Science of Reading Leadership

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

In this episode, we dive deep into transforming reading instruction with Dr. Tanya Wilson-Thavenason, Deputy Superintendent for School Improvement and Community Engagement at Fairport Central School District. Discover how Dr. Wilson-Thavenason, an equity-driven leader, uses her passion for literacy and community engagement to revolutionize reading education, tackling challenges from foundational changes in instructional approaches to the nuances of family involvement in literacy.

Key Takeaways:

1. Transformation Through Literacy: Dr. Tanya's journey from turning around a school with a 0% ELA proficiency rate to fostering district-wide reading success is a testament to the power of focused, research-based literacy programs. 
2. Importance of Family and Community Engagement: Insights into how empowering families and leveraging community resources can significantly enhance the literacy journey for students.
3. Evidence-Based Instructional Practices: The shift to a robust science of reading approach in Fairport Central School District illustrates the effectiveness of structured, phonics-based instruction.
4. Leadership in Literacy: The role of leadership in advocating for and implementing research-driven, equitable educational practices that address all students' needs, especially those historically marginalized.
5. Future of Literacy Education: The ongoing challenges and opportunities within literacy education emphasize the need for continual adaptation and research-based approaches.

Important Timestamps:

• 00:00  Introduction of Dr. Tanya Wilson-Thavenason
• 04:37  Dr. Tanya's literacy-focused leadership in elementary and middle schools
• 10:17  Current initiatives in Fairport Central School District to improve literacy instruction
• 19:46  The integral role of writing in learning to read
• 25:14  Advice for district leaders on implementing effective literacy programs

Connect with Dr. Tanya Wilson-Thevanesan

LinkedIn

Twitter

Science of Reading Resources

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

In this episode of Science of Reading Leadership, Dr. Raashad Fitzpatrick, Superintendent of Lancaster County Schools, joins us to highlight some of the district’s initiatives aimed at accelerating reading achievement. 

Learn why Lancaster County Schools prioritizes:

• Data-driven intervention
• Early literacy support to get students ready for kindergarten
• Partnering with community organizations such as Head Start and Early Steps
• Engaging parents in supporting early literacy development

In this episode:

00:00 Lancaster County Schools Introduction

01:13 Strategies for Accelerating Reading Achievement

02:23  Initiatives for Early Literacy  (infant - 3 years old)

03:50 Overcoming Challenges 

06:16 Advice for School Leaders

Connect with Dr. Raashad Fitzpatrick: LinkedIn

If you liked this episode, listen to this one with Dr. John Hutton, Associate Professor of Pediatrics in the Division of General and Community Pediatrics, next.

Tune into this inspiring conversation with Dr. Jeremy Owoh, Superintendent of Jacksonville North Pulaski School District, as he discusses the inventive literacy strategies being adopted in his district to enhance reading skills among both students and adults. 

Dr. Owoh highlights some of the district’s unique community partnerships and initiatives that are making a real difference in Jacksonville, Arkansas. 

We also discuss:

• Placing libraries in local businesses like barber shops and banks to make reading accessible in everyday environments.
• The introduction of adult literacy classes, particularly for parents learning English, to empower them to support their children’s education at home.
• Simple yet effective strategies to engage young readers and integrate reading into their daily lives.

In this episode:

• 00:00: Introduction and overview of Jacksonville North Pulaski School District
• 02:07: Launching the "Jacksonville Reads" initiative, Literacy  Nights, and community engagement 
• 04:58: Literacy successes in the district
• 06:26: Addressing challenges and the impact on summative assessments
• 09:17: The community's role in sustaining learning beyond the classroom
• 09:58: Practical advice for superintendents and school leaders

Connect with Dr. Jeremy Owoh

Website

Science of Reading Resources

The Science of Reading: What You Need to Know

Dr. Adam Clark, Superintendent of Mount Diablo Unified School District, shares how innovative strategies, targeted professional development, and strategic resources boost literacy achievement.

We discuss:

• The critical role of professional development.
• The importance of strategic planning in education to avoid burnout and ensure effective teaching.
• Dr. Clark's holistic approach to integrating literacy across all subjects.

In this episode:

• 0:00: Introduction of Dr. Adam Clark and overview of Mount Diablo Unified School District.
• 00:50: Strategies for accelerating reading achievement, including training initiatives.
• 01:59: Importance of a dyslexia screener and collaboration with the University of California in San Francisco.
• 04:50: Focus on enhancing the English Learner experience.
• 05:38: Challenges faced in the district include a growth mindset versus a fixed mindset.
• 09:00: Dr. Clark's advice for educators.

Science of Reading Resources

The Science of Reading: What You Need to Know

Unlocking Literacy for Bilingual Learners

In this empowering conversation with Dr. Dan Streeter, Superintendent of Marana Unified School District, we explore the district's comprehensive approach to accelerating reading achievement in the wake of the pandemic. 

Dr. Streeter shares inspiring insights into the district's diverse community in Tucson, Arizona, and the innovative steps taken to address effective literacy instruction including evaluating and enhancing their reading programs and engaging parents as active participants in literacy instruction. 

We discuss:

• Literacy challenges revealed by the pandemic 
• Steps taken to involve as many trained adults as possible in students' literacy development
• How the district has increased parental involvement by training parents in literacy strategies and having them run reading groups
• The importance of including various voices in discussions and staying the course through the challenges of change

In this episode

00:00 Introduction of Marana Unified School District’s Diversity

01:38 Addressing Literacy and the Pandemic's Impact

03:36 - Creating Commitment and Immediate Actions

04:14 Evaluating and Enhancing the Reading Program

06:11 Parent Engagement and Volunteer Training

08:42 Challenges and Overcoming Resistance

11:11 Advice for District Leaders

Connect with Dr. Dan Streeter

Website

LinkedIn

Science of Reading Resources

The Science of Reading: What You Need to Know

A Guide to High-Quality Structured Literacy Materials

If you liked this episode, listen to this conversation with Dr. Gyimah Whitaker to learn about a visionary plan to foster a high-performing and inclusive educational system for every child

Join our conversation with Dr. Rob Picou, Superintendent of Tupelo Public School District, as we explore the district’s literacy journey, from their current phase of implementing the science of reading research to visions of future initiatives to overcome obstacles, challenge the status quo, and transform reading achievement. 

We discuss:

• Embracing the science of reading and evidence-based instruction
• Leveraging literacy strengths and addressing challenges such as professional development for district leaders and student school readiness
• The need to provide the tools parents need to support literacy at home
• Challenging the status quo to prioritize a genuine love for reading

In this episode:

00:00 Tupelo Public School District

00:45 Tupelo’s science of reading journey

01:53 Building upon literacy strengths in phonetic instruction and evidence-based programs

03:09 Supporting principals and school leaders

06:15 Partnering with community members and parents to support literacy development

07:37 Superintendent Picou's advice on challenging the status quo

Connect with Dr. Picou

Website

Science of Reading Resources

The Science of Reading: What You Need to Know

A Guide to High-Quality Structured Literacy Materials

If you liked this episode, listen to this conversation with Dr. Sarah Calveric to learn practical strategies to accelerate reading achievement.