Science of Reading Leadership

Dr. Laura Tortorelli, Associate Professor at Michigan State University, joins us for a transformative episode of Science of Reading Leadership!

She brings her extensive expertise to discuss her latest research on multisyllabic decoding and foundational reading skills. Dive into this conversation to gain actionable insights to boost reading achievement during the back-to-school season.

We Discuss:

• The Importance of Multisyllabic Decoding: Explore how advancing beyond single-syllable word decoding is crucial for reading fluency and comprehension, especially as students progress in their educational journey.
• Challenges and Strategies for Reading Instruction: Learn about the common hurdles educators face in teaching complex word decoding and the innovative strategies to overcome them.
• Integrating Decoding with Vocabulary Learning: Discover the interconnection between decoding multisyllabic words and enhancing vocabulary.
• Practical Classroom Applications: Gain practical tips for implementing morphological instruction early and integrating vocabulary with decoding to enrich students' reading experiences.
• Engaging Families in Multisyllabic Decoding: Strategies for extending these practices into the home, ensuring consistency and support for students outside the classroom.

Key Moments:

• 00:00  Dr. Tortorelli's introduction and her passion for foundational reading skills.
• 06:16  Insights into the shift from single-syllable decoding to multisyllabic decoding in elementary grades.
• 14:31  The revealing outcomes of the Multisyllabic Decoding Inventory and its implications for classroom instruction.
• 21:50  Discussion on how familiar word roots and morphology aid in decoding and understanding new complex words.
• 24:24 Practical strategies for educators to implement during literacy instruction
• 30:09 Strategies to empower families in literacy development outside of the classroom
• 34:14  Long-term educational implications of enhancing multisyllabic decoding skills.
• 38:19 Dr. Tortorelli’s advice for the beginning of the school year

Connect with Dr. Laura Tortorelli

LinkedIn

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Just Right Reader Science of Reading Instructional Materials and Resources

In this powerful episode of Science of Reading Leadership, we're joined by Dr. Sonia Cabell, Associate Professor at Florida State University.

She shares invaluable strategies for enhancing early literacy through purposeful classroom conversations, including the Strive for Five strategy.

Learn how minor adjustments in your teaching can lead to major leaps in student literacy and engagement.

• The Power of Small Shifts: Dr. Cabell discusses how minor changes in instructional strategies can significantly enhance student engagement and learning outcomes, especially in reading.
• Responsive Teaching: Emphasis on the importance of back-and-forth conversations in the classroom to boost children's language development and comprehension skills.
• Integrating Content with Literacy: Insights into how blending science and social studies with literacy instruction enriches vocabulary and understanding.
• Practical Strategies for Educators: Dr. Cabell shares actionable tips for teachers to implement these approaches effectively, emphasizing the role of professional development and self-reflection.
• Family and Community Engagement: The critical role of engaging families and communities in the educational process to enhance literacy and language development across settings.

• 00:00: Introduction to the episode and Dr. Sonia Cabell’s background.
• 04:54: Discussion on making small marginal shifts in instruction to maximize your impact on students, including promoting language development through conversations.
• 11:59: Strive for Five conversation techniques to maximize the impact of conversations in the classroom.
• 15:38: How family engagement complements classroom efforts in literacy.
• 23:18: Long-term implications of robust language instruction and the comprehensive development it supports.

Connect with Dr. Cabell

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Website

Accelerate Reading Achievement with Just Right Reader Science of Reading Instructional Materials and Resources

Dr. Timothy Rasinski, Professor of Literacy Education at Kent State University, joins us for an inspiring conversation about the importance of developing reading fluency as part of effective literacy instruction. Having written over 200 articles and 50 books, he brings a wealth of knowledge and insights into how fluency acts as the critical bridge between decoding and comprehension.

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding Fluency: Fluency is not just about speed; it encompasses automaticity in word recognition and prosody, which reflects expression in reading.
• The Art of Teaching Fluency: Effective fluency instruction combines scientific strategies with creative teaching methods to engage students.
• Repeated Reading and its Impact: Repeated practice improves specific text fluency and enhances general reading abilities.
• Home and School Collaboration: It is crucial to engage parents in their children’s reading development. Simple strategies, like reading and discussing poetry at home, can make a significant difference.
• The Future of Reading Instruction: Timothy Rasinski, Ph.D. .,  emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach beyond phonics to include motivation and cognition, integrating the art of teaching with the science of reading.

