📚 Mississippi Rising | Chapter 3: The New Millennium and the Science of Reading

Welcome back to Reading is a Human Right! I’m your host, Leta Palmiter, and this week’s Mississippi Monday continues our journey through Mississippi Rising.

In Chapter Three: The New Millennium and the Science of Reading, we explore how research on how the brain learns to read transformed Mississippi’s education system—and why lesson planning, teacher preparation, and instructional practice had to change.

✨ Highlights from this episode:

• Why traditional lesson planning often misses the mark for real reading instruction.
• How the Science of Reading shifted the national conversation.
• Louisa Moats’ groundbreaking work (Teaching Reading is Rocket Science) and its influence on teacher training.
• The pivotal role of the Barksdale Reading Institute and Mississippi’s statewide reforms.
• What it really takes to prepare teachers to teach every child to read.

This chapter shows us that improving reading outcomes requires more than paperwork—it requires deep teacher knowledge, systematic phonics instruction, and statewide collaboration.

👉 Don’t miss the end, where I connect these reforms to our upcoming Breaking Barriers Dyslexia Conference (Oct 2–3, 2025). Register today at IlluminationsDyslexia.com — virtual option available!

🔔 Subscribe and follow along every Monday for new chapters of Mississippi Rising.

💬 Share your thoughts in the comments—how has the science of reading impacted your classroom or community?

Because remember: Reading is a Human Right. 

📖 Reading is a Human Right – Mississippi Rising, Chapter Two

We continue our journey through Mississippi Rising with Chapter Two: The Beginnings of Change (1996–2004).

✨ In this episode, we trace how one Mississippi mother’s determination sparked a statewide movement for children with dyslexia. From the Scottish Rite Hospital in Dallas to the halls of Mississippi schools, this chapter explores the partnerships, advocacy, and groundbreaking programs that laid the foundation for structured literacy across the state.

You’ll hear stories of:

• Marilyn Carlisle’s advocacy and partnership with the Masons.
• Dr. Lucius Waits and Aylett Cox’s pioneering work in dyslexia therapy.
• The creation of Alphabetic Phonics and its impact on generations of students.
• Mississippi’s first dyslexia legislation in 1996 and the launch of the Scottish Rite Taped Program.
• The founding of the first master’s degree program in dyslexia therapy at Mississippi College in 2004.

📌 Whether you’re an educator, parent, or advocate, this history reveals how passion and persistence fueled real change in literacy education.

🎓 Join us at Breaking Barriers: Expanding Literacy for All Learners
📅 October 2–3, 2025
📍 Meridian, Mississippi – Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience
💡 Two days of learning for educators, therapists, and families supporting students with dyslexia. CEUs available!

👉 Register now: illuminationsdyslexia.com

📖 Reading is a Human Right – Mississippi Rising | Week Two

Welcome back to our Mississippi Rising book study series! 🌟
In Chapter 1, we begin exploring the foundation of Mississippi’s literacy journey—how the state moved from being last in the nation to leading the way in reading growth.

✨ In this episode, we’ll unpack:

• The challenges Mississippi faced before reform
• The first critical steps that sparked change
• The role of educators, policymakers, and families in shifting the narrative
• Why these lessons still matter for literacy advocates today

This chapter sets the stage for everything that follows. It shows us that real change is possible, even in the face of overwhelming obstacles, when a state commits to structured literacy and the science of reading.

🔔 Be sure to subscribe and tap the bell so you don’t miss Week Three!

📌 Get your copy of Mississippi Rising here: [insert link]

💬 Discussion Question: What parallels do you see between Mississippi’s early challenges and the struggles in your own school, district, or state? Share your thoughts in the comments!

#ReadingIsAHumanRight #MississippiRising #Literacy #ScienceOfReading #DyslexiaAwareness #Education

📖 Reading is a Human Right – Mississippi Rising | Week One

Welcome to our Reading is a Human Right book study! 🌟
In this first week, we dive into the Foreword and Introduction of Mississippi Rising: The Story of How the Last Became First in Literacy Growth by Leta C. Palmiter.

