Science of Reading: The Podcast

By Amplify Education

What's Science of Reading: The Podcast about?

Science of Reading: The Podcast will deliver the latest insights from researchers and practitioners in early reading. Via a conversational approach, each episode explores a timely topic related to the science of reading.

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Science of Reading: The Podcast episodes:

04.17.2024
Sneak peek: A mini-series on multilingual and English learners
Science of Reading: The Podcast is launching a special mini-series dedicated to multilingual/English learners (ML/ELs)! Host Susan Lambert will chat with leading researchers and practitioners about how the Science of Reading supports ML/ELs and why this is so important. Through...
04.10.2024
Spring Rewind '24: Biliteracy and assessment, with Lillian Durán, Ph.D.
Susan Lambert joins biliteracy expert and professor Lillian Durán, who holds a doctorate in educational psychology from the University of Minnesota and researches the improvement of instructional and assessment practices with preschool-aged multilingual/English learners. Durán begins by pointing out the...
03.27.2024
Spring Rewind '24: Deconstructing the Rope: Background knowledge, with Susan B. Neuman
Join Susan B. Neuman, professor of early childhood and literacy education at the Steinhardt School at New York University, in our Deconstructing the Rope series. She explains the important link between background knowledge and reading comprehension in the Science of...
03.13.2024
S8 E12: Language and literacy, with Catherine Snow
Catherine Snow, Ph.D., Professor of Cognition and Education at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, joins Susan Lambert on this episode to reflect on the state of language and literacy instruction in the U.S. They begin their conversation by discussing...
02.28.2024
S8 E11: Cognitive load theory: Four items at a time, with Greg Ashman
Greg Ashman—author of multiple books including A Little Guide for Teachers: Cognitive Load Theory, deputy principal, and professor—sits down with Susan Lambert on this episode to discuss cognitive load theory and how it applies to how students learn and how...
02.14.2024
S8 E10: Comprehension is an outcome, with Sharon Vaughn
Dr. Sharon Vaughn, award-winning researcher and multi-published author, who has advised on literacy across 30 states and 10 different countries, joins Susan Lambert on this episode. She digs into how we can build reading comprehension rather than teach it, and...
01.31.2024
S8 E9: Knowledge building can’t wait, with HyeJin Hwang
Dr. HyeJin Hwang is an assistant professor and literacy researcher whose research interests revolve around reading comprehension and content learning in K–12 settings, particularly for multilingual students. In this week’s episode of the podcast, HyeJin Hwang talks with Susan Lambert...
01.17.2024
S8 E8: The plea to preserve deep reading, with Maryanne Wolf, Ed.D.
A name known throughout the literacy world, Maryanne Wolf, Ed.D., directs UCLA’s Center for Dyslexia, Diverse Learners, and Social Justice. She’s published over 170 scientific articles and four books focusing on the science of the reading brain. In her conversation...
01.03.2024
S8 E7: Vocabulary is unconstrained, with Tanya S. Wright
As a writer of several books for teachers and parents, former kindergarten teacher, and current associate professor of language and literacy in the Department of Teacher Education at Michigan State University, Tanya S. Wright, Ph.D., has maintained focus on a...
12.20.2023
S8 E6: Like teacher, like student: Showing up as your full self, with Dr. Jasmine Rogers
Returning guest and recent doctoral degree recipient Dr. Jasmine Rogers rejoins the podcast to discuss findings from her research on Black language and teacher perceptions of Black language. Dr. Rogers shares strategies for how educators can better serve students by...
12.06.2023
S8 E5: No perfect set of words: Building vocabulary, with Margaret McKeown
This episode’s guest is Margaret McKeown, Ph.D., a retired professor from the University of Pittsburgh, decades-long researcher, and former elementary school teacher. In it, Margaret and Susan address why vocabulary is so important, particularly for knowledge building; talk about the...
11.22.2023
S8 E4: Brace for impact: Unifying classrooms through mission-based learning, with John Hattie