Important Timestamps:

00:00 His  journey from economics to literacy education

05:30 The misunderstood aspects of fluency 

08:25 Discussion on the effectiveness of repeated reading practice

15:36 The impact of balanced daily reading instruction

19:30 Practical tips for parents to support reading fluency at home

27:55 Comprehensive elements of the Science of Reading research and the future of literacy instruction

Connect with Timothy Rasinski, Ph.D. 

E-mail: [email protected] 

Website: https://www.timrasinski.com/

X: @timrasinski1

Just Right Reader Science of Reading Instructional Materials and Resources: https://justrightreader.com/

In this powerful episode of Science of Reading Leadership, we're joined by Dr. Katharine Pace Miles, Associate Professor at Brooklyn College, City University of New York. Dr. Miles is renowned for her extensive research in orthographic mapping, high-frequency word learning, and developing impactful literacy interventions. With a passion for enhancing teacher education and supporting underserved students, Dr. Miles shares invaluable insights into creating effective literacy programs that promise a brighter future for all learners.

We Discuss:

• Orthographic Mapping: Understand the cognitive processes that help words stick in our memory.
• High-Frequency Word Learning: Unpack the myths and explore strategic approaches to teaching words crucial for early reading success.
• Impactful Interventions: Dive into Dr. Miles’s work with pre-service teachers and her initiatives to provide free, high-quality tutoring to thousands of students.
• Educational Equity: Hear about her dedication to educational equity, focusing on bridging the gap in literacy education for underserved populations through innovative tutoring and teacher training programs.
• Partnerships between Universities and Elementary Schools: Learn strategies for how districts can create more meaningful and effective partnerships with Universities.

Important Timestamps:

• 00:00 Introduction to Dr. Katharine Pace Miles and her academic and research background
• 05:07 Explanation of orthographic mapping and its importance in literacy development
• 10:20 Discussion on the critical role of phonics and foundational skills in reading proficiency
• 20:38 Strategies for leveraging community and family support to enhance literacy interventions
• 29:09 Advice for district leaders on effectively aligning practices with the science of reading and supporting literacy development

Connect with Dr. Miles

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katharine-pace-miles-ph-d-8193a21ab/ 

Website: https://www.katiepacemilesphd.com/

Just Right Reader Science of Reading Instructional Materials and Resources: https://justrightreader.com/

In this episode of Science of Reading Leadership, we’re thrilled to host Lindsay Kemeny, an elementary school teacher, author, and passionate advocate for literacy. Lindsay brings a unique blend of personal experience and professional insight into what works in teaching students to read effectively. 

We Discuss:

• Inspiration from Experience: Hear how Lindsay's personal challenges with her son's dyslexia propelled her deep dive into literacy research and shaped her teaching methodologies.
• Seven Mighty Moves: Explore the pivotal strategies Lindsay adapted in her classroom to enhance literacy instruction, making her a favorite among K-3 teachers nationwide.
• The Power of Decodables: Understand why decodable books are essential in phonics instruction and how they lay a strong foundation for new readers.
• Support for Educators and Families: Discover Practical steps for educators to assist families in reinforcing reading skills at home.

Important Timestamps:

00:00 Lindsay's background and journey into education.

02:44 Introduction to "Seven Mighty Moves" and the inspiration behind it.

14:28 The critical role of decodable books in reading instruction.

22:07 Importance of the language side of Scarborough’s Reading Rope in a structured literacy program.

27:10 Lindsay's advice for implementing changes in literacy instruction effectively.

Don’t miss this insightful conversation filled with actionable advice for educators at all levels. Whether you’re in the classroom or leading a district, Lindsay’s experiences and strategies offer invaluable insights into promoting successful literacy outcomes.

Connect with Lindsay

Website

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LinkedIn

“If we truly want our students to be fluent readers and comprehenders, we have to start laying that automaticity foundation back when we're teaching letter names and letter sounds and words and phrases.”

