The best intervention is prevention, explains Casey Sullivan Taylor, policy director for early literacy for ExcelinEd. This education resource aims to ensure the success of every student through student-centered, state-based policy solutions.

The former reading teacher, interventionist, and literacy coach joins All For Literacy host Dr. Liz Brooke for an in-depth exploration into how literacy policy trickles down into district changes, professional development programs, and classroom activities with one ultimate goal—driving student success.

Gain an open-door look into how leaders in states like Mississippi and North Carolina have used policy and implementation to turn around literacy rates and support student learning at all levels and understand the keys to success for creating change through state-directed guidance. 

Episode Breakdown

(00:52) - How Sullivan Taylor became involved in education

(04:29) - The Mississippi Marathon: Driving literacy change in Mississippi

(07:38) - Applying Mississippi Lessons in North Carolina

(10:20) - How state size and population affect policy implementation

(13:40) - Empowering districts with top-down policy 

(17:12) - Resources for assessing policy status

(18:56) - Resources for educators and parents to encourage literacy success

(24:45) - Assessing teacher application of knowledge

(27:20) - Trends in literacy policy and literacy in general

(30:15) - Origins of the spotlight on literacy in this country

(33:20) - The criticality of policy

(39:50) - What makes Sullivan Taylor hopeful for the future of literacy

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