On this wide ranging episode, Susan finally gets the chance to speak with famed education thinker and author John Hattie, Ph.D. Hattie has authored dozens and dozens of books. He’s best known for his book, Visible Learning, which now has...
11.08.2023
S8 E3: Knowledge and vocabulary: Two sides of the same coin, with Gina Cervetti
In this episode, Susan Lambert talks to Gina Cervetti, Ph.D., about literacy development, knowledge building, vocabulary expansion—and the deep connections between all three. Gina explains why she sees knowledge and vocabulary as two sides of the same coin. She also...
10.25.2023
S8 E2: The joy of reading aloud with Molly Ness
Many educators understand the value of reading aloud to students, but may not have yet unlocked the full power of these tools as an intentional, consistent, and joyful instructional approach. In this episode, we welcome Molly Ness, author or the...
10.11.2023
S8 E1: Knowledge and comprehension: Never one without the other with Reid Smith and Pamela Snow
In the premiere episode of Season 8 of Science of Reading: The Podcast, Susan Lambert is joined by guests Reid Smith and Pamela Snow to lay the groundwork for a season entirely centered on knowledge and knowledge-building. Reid and Pamela—of...
10.04.2023
Back to School '23, Interlude Episode 3: Growing up with dyslexia with Kareem Weaver, Margaret Malaika Weaver, and Elijah Valencia
In this episode, in honor of Dyslexia Awareness Month, we highlight Kareem Weaver's daughter Margaret "Margo" and nephew Elijah—both of whom learned they had dyslexia later in their young lives. After many struggles in school, Margo was diagnosed with dyslexia...
09.27.2023
Back to School '23, Interlude episode 2 (Part 2): Embracing the complexity of learning to read with Dr. Reid Lyon
This is Part 2 of our conversation with Dr. Reid Lyon, one of the leading experts in reading research. After years working for and with the highest levels of the U.S. government, Dr. Lyon stepped away from working on reading...
09.20.2023
Back to School '23, Interlude episode 2 (Part 1): Embracing the complexity of learning to read with Dr. Reid Lyon
Dr. Reid Lyon is one of the leading experts in reading research. After years working for and with the highest levels of the U.S. government, Dr. Lyon stepped away from his reading research. But in May 2023, Dr. Lyon released...
09.06.2023
Back to School '23, Interlude Episode 1: Keeping up with educational research on teaching reading with Dr. Neena Saha
With a background as a classroom teacher, a master's in educational neuroscience, and a doctorate in special education, Dr. Neena Saha has seen all facets of education. In her work, she noticed a gap in the research-to-practice workflow for early...
08.23.2023
S7 E10: From football to phonics with Malcolm Mitchell
Growing up, Malcolm Mitchell considered reading and academics as a bare minimum means to get to play football. While his journey with football led to playing in the NFL, the work he is most proud of today is his literacy...
08.09.2023
S7 E9: Dyslexia: Where we started; where we're going with Dr. Sally Shaywitz
Here to continue our discussion on dyslexia from earlier episodes in the season is an all-time leading expert on the topic: Dr. Sally Shaywitz, Co-founder and Co-director of the Yale Center for Dyslexia and Creativity. This literacy legend shares how...
07.26.2023
S7 E8: Writing your way to better reading with Steve Graham
When it comes to literacy education and cross-domain learning, it’s critical to understand the relationship between reading and writing. In this episode, Susan talks to Steve Graham all about writing—and how it can be used to strengthen literacy. Graham served...
07.12.2023
S7 E7: Debunking the "gift" of dyslexia with Tim Odegard
When we surveyed listeners, more than half of respondents said they wanted more conversations about teaching students with dyslexia! With that in mind, in this episode Susan is joined by Dr. Tim Odegard from Middle Tennessee State University. Odegard is...
07.05.2023
Special episode—Disciplinary literacy: Connecting reading and math in children's literature with Allison Hintz and Antony Smith
From reading street signs and menus to checking the weather, and using a ruler, there are so many examples of how a student's math and literacy adventure continues beyond the classroom. That's why we're sharing another bonus episode—this time from...
06.28.2023