Dr. Jan Hasbrouck, renowned researcher, author, and educational consultant, joins us on this Science of Reading Leadership episode to discuss the importance of reading fluency, understanding learning differences like dyslexia, appropriate intervention strategies, and more.

With decades of education experience, Dr. Hasbrouck shares invaluable insights into effective literacy practices and the transformative power of tailored instruction.

Key Takeaways

1. The Essence of Fluency: Dr. Hasbrouck emphasizes that accuracy, not speed, is the foundation of reading fluency. Understanding this can significantly enhance educators' approaches to teaching reading.
2. Individualized Instruction: The importance of tailoring instruction to meet the diverse needs of students, particularly those with dyslexia or other reading challenges.
3. Preventative Approaches in Literacy: Dr. Hasbrouck advocates for early identification and intervention to prevent reading difficulties, highlighting that the right strategies can mitigate nearly all reading challenges.

Timestamps:

00:00  Hasbrouck's journey into education and literacy.

03:41 Insights into the role and evolution of instructional coaching.

08:09 Discussion on the critical nature of reading fluency for student development.

13:17 Exploring the intersection of dyslexia and reading fluency.

22:55 Effective strategies for improving literacy among diverse learners.

27:09 Overview of Dr. Hasbrouck's latest book and its impact on literacy education.

This episode is packed with expert advice and practical strategies that can transform literacy instruction and outcomes. Whether you're an educator, administrator, or simply passionate about literacy, you'll find valuable insights that can be applied in various educational settings.

Connect with Dr. Hasbrouck

Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janhasbrouck/ 

X: https://x.com/janhasbrouck 

Science of Reading Resources

What You Need to Know About the Science of Reading: https://justrightreader.com/blogs/news/science-of-reading-what-you-need-to-know 

Science of Reading Decodables in English and Spanish: www.justrightreader.com

In this powerful Science of Reading Leadership episode, we welcome Natalie Wexler, an esteemed education writer and author of "The Knowledge Gap: The Hidden Cause of America's Broken Education System—And How to Fix It." Natalie shares her extensive experience and dives into how we can bridge the educational divide with effective knowledge-building strategies.

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding the Knowledge Gap: Natalie explains the knowledge gap concept, highlighting the disparity in background knowledge that contributes to the reading comprehension gap between socioeconomically diverse groups.
• Importance of Early Knowledge-Building: Discover the necessity of starting knowledge-building in early education to close the comprehension gap between different student demographics effectively.
• Strategies for Building Knowledge: Natalie provides practical advice on constructing knowledge in the classroom, emphasizing the importance of starting early and using engaging, content-rich materials.
• Role of Writing in Learning: Gain insights into how writing significantly boosts learning and retention by helping transfer and retrieve information from long-term memory.
• Curriculum Development: Learn about the pivotal role of adopting content-rich, knowledge-building curricula in schools.

Important Timestamps

00:00 - Introduction of Natalie Wexler and her contributions to education.

04:26 - Explanation of knowledge-building in K-12 education and its significance.

07:10 - Natalie highlights the importance of comprehension and vocabulary alongside phonics in reading education.

18:25 - Discussion on using a content-rich curriculum and the role of teachers.

21:55 - Natalie's advice for district leaders to accelerate reading achievement.

Connect with Natalie Wexler

Website

LinkedIn

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Science of Reading Resources

What You Need to Know About the Science of Reading

A Guide to High-Quality Structured Literacy Materials

In this episode of the Science of Reading Leadership, we dive into the inspiring story of Crystal Parten, the Director of Teaching and Learning in Greene County Schools, Georgia. From a lineage of educators, Crystal’s journey to embracing and transforming education through science-based literacy initiatives is profound and impactful. Discover how she’s helping to revolutionize reading education in her district.

Key Takeaways:

• Educational Heritage: Crystal shares her inevitable pull to education, influenced by generations of family educators.
• Strategic Initiatives: Learn about shifts in instructional strategies and professional development that are elevating literacy understanding among educators in Greene County.
• Building Foundations: Learn the critical role of foundational literacy in student success and how Greene County Schools reshapes curriculum to serve their community better.
• Community and Family Engagement: Uncover the innovative ways Greene County Schools actively involve families and the local community in literacy. From initiatives like the “reading tree” to other community-driven programs, they are setting a new standard for community engagement in education.