✨ In this episode, you’ll hear:

• The story behind Mississippi’s remarkable literacy gains
• Why structured literacy and systemic change matter
• How educators, families, and communities worked together to close the gap
• The vision for where we go from here

This series is more than just a book study—it’s a movement. Together, we’ll explore the lessons from Mississippi Rising and how they can empower us to fight for literacy equity everywhere.

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe and hit the bell so you won’t miss next week’s chapter!

📌 Order your copy of Mississippi Rising here: https://illuminationsdyslexia.com/products/ols/products/mississippi-rising-how-the-last-became-first-in-literacy-growth-f765ec

💬 Join the conversation in the comments: What stood out to you in the Foreword and Introduction?

#ReadingIsAHumanRight #MississippiRising #Literacy #StructuredLiteracy #DyslexiaAwareness #Education

Welcome to Season 2 of Reading is a Human Right! 📚✊

In this powerful season opener, host Leta Palmiter shares the honest truth behind becoming a leader—not for glory, but out of necessity. From therapy rooms to boardrooms, from bedtime stories to policy meetings, Leta reveals what it really takes to fight for literacy access and lead a movement when no one else will.

✨ This season is all about tools, not just talk. Whether you're a teacher, parent, therapist, school leader, or simply mad enough to fix what's broken—this podcast is your toolkit for change.

🎧 In this episode:

• Why Leta never wanted to be CEO—but became one anyway
• How anger can be a spark for impact
• What it really takes to build systems that work for all learners
• A call to action for women leaders in education and advocacy
• Upcoming plans to read Mississippi Rising chapter-by-chapter

💥 Get ready for real talk, real strategies, and real hope. Because reading is not a luxury—it’s a human right.

🔗 Explore More:
💻 Illuminations Center for Dyslexia
🛫 Vertical Takeoff Reading – $99/year for full classroom access (offer ends Sept. 1)

📢 Leave a comment below and let us know:
 💬 What do you want to hear this season?

#ReadingIsAHumanRight #DyslexiaAwareness #EducationForAll #LiteracyJustice #Season2 #TeacherTools #ParentAdvocacy #VTOReading

🎙️ Sentence-Level Grammar Instruction: The Key to Better Reading & Writing | Wisdom Wednesday Podcast

In this episode of Wisdom Wednesday, Leta Palmiter explores the powerful connection between sentence-level grammar instruction and literacy growth. Discover why teaching grammar explicitly and in context builds stronger readers and more confident writers—starting in kindergarten and extending through high school.

🧠 Referencing the work of William Van Cleave, Leta breaks down the myth that grammar is outdated or unnecessary. Instead, she explains how understanding syntax, sentence combining, and the function of words improves both comprehension and composition.

📚 Mentioned in this episode:

• Writing Matters by William Van Cleave — available now at https://illuminationsdyslexia.com
  🛍️ Use code #readingisahumanright to receive a free small-group game gift with your order!

🛒 Need supplies for your whole class or intervention group? Call us today for package options designed just for you.

✨ Whether you’re a teacher, therapist, or parent—this episode will give you strategies to play with language and build thinkers.

🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes on dyslexia, structured literacy, and empowering every student to read and write.

#WisdomWednesday #ReadingIsAHumanRight #StructuredLiteracy #SentenceCombining #WilliamVanCleave #WritingMatters #GrammarInstruction #DyslexiaSupport #TeacherPD #EarlyLiteracy

Confidence and Community: The Hidden Magic of Dyslexia Therapy | Therapy Thursdays with Leta

📖 Description:
In this week’s episode of Therapy Thursdays, Leta explores what students really take away from dyslexia therapy—and it’s more than reading.
From confidence and community to lifelong resilience, this episode breaks down the emotional and social growth that comes through structured literacy and supportive environments.