S7 E6: What teachers can learn from incarcerated youth with Hilderbrand Pelzer III
In this episode, we take on the difficult topic of literacy education in the American juvenile justice system. Susan is joined by Hilderbrand Pelzer III, who discusses his experience as an educational leader in the Philadelphia prison system. Pelzer talks...
06.21.2023
Special episode: Integrating Science and Literacy Strategies with Susan Gomez Zwiep
We're excited to share a special episode from our friends at the Science Connections podcast! Literacy learning doesn't end when a student leaves their English class; it continues to develop, grow and be challenged across all subject domains. In this...
06.14.2023
S7 E5: Science of Reading professional development with Danielle Thompson
Susan interviews Danielle "Nell" Thompson, literacy multi-hyphenate and the creator of the Big Sky Literacy Summit. This August, the summit returns with a star-studded lineup of mentors, sages, teachers, and leaders, and in this episode, Nell shares how her own...
05.31.2023
S7 E4: Scaffolding is built to be temporary with Zaretta Hammond
While in New Orleans at the Plain Talk About Literacy and Learning conference, Susan sat down with keynoter Zaretta Hammond. Zaretta shared her thoughts on the importance of scaffolding in literacy education. In this episode, Susan and Zaretta also look...
05.17.2023
Special episode: The Right to Read: Live from Plain Talk with Kareem Weaver
After three years and more than 3 million downloads, Science of Reading: The Podcast recently conducted its first ever taping in front of a live audience. The recording took place on March 9, 2023, in New Orleans at the Plain...
05.03.2023
S7 E03: When not to differentiate: A guide to small-group instruction with Jamey Peavler
This season is all about tackling the hard stuff, and there is no harder pill to swallow than being told by a student that you don't know how to teach reading—especially when you realize they're right! After this happened to...
04.19.2023
The Science of Reading in the Montessori classroom with Susan Zoll, Natasha Feinberg, and Laura Saylor
For the second episode in our new season focused on tackling the hard stuff, we're taking on a question that listeners have asked: how can we apply the Science of Reading in a Montessori setting? To help explore that question,...
04.05.2023
S7 E01: Navigating the noise with Claude Goldenberg
Claude “Skeptic” Goldenberg, professor of Education at Stanford, rejoins Susan Lambert to kick off season seven of this Science of Reading podcast—all centered around “tackling the hard stuff.” In this week’s episode, Claude and Susan take on the topic of...
03.27.2023
Amplify's literacy, math, and science podcasts—new season trailer
We're thrilled to share that we are about to launch brand new seasons of our hit podcasts— Science of Reading: The Podcast, Science Connections, Math Teacher Lounge. Listen to this trailer to learn more about what's to come in season...
03.22.2023
Special: The science of learning, the humility of teaching
Learning is at the center of everything in education, so understanding how the human brain processes, retains, and retrieves new information is essential to student growth. In this special crossover episode, Susan joins forces with fellow Amplify podcast hosts Eric...
03.08.2023
Special: Why the Science of Reading isn't just about reading with Natalie Wexler
Back in 2019, Natalie Wexler joined Susan Lambert as the very first guest on Science of Reading: The Podcast. Now—more than three years and three million downloads later—Science of Reading: The Podcast welcomes Natalie back on the show. She and...
02.22.2023
S6 E13: From education outsider to literacy expert with Todd Collins
Todd Collins went from education outsider to literacy expert when he joined his local school board after a career in finance and technology. When Todd saw the literacy assessment number, his data-driven mind said "this isn't good enough" and got...
02.08.2023
S6 E12: Celebrating many meanings: Language comprehension and bidialectal students with Jasmine Rogers
While working with students, one educator came to a realization that put her on a path to fascinating research in the Science of Reading. In this episode, Jasmine Rogers—manager and coach with the In Schools program at the DC Reading...
01.25.2023
S6 E11: What I should have learned in college with Donna Hejtmanek
