SERP Stories: Real Voices. Proven Solutions. Powered by the Strategic Education Research Partnership

What if a child's shot at becoming a strong reader depended less on who they are than where they were born? In this trailer for Season 2 of SERP Stories, host Dr. Kala Jones previews a season built on the road — traveling state to state to trace how local decisions, not national policy, end up deciding whether the promise of literacy gets kept. Along the way, she introduces the educators, researchers, and students working to make sure geography doesn't get the final word.

In this season finale, Dr. Kala Jones highlights key themes and insights from across Season 1, including what we learned about adolescent literacy, research–practice partnerships, and the stories that shaped this year’s episodes. A look back and a look ahead.

Why are so many teens disengaging from reading — and what actually helps? This live conversation on the SXSW EDU stage brings together expert voices to unpack the barriers adolescents face and the evidence-based strategies that re-engage struggling readers, drawing on lessons from STARI and real classroom stories.

High school students keep growing as readers, thinkers, and learners, and they need literacy instruction that meets them where they are while challenging them to grow. Host Dr. Kala Jones goes behind the scenes of STARI’s High School Series, exploring how research, teacher collaboration, and thoughtful design come together to support older adolescents in the classroom. Hear what works, why it matters, and how students thrive as readers and discussion partners.

What happens when struggling readers don’t just learn how to read—but start believing they are readers?

In this episode of SERP Stories, host Dr. Kala Jones explores the transformative power of belonging, confidence, and academic agency in adolescent literacy classrooms. Featuring voices from teachers, students, literacy expert Linda Diamond and scholar Dr. Gloria Ladson-Billings, “The Readers Nobody Gave Up On” reveals how STARI helps middle-school students reclaim their joy, agency, and belief in themselves as learners.

In 2014, the question was clear but daunting: could STARI succeed beyond Boston? This episode uncovers what scaling in education really demands—evidence, trust, and sustained commitment—and the lessons STARI’s journey offers to anyone working to grow innovation in schools.

Full transcript for this episode: https://www.serpinstitute.org/podcast-transcript-s1e3

Host Dr. Kala Jones explores the origin story of STARI, a Tier II literacy program born in Boston from collaboration between researchers, educators and designers. Discover how this innovative intervention is helping middle and high school students re-engage with reading.

For more information on STARI, visit serpinstitute.org/stari

For more information on SERP Stories, visit serpinstitute.org/podcast

Full Transcript for this episode:

serpinstitute.org/podcast-transcript-s1e2

Why aren’t middle school students reading, and what can we do about it?

In this debut episode of SERP Stories, we explore the adolescent literacy crisis and why middle school is a critical window for intervention. Hear from researchers and educators who are rethinking adolescent reading by centering motivation, agency, and engagement - without sacrificing rigor.

Subscribe for more stories from the intersection of research, design and practice in education.

SERP Stories is a podcast that brings the mission of the Strategic Education Research Partnership to life.

Each season spotlights an evidence-based intervention and the real educators, researchers, designers and leaders behind it.

Through powerful stories and evidence-grounded insights, we explore what it takes to turn research into results in classrooms across the country, and around the world.

Whether you’re an educator seeking proven strategies, a researcher committed to relevance, or a funder investing in impact, you’ll find inspiration and practical knowledge in every episode.