Literacy Talks

Show Notes Dyslexia is one of the most common reasons students struggle to learn to read, yet misconceptions about what it is—and what it isn't—persist. In this episode, Donell and Stacy discuss the International Dyslexia Association's updated definition of dyslexia and what it tells us about the range of challenges students may experience. They explore early indicators, including diffic...

Episode Description What's the most effective way to teach students to read and spell irregular words? In this episode, Stacy, Donell, and Lindsay examine new research comparing Heart Word instruction and mispronunciation correction, two approaches that help students connect sounds and spellings rather than rely on memorization. They unpack the findings, discuss what the research means for cl...

Show Notes In this follow-up to Episode 127, Donell Pons and Lindsay Kemeny reconnect with Kristie Nelson to hear how her son Braxton is progressing after being identified with dyslexia. While targeted reading intervention has led to encouraging gains, the transition to middle school has brought new challenges. The conversation explores why continued foundational reading instruction matters, how a...

Fresh from The Reading League's 10th Annual Conference in Chicago, Lindsay, Donell, and Stacy share the research, ideas, and classroom strategies that caught their attention. From the growing influence of AI to the importance of oral language, reading comprehension, and explicit instruction, the trio explores what excited them, what surprised them, and what left them with more questions. Whet...

Show Notes This episode was inspired by the 30th annual What’s Hot in Literacy survey, which asks literacy leaders to consider both the topics receiving attention in the field and those that deserve more. Lindsay, Donell, and Stacy use the findings as a jumping-off point to examine where literacy conversations are focused—and what may be getting overlooked. Resources Mentioned What’s Hot in Litera...

Show Notes AI can make a task easier without necessarily making learning stronger. The distinction may come down to who is doing the cognitive work. When AI provides an answer or produces the work for a student, it can reduce the attention, engagement, reasoning, and productive struggle involved in learning. When thoughtfully designed and intentionally used to provide hints, scaffolding, practice,...

Classroom management can test even the most experienced teacher—especially when the strategies that usually work suddenly don’t seem to be enough. In this episode, Lindsay, Donell, and Stacy have an open conversation about challenging classroom behavior, maintaining high expectations, setting boundaries, and the very real toll it can take on teachers. They share strategies, resources, and reminder...

Dyslexia awareness has grown dramatically—but has that awareness translated into meaningful change for students? Stacy, Donell, and Lindsay explore what’s happening in schools, what may still be missing, and what it will take to turn greater awareness into better support for struggling readers. Show Notes Dyslexia is now part of the conversation in schools across the country. Nearly every state ha...

Fresh from the Big Sky Literacy Summit, Stacy Hurst and Donell Pons bring Lindsay Kemeny—and listeners—inside the conversations that had them thinking, questioning, and taking notes. Hear which ideas rose to the top and why they could matter for the way educators approach literacy instruction. Show Notes The best conferences don't just leave you with pages of notes—they leave you thinking dif...

Are we reading less—or is the way we read changing? Inspired by a provocative recent article in The Atlantic, Stacy, Donell, and Lindsay take on some big questions about reading, attention, and what it means to be a reader today. Their conversation explores what may be changing, what may be at stake, and what educators can do about it. Show Notes A recent Atlantic article makes a provocative claim...

Third-grade retention laws are gaining momentum—but does repeating a grade actually help struggling readers? Stacy, Donell, and Lindsay explore what the research suggests and why earlier, evidence-based intervention may be the better answer. Show Notes More states are turning to third-grade retention policies as a way to improve reading outcomes. But as Stacy, Donell, and Lindsay discuss, the rese...

Braxton was in kindergarten when the pandemic interrupted his first year of formal reading instruction. But his mother, Kristie, soon realized there was more to his struggles. Donell Pons talks with Kristie about the years Braxton spent “hanging on,” his eventual dyslexia identification, and what changed when he finally received targeted support—just as he prepares to enter middle school. Show Not...

