“You could have the best curriculum, but without teachers understanding what you're asking of them or why they need to shift their practice, there will always be…distrust in the curriculum,” Rhonda Nelson says in this episode of All For Literacy with host Dr. Liz Brooke. 

Rhonda Nelson is the curriculum instruction and assessment coordinator for the Bettendorf Community School District in Bettendorf, Iowa. Having previously served as a classroom teacher and earned a dyslexia certification, Nelson is now a doctoral candidate in reading science at Mount St. Joseph University.

Nelson brings a boots-on-the-ground viewpoint to All For Literacy for a discussion about critical topics in education:

• Concerning data trends from The Nation’s Report Card

While this episode’s discussion is wide and varied, one common theme emerges—how to best support teachers during adolescent literacy instruction. Tune in for actionable advice derived from a firsthand perspective, and subscribe to All For Literacy to catch new episodes.

Episode Breakdown

(01:43) – Nelson’s journey to her current position 

(09:20) – Current teacher challenges and concerning NAEP data trends

(14:20) – How to best support teachers when implementing evidence-based practices

(18:25) – Importance of shared consensus across classrooms, schools, and districts

(21:10) – Strengthening the relationship between educators and researchers

(26:54) – How Nelson balances educational work with a Master’s program

(30:19) – Impact of COVID and the science of reading on upper elementary and middle school

(34:42) – Content-area teachers and literacy instruction

(44:15) – Hope for the future

(53:45) – Best practices for enriching literacy learning for students

About Rhonda Nelson

Rhonda Nelson is the curriculum instruction and assessment coordinator for the Bettendorf Community School District in Bettendorf, Iowa. Having previously served as a classroom teacher and earned a dyslexia certification, Nelson is now a doctoral candidate in reading science at Mount St. Joseph University.

Mentioned in this Episode

Liz Brooke, X @LizCBrooke

Liz Brooke, LinkedIn

Rhonda Nelson, LinkedIn 

APM Reports — “Hard Words: Why Aren’t Our Kids Being Taught to Read”

APM Reports — “Sold A Story: How Teaching Kids to Read Went So Wrong”

Bettendorf Community School District

The Nation’s Report Card (NAEP Data)

All For Literacy, Episode 2 with Kareem Weaver

All For Literacy, Episode 10 with Dr. Shayne Piasta

Lexia LETRS® Professional Learning

Lexia Aspire™ Professional Learning

The Reading League

International Dyslexia Association®