebook.  

READ in Review is the “epilogue” that highlights this year’s episodes with leading experts in research, education, and advocacy. Host Danielle Scorrano reflects upon her conversations from throughout 2021, centered around the theme of integration. The top bookmarks captured by our guests include current research in the Science of Reading (SoR) and dyslexia, advocacy for increased access and equity to high quality education, and an examination of the system to deliver the promise of education for all children. Join the conversation as we reflect upon the 2021 chapter of the READ podcast and forecast ahead into 2022.

Do you want to learn more from this episode? Visit readpodcast.org and the Episode #27 homepage for host Danielle Scorrano's top bookmarks and resources.

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

Connect with The Windward Institute on Twitter @TheWindwardInst, Instagram @thewindwardinstitute or Facebook.  

All READers are invited to take a journey in mathematics with Penn State professor and The WI faculty member, Paul Riccomini, PhD. Dr. Riccomini and Danielle discuss the language of math with the underlying principle – if kids don’t understand the language of instruction, they’re not going to be able to learn to their potential. Dr. Riccomini explains certain markers of why children may experience challenges in math, when difficulties persist, and scaffolds and instructional practices to support struggling mathematicians. At the end of the episode, Dr. Riccomini answers “crowdsource” questions from adults READers including how parents/ guardians can support kids at home, and he takes on the curiosity of school-aged students by answering their top questions. Dr. Riccomini invites all listeners into a math class – listen closely for the importance  of its numbers AND its mathematical language.

Do you want to learn more from this episode? Visit readpodcast.org and the Episode #26 homepage for host Danielle Scorrano's top bookmarks and resources. Connect with Dr. Riccomini on Twitter.

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

Connect with The Windward Institute on Twitter @TheWindwardInst, Instagram @thewindwardinstitute or Facebook.  

During Dyslexia Awareness Month, Resha Conroy, the founder of Dyslexia Alliance for Black Children (DABC), joins the READ Podcast for a conversation about education reform and equity. Using a historical and social lens, Ms. Conroy discusses how Black children with dyslexia are often left behind in the system of education, and the consequences are dire and dangerous. She cites research and draws on stories from communities where Black children with dyslexia face barriers to diagnosis and intervention and experience stigma and deficit-model thinking in their classrooms. On a societal level, Ms. Conroy explains the historical implications of the school to prison pipeline. She discusses the actions the DABC is taking to increase knowledge, advocacy, and awareness and identifies immediate calls to action as well as systemic changes needed to save a current generation of children from failure.

Do you want to learn more from this episode? Visit readpodcast.org and the Episode #25 homepage for host Danielle Scorrano's top bookmarks and resources.

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

Connect with The Windward Institute on Twitter @TheWindwardInst, Instagram @thewindwardinstitute or Facebook.  

Join Kristen Wynn, Mississippi’s State Literacy Director and The Windward Institute’s 2021 Fall Community Lecturer, as she details the story of how the state transformed literacy outcomes for its students. Reflecting upon her story with her son who was diagnosed with dyslexia and her early career as a teacher and interventionist, Ms. Wynn discusses her personal journey to learn about the Science of Reading. She outlines the literacy policy reform that began at the state level and explains how it was disseminated strategically to districts and schools. Ms. Wynn discusses how professional development and a state-facilitated literacy coaching program shaped teacher practices, classrooms, and cultures of schools for the betterment of their students. Finally, she shares how the state innovated teaching and professional learning practices to support families and children during the pandemic. This READ conversation with Kristen Wynn offers hope and applicable lessons for every state, district, and school to disrupt the educational status quo to promote literacy for all students.

 Want to learn more from Kristen Wynn?

Register for the 2021 Fall Community Lecture on October 28, 2021 at 7:30 p.m.
http://www.thewindwardschool.org/lecture

Do you want to learn more from this episode? Visit readpodcast.org and the Episode #24 homepage for host Danielle Scorrano's top bookmarks and resources.

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

Connect with The Windward Institute on Twitter @TheWindwardInst, Instagram @thewindwardinstitute or Facebook.