A new school year brings fresh opportunities—and plenty of preparation. In this back-to-school episode of Literacy Talks, classroom teacher Lindsay Kemeny shares the five priorities she focuses on every year to create a strong start for both students and teachers. From getting to know your students before the first day to planning instruction, building relationships with families, organizing your...

As another school year comes to a close, Stacy Hurst, Donell Pons, and Lindsay Kemeny reflect on the moments, challenges, and lessons that shaped their year in literacy education. From advocating for students and navigating legislative pressures to celebrating reading breakthroughs and planning for growth, this candid conversation explores the very human side of teaching reading. The hosts discuss...

In this special conference rewind episode of Literacy Talks, Stacy Hurst and Lindsay Kemeny are joined by Reading League leader, Andrea Setmeyer, to unpack the biggest assessment insights from the Reading League Summit. From classroom data and progress monitoring to district systems and policy, this conversation highlights the practical literacy assessment practices educators can apply right away...

A recent article questioning the “cost of overteaching phonics” sparked major discussion across the literacy world—and in this episode, Stacy Hurst, Donell Pons, and Lindsay Kemeny unpack it all. Are schools really overteaching phonics? What does the research actually say? And how do teachers balance explicit instruction, reading practice, spelling, assessment, and student engagement without swing...

What does it really take to improve literacy outcomes? In this wrap-up to the Changemakers series, Stacy Hurst, Donell Pons, and Lindsay Kemeny explore the systems, support, instructional practices, and leadership moves behind Mississippi’s widely discussed reading gains. From structured literacy and coaching to accountability and long-term implementation, this episode connects big-picture reform...

In this powerful conversation, Kareem Weaver—literacy advocate, educator, and featured voice in The Right to Read—challenges us to rethink what’s at stake when students don’t learn to read. From personal stories to system-wide solutions, Kareem makes a compelling case: literacy isn’t just an educational issue—it’s a matter of opportunity, equity, and responsibility. This episode moves beyond aware...

Are you spending too much time on assessments without getting the clarity you need? In this episode, we break down which reading assessments actually matter, which ones may be wasting your time, and how to make smarter, more efficient decisions about the data you collect. Show Notes Guests in this Episode: Andrea Setmeyer – National Chapter Director at The Reading League and former school psycholo...

Show Notes Early reading screening is one of the most powerful tools educators have—but only if it’s used well. In this episode of Literacy Talks , we unpack what screening actually measures, why timing matters, and how to use data to support students before small gaps become major challenges. We explore the difference between screening and diagnosis, why “wait and see” can be harmful, and how ear...

If you’ve ever looked at your students’ reading data and wondered, “What am I actually supposed to do with this?”—this episode is for you. In this episode, we discuss: Why reading data often feels more like compliance than instruction How to actually use assessment data to guide day-to-day teaching decisions Assessment is a constant in education—but too often, it’s disconnected from what happens i...

What if the data you’re collecting could actually make your teaching easier—not more overwhelming? In this episode, we unpack what reading assessment is really telling you and how to use it with clarity and purpose. In this episode, we discuss: The true purpose of different types of reading assessments How to move from data collection to meaningful instructional decisions Assessment can feel like...

What happens when you bring together thousands of literacy educators for one powerful conference? In this episode, we break down the biggest takeaways you can actually use in your classroom tomorrow. In this episode, we discuss: Key insights from the Plain Talk About Literacy and Learning Conference Practical strategies for spelling, syntax, writing, and student engagement Show Notes In this confe...

What does it take to turn frustration into a nationwide movement? In this episode, Dr. Maria Murray shares the powerful story behind The Reading League—and how one idea grew into a force for literacy change. Show Notes In this episode, we discuss: The gap between reading research and classroom practice How The Reading League grew from a local effort to a national organization Dr. Maria Murray take...

What does it take to transform literacy outcomes across an entire school district? In this episode of Literacy Talks , we explore how leadership, alignment, and a commitment to the science of reading can create lasting change for students and educators alike. In this episode, we discuss:  • Leading systemwide literacy change  • Building a birth-to-12 literacy ecosystem  • Investing in people over...