Are you implementing up-to-date research findings in your school or classroom? 

Season 1 of All For Literacy frequently touched on the issue of connecting educators with new and established research and how to best apply evidence-based findings in the classroom. To kick off Season 2, two influential education researchers join host Dr. Liz Brooke for an enlightening discussion about current research and how findings translate into everyday classroom practices. 

Tune into this episode to hear from Dr. Sharon Vaughn and Dr. Jeanne Wanzek. Vaughn is the Manuel J. Justiz Endowed Chair in Education and the executive director of The Meadows Center for Preventing Educational Risk at the University of Texas at Austin. Wanzek is a professor and Currey-Ingram Endowed Chair in the department of special education at Peabody College of Vanderbilt University. 

The discussion deeply explores the guests’ areas of research on adolescent and upper-grade literacy, improving interventions with additional components, weaving literacy throughout the entire school day, and Tier 1 instruction. 

Educators will gain evidence-based strategies to implement day to day to strengthen literacy levels across subjects and grade levels. Join Lexia® for an all-new season of All For Literacy, and subscribe to never miss an episode. 

Episode Breakdown

(04:06) – Wanzek’s professional journey

(06:37) – Vaughn’s professional journey 

(12:38) – Wanzek’s and Vaughn’s relationship as mentor and mentee

(17:34) – Takeaways from The Nation’s Report Card results

(21:07) – How to strengthen interventions through strategic integration

(24:28) – How to weave literacy instruction through the whole class schedule

(30:06) – The differences in the science of reading across grade levels

(35:48) – The importance of customization in literacy instruction

(44:00) – Research-based look at Tier 1 instruction

(48:34) – Advice for teachers and hope for the future

Dr. Sharon Vaughn

Dr. Sharon Vaughn is the Manuel J. Justiz Endowed Chair in Education and the executive director of The Meadows Center for Preventing Educational Risk at the University of Texas at Austin. She’s currently the principal or co-principal investigator on several research grants for the Institution for Education Sciences, National Institute for Child Health and Human Development, and the U.S. Department of Education that explore effective interventions for students with reading difficulties and English Language Learners. 

Dr. Jeanne Wanzek

Dr. Jeanne Wanzek is a professor and Currey-Ingram Endowed Chair in the department of special education at Peabody College of Vanderbilt University. Her research focuses on effective reading instruction and intervention for students with reading difficulties and disabilities. Before receiving her doctorate, Wanzek worked as a special educator and an elementary teacher. 

Mentioned in this Episode

Liz Brooke, X @LizCBrooke

The Meadows Center for Preventing Educational Risk

Department of Special Education at Peabody College of Vanderbilt University

The Nation’s Report Card

Christy Austin

Rachel Donegan