Important Timestamps:

• 00:00 Introduction
• 02:16 Challenges in secondary education literacy
• 06:25 Implementing foundational literacy strategies
• 11:57 Gaining trust and buy-in from staff and administration
• 19:42 The transformative impact of decodable texts
• 24:48 Advice for other district leaders on accelerating reading achievement

Join us for a thought-provoking session on how deep-rooted passion for education and strategic literacy initiatives can lead to substantial improvements in student learning and community involvement.

Connect with Crystal Parten

Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn

Science of Reading Resources

What You Need to Know About the Science of Reading

Complete Guide to Decodable Books

In this inspiring episode of the Science of Reading Leadership Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Claude Goldenberg, Nomellini & Olivier Professor of Education at Stanford University to discuss effective strategies for enhancing literacy among multilingual learners.

Dr. Goldenberg's deep passion and extensive research shed light on the evolving challenges and opportunities in bilingual education and language acquisition.

Key Takeaways:

1. Bridging Literacy and Language Development: Dr. Goldenberg emphasizes the importance of aligning literacy instruction with language development, especially for English Language Learners (ELLs), to foster academic success and equitable opportunities.
2. Importance of Systematic Instruction: The conversation highlights the critical need for systematic, explicit instruction in foundational literacy skills tailored to the unique needs of multilingual learners.
3. Empowering Multilingual Students: Dr. Goldenberg discusses the potential of bilingual education programs to leverage students' linguistic resources, enhancing their learning experience and academic outcomes.
4. Advocacy for Educational Equity: Drawing from his family's commitment to social justice, Dr. Goldenberg advocates for educational practices promoting equity and access, particularly for underserved communities.

Timestamps:

• 00:00 Introduction 
• 01:12  Dr. Goldenberg's personal and professional background influenced his focus on literacy and multilingual learners.
• 06:58  Discussion on the unpredictability of educational trajectories and the importance of intervention.
• 19:53  Detailed strategies for literacy education among multilingual learners.
• 39:35  Dr. Goldenberg's advice for educators.

Connect with Dr. Goldenberg.

Accelerate reading achievement with over 700+ decodables mapped to a rigorous phonics progression in English and Spanish: www.JustRightReader.com

Read our article: The Science of Reading: What You Need to Know.

This week, we talked with special guest, Tracie Bergman, a passionate literacy advocate and the Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum Instruction with a Literacy Focus at Hillsborough County Public Schools. With a career spanning over two decades, Tracie shares her extensive experience and innovative strategies to enhance literacy across one of the largest school districts in the U.S.

Key Takeaways:

1. Literacy Frameworks: Tracie emphasizes the need for clear instructional frameworks across all grades to ensure consistent, high-quality teaching.
2. Professional Development: She highlights the vital role of ongoing training and support in enhancing teacher efficacy and adapting to literacy initiatives.
3. Community Engagement: Insights into engaging families and communities to support literacy through effective partnerships and resources.
4. Curriculum Strategies: Tracie discusses methods for selecting high-quality materials and adapting to feedback for educational success.
5. Challenges and Successes: She shares experiences of overcoming obstacles and achieving success in literacy programs across Hillsborough County.

Timestamps:

• 00:00  Introduction of Tracie Bergman and her educational background.
• 04:09  Overview of the demographic and structural complexities of Hillsborough County Public Schools.
• 04:39  Steps taken to establish a foundational literacy framework in the district.
• 07:16  Challenges faced in standardizing literacy instruction across a large district.
• 09:33  Successes seen from new literacy initiatives and professional development.
• 17:40  Role of families in supporting literacy and strategies to enhance parental involvement.
• 24:01  Advice for district leaders on aligning practices with the science of reading.

Science of Reading Resources

Accelerate reading achievement with over 700+ decodables mapped to a rigorous phonics progression in English and Spanish: www.JustRightReader.com

Read our blog: The Science of Reading: What You Need to Know