Throughout this season, we've explored different tiers of the education system. In this episode, we look at the role higher education plays in equipping teachers with the right training and tools. Our guest Donna Hejtmanek, a retired special education teacher...
01.11.2023
S6 E10: The big win is just the beginning with Dr. Jennifer Throndsen
With Utah's recent passing of Senate Bill 127, a sweeping piece of literacy legislation, many are turning to the state as a model of what statewide implementation of the Science of Reading can look like. In this episode, Dr. Jennifer...
12.28.2022
S6 E9: Lessons from a talking dog: TV's "Reading Buddies" on making learning fun
In this episode, we take you behind the scenes of the smash hit foundational reading series The Reading League’s “Reading Buddies,” aimed at students in pre-K through third grade. Susan is joined by Andrea Dotto and Brendan Malafronte—artists, performers, and...
12.14.2022
S6 E8: Love at the center of literacy with Dr. Nyshawana Francis-Thompson
Dr. Nyshawana Francis-Thompson, Deputy Chief of Curriculum and Instruction in the School District of Philadelphia, has played an integral role leading and sustaining a transition to the Science of Reading in the Philadelphia public school district. But making such a...
11.30.2022
S6 E7: The how and why behind high-quality instructional materials with Rebecca Kockler
As the former chief academic officer at the Louisiana Department of Education, Rebecca Kockler made it her mission to empower districts to select higher quality materials. This involved a thorough and rigorous curriculum review, and allowing teachers to choose the...
11.16.2022
S6 E6: Literacy is Law: Leading Legislative Change with with State Senator Mimi Stewart
Mimi Stewart is a state senator from New Mexico and previously worked as a public school elementary special education teacher for thirty years, with an expertise in reading literacy. Her unique background has turned into a passion for and a...
11.02.2022
S6 E5: Leading with the head and the heart: Enacting lasting literacy change with Mitchell Brookins
Equal parts educational leader, educator, and life-long learner of reading science, Mitchell Brookins has leveraged his passion and dedication to affect change in the lives of the students and teachers he works with, as well as the many educators he...
10.19.2022
S6 E4: From the community, for the community: Grassroots organizing with Naomi Peña & Akeela Azcuy
Community and education activist Naomi Peña and clinical psychologist Dr. Akeela Azcuy knew that, as moms of struggling readers themselves, they had the opportunity to advocate for not only their own children but all children. These two leaders and changemakers...
10.05.2022
S6 E3: Focused implementation: Doing less to do more with Dr. Doug Reeves
As an educator, researcher, author, and leadership consultant—there is little within the education world that Doug Reeves has not done. Twice named to the Harvard University Distinguished Authors Series, Doug has written more than forty books and joins Susan to...
09.21.2022
S6 E2: NAEP: What you've always wanted to know with Chester Finn, Jr.
In this episode, we dive deep into the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), also known as the Nation’s report card. Chester Finn, Jr., author of the new book Assessing the Nation's Report Card: Challenges and Choices for NAEP, joins...
09.07.2022
S6 E1: The other side of Scarborough’s Rope with Margaret Goldberg
In our kick-off episode for season six, host Susan Lambert is joined by podcast alum Margaret Goldberg, the co-founder of the Right to Read Project. They discuss the new, animated Science of Reading series Brain Builders, and how this free...
08.24.2022
Summer ‘22 Rewind: Empowering English language learners: Elsa Cárdenas-Hagan
In this episode, Susan Lambert was joined by Dr. Elsa Cárdenas-Hagan to discuss the unique challenges and opportunities presented when teaching multilingual learners how to read. Dr. Cárdenas-Hagan is a bilingual speech language pathologist and a certified academic language therapist....
08.10.2022
Summer '22 Rewind: Myths and misconceptions about universal screening: Nancy Nelson
Dr. Nancy Nelson, assistant professor of special education at Boston University, discusses myths and misconceptions around RTI, MTSS, and assessment screening in reading and mathematics instruction. She highlights what tools need to be in place for the RTI system to...