🎓 Featuring research from Yale School of Medicine’s Collaborative for Child & Family Resilience
 📚 Sponsored by Vertical Takeoff Reading – now at an introductory price: VTOReading.com

🧠 Ready to reframe what therapy can really do? Hit play.
 🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more insights every week.

#DyslexiaAwareness #LiteracyForAll #TherapyThursdays #ReadingIsAHumanRight #VTOReading

🖋️ Why Cursive Handwriting Still Matters | Wisdom Wednesday with Leta Palmiter

In this episode of Wisdom Wednesday on the Reading is a Human Right podcast, Leta Palmiter breaks down the surprising science behind cursive handwriting and why it’s still a vital skill for developing brains—especially for students with dyslexia and learning differences.

🧠 Backed by research from Frontiers in Psychology and Psychological Science, this episode explains how cursive handwriting activates multiple areas of the brain, strengthens memory and motor skills, and helps reinforce reading and spelling for struggling learners.

✍️ Learn about:

• Why cursive helps reduce letter reversals and improves writing fluency
• How CursiveLogic, developed by Linda Shrewsbury, streamlines the process with shape-based instruction, color coding, and built-in repetition
• Practical strategies for parents and teachers to integrate cursive into daily practice—at home or in the classroom

🎓 Now enrolling for Illuminations' Summer Semester! Whether your child needs dyslexia therapy, math intervention, or ACT prep, we create a customized schedule based on their needs.
📞 Call 601-484-7430
💻 Learn more or make a deposit at: https://illuminationsdyslexia.com

🎥 Watch our handwriting tutorials:
 ➡️ Push-up Over Letters & Swing-up Letters on YouTube

📚 Featured Resource:
 CursiveLogic – A fast, effective cursive program that’s perfect for older learners, students with dyslexia, or anyone who wants to learn cursive with intention and structure.

🔔 Subscribe for weekly insights on literacy, dyslexia therapy, and reading equity.

#CursiveLogic #HandwritingMatters #WisdomWednesday #DyslexiaAwareness #ReadingIsAHumanRight #StructuredLiteracy #CursiveForDyslexia

📍 Welcome to Wisdom Wednesdays with Leta!
Today, we’re diving into a simple but powerful truth: learning must come drop by drop.

In this episode of Reading is a Human Right, Leta uses the powerful analogy of a sponge and a cup of water to explain why daily, consistent practice is essential — especially for children with dyslexia and other learning differences.

💧 Why aren’t kids “getting it,” even with good teachers and strong curricula?
 💧 What does it really take for learning to stick?
 💧 And how can five minutes a day make all the difference?

We’ll explore the neuroscience behind learning (featuring research from Dehaene, Ziegler, and the Case for Practice webinar with Chad Myers), and share simple, practical tools to help your child absorb knowledge one drip at a time.

🧽 Your child is not a broken bucket. They are a brilliant sponge.
Let’s stop pouring on pressure — and start dripping in support.

🎟️ Don’t forget — our Sip & Sway fundraiser is this weekend!
Join us to support dyslexia therapy access and learn how you can be part of the solution.
👉 Tickets available now at illuminationsdyslexia.com

🎧 Listen, learn, and grow with us — one drop at a time.

#WisdomWednesday #DyslexiaSupport #ReadingIsAHumanRight #StructuredLiteracy #DailyPractice #SipAndSway #EducationMatters

Is your child struggling to learn to read? You have options — and the earlier you act, the better.
Learn what real dyslexia therapy looks like, what certifications to trust, and how to find the right help for your family.
Listen to today’s Therapy Thursdays podcast with Leta!
Brought to you by Sip & Sway — April 26th at Castle Grove!
Tickets at illuminationsdyslexia.com
#dyslexiaawareness #structuredliteracy #readingisahumanright #therapythursdays #sipandsway