What's Science of Reading: The Podcast about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Science of Reading: The Podcast episodes:

Sneak peek: A mini-series on multilingual and English learners

Spring Rewind '24: Biliteracy and assessment, with Lillian Durán, Ph.D.

Spring Rewind '24: Deconstructing the Rope: Background knowledge, with Susan B. Neuman

S8 E12: Language and literacy, with Catherine Snow

S8 E11: Cognitive load theory: Four items at a time, with Greg Ashman

S8 E10: Comprehension is an outcome, with Sharon Vaughn

S8 E9: Knowledge building can’t wait, with HyeJin Hwang

S8 E8: The plea to preserve deep reading, with Maryanne Wolf, Ed.D.

S8 E7: Vocabulary is unconstrained, with Tanya S. Wright

S8 E6: Like teacher, like student: Showing up as your full self, with Dr. Jasmine Rogers

S8 E5: No perfect set of words: Building vocabulary, with Margaret McKeown

S8 E4: Brace for impact: Unifying classrooms through mission-based learning, with John Hattie

S8 E3: Knowledge and vocabulary: Two sides of the same coin, with Gina Cervetti

S8 E2: The joy of reading aloud with Molly Ness

S8 E1: Knowledge and comprehension: Never one without the other with Reid Smith and Pamela Snow

Back to School '23, Interlude Episode 3: Growing up with dyslexia with Kareem Weaver, Margaret Malaika Weaver, and Elijah Valencia

Back to School '23, Interlude episode 2 (Part 2): Embracing the complexity of learning to read with Dr. Reid Lyon

Back to School '23, Interlude episode 2 (Part 1): Embracing the complexity of learning to read with Dr. Reid Lyon

Back to School '23, Interlude Episode 1: Keeping up with educational research on teaching reading with Dr. Neena Saha

S7 E10: From football to phonics with Malcolm Mitchell

S7 E9: Dyslexia: Where we started; where we're going with Dr. Sally Shaywitz

S7 E8: Writing your way to better reading with Steve Graham

S7 E7: Debunking the "gift" of dyslexia with Tim Odegard

Special episode—Disciplinary literacy: Connecting reading and math in children's literature with Allison Hintz and Antony Smith

S7 E6: What teachers can learn from incarcerated youth with Hilderbrand Pelzer III

Special episode: Integrating Science and Literacy Strategies with Susan Gomez Zwiep

S7 E5: Science of Reading professional development with Danielle Thompson

S7 E4: Scaffolding is built to be temporary with Zaretta Hammond

Special episode: The Right to Read: Live from Plain Talk with Kareem Weaver

S7 E03: When not to differentiate: A guide to small-group instruction with Jamey Peavler

The Science of Reading in the Montessori classroom with Susan Zoll, Natasha Feinberg, and Laura Saylor

S7 E01: Navigating the noise with Claude Goldenberg

Amplify's literacy, math, and science podcasts—new season trailer

Special: The science of learning, the humility of teaching

Special: Why the Science of Reading isn't just about reading with Natalie Wexler

S6 E13: From education outsider to literacy expert with Todd Collins

S6 E12: Celebrating many meanings: Language comprehension and bidialectal students with Jasmine Rogers

S6 E11: What I should have learned in college with Donna Hejtmanek

S6 E10: The big win is just the beginning with Dr. Jennifer Throndsen

S6 E9: Lessons from a talking dog: TV's "Reading Buddies" on making learning fun

S6 E8: Love at the center of literacy with Dr. Nyshawana Francis-Thompson

S6 E7: The how and why behind high-quality instructional materials with Rebecca Kockler

S6 E6: Literacy is Law: Leading Legislative Change with with State Senator Mimi Stewart

S6 E5: Leading with the head and the heart: Enacting lasting literacy change with Mitchell Brookins

S6 E4: From the community, for the community: Grassroots organizing with Naomi Peña & Akeela Azcuy

S6 E3: Focused implementation: Doing less to do more with Dr. Doug Reeves

S6 E2: NAEP: What you've always wanted to know with Chester Finn, Jr.

S6 E1: The other side of Scarborough’s Rope with Margaret Goldberg

Summer ‘22 Rewind: Empowering English language learners: Elsa Cárdenas-Hagan

Summer '22 Rewind: Myths and misconceptions about universal screening: Nancy Nelson