Science of Reading Leadership

Join us on the Science of Reading Leadership podcast as Dr. Tim Rasinski , a literacy expert from Kent State University, unveils the critical role of fluency in reading education. Dr. Rasinski highlights how fluency acts as a bridge between phonics and comprehension, enhancing both automaticity and prosody to make reading effortless and expressive. We Discuss: Transformative strategies for fosteri...

Join our conversation with Dr. Francesca Smith, a Bilingual Education Specialist and Early Literacy Consultant, as we explore the integration of the science of reading with bilingual education, explore strategies for enhancing foundational literacy skills in multilingual classrooms, and uncover effective ways to support and empower multilingual learners and their families. We Discuss: Practical st...

Join our conversation with Dr. Heidi Anne Mesmer, a leading literacy expert and professor from Virginia Tech, as we explore advanced early reading strategies, dive into the significance of reader-text matching, and unpack the power of morphology and complex vocabulary acquisition. We discuss: Effective techniques for aligning texts with reader capabilities Methods for teaching complex vocabulary t...

In this episode of the Science of Reading Leadership podcast, we're joined by Dr. Sarah Lupo, an associate professor from James Madison University. With a rich background in literacy education, Dr. Lupo delves into the latest research and innovative methods for enhancing literacy instruction. Tune in to hear about Dr. Lupo's passion and easy-to-implement strategies as we start the new school year!...

“If we really set kids up to read hard words, they'll be able to read more complex texts at every stage of the educational experience, and they'll have more options. It will give them more opportunities to see themselves as competent readers who can use reading as a tool for their own learning.” Dr. Laura Tortorelli, Associate Professor at Michigan State University, joins us for a transformative e...

"We're having a conversation to learn something, support each other, to cooperate. We're having conversations for purposes. But language is one of those things we're building as we have these conversations." In this powerful episode of Science of Reading Leadership, we're joined by Dr. Sonia Cabell, Associate Professor at Florida State University. She shares invaluable strategies for enhancing ear...

“Phonics is the topic that we focus on when we talk about the science of reading, but fluency has got to be part of that equation as well.” Dr. Timothy Rasinski, Professor of Literacy Education at Kent State University, joins us for an inspiring conversation about the importance of developing reading fluency as part of effective literacy instruction. Having written over 200 articles and 50 books,...

“Early childhood is this golden moment for orthographic mapping.” In this powerful episode of Science of Reading Leadership, we're joined by Dr. Katharine Pace Miles, Associate Professor at Brooklyn College, City University of New York. Dr. Miles is renowned for her extensive research in orthographic mapping, high-frequency word learning, and developing impactful literacy interventions. With a pas...

“The greatest gift we can give our students is the gift of literacy. Being able to read opens up windows of opportunities.” In this episode of Science of Reading Leadership, we’re thrilled to host Lindsay Kemeny, an elementary school teacher, author, and passionate advocate for literacy. Lindsay brings a unique blend of personal experience and professional insight into what works in teaching stude...

“If we truly want our students to be fluent readers and comprehenders, we have to start laying that automaticity foundation back when we're teaching letter names and letter sounds and words and phrases.” Dr. Jan Hasbrouck, renowned researcher, author, and educational consultant, joins us on this Science of Reading Leadership episode to discuss the importance of reading fluency, understanding learn...

“We have lots of evidence that having knowledge of the topic really helps you with reading comprehension.” In this powerful Science of Reading Leadership episode, we welcome Natalie Wexler, an esteemed education writer and author of "The Knowledge Gap: The Hidden Cause of America's Broken Education System—And How to Fix It." Natalie shares her extensive experience and dives into how we can bridge...

“We know if we can get more books into the hands of kids and in their homes, and if our parents know how to utilize and encourage [reading], we will be better off.” In this episode of the Science of Reading Leadership, we dive into the inspiring story of Crystal Parten, the Director of Teaching and Learning in Greene County Schools, Georgia. From a lineage of educators, Crystal’s journey to embrac...

“Teach all of our kids, give up on none.” - Dr. Goldenberg In this inspiring episode of the Science of Reading Leadership Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Claude Goldenberg, Nomellini & Olivier Professor of Education at Stanford University to discuss effective strategies for enhancing literacy among multilingual learners. Dr. Goldenberg's deep passion and extensive research shed light on the evol...

"Kids are too valuable. You can't say, 'Well, we'll see what happens in five years.' No, The urgency is always there." This week, we talked with special guest, Tracie Bergman, a passionate literacy advocate and the Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum Instruction with a Literacy Focus at Hillsborough County Public Schools. With a career spanning over two decades, Tracie shares her extensive expe...

In this episode, we dive deep into transforming reading instruction with Dr. Tanya Wilson-Thavenason, Deputy Superintendent for School Improvement and Community Engagement at Fairport Central School District. Discover how Dr. Wilson-Thavenason, an equity-driven leader, uses her passion for literacy and community engagement to revolutionize reading education, tackling challenges from foundational c...

In this episode of Science of Reading Leadership, Dr. Raashad Fitzpatrick, Superintendent of Lancaster County Schools, joins us to highlight some of the district’s initiatives aimed at accelerating reading achievement.  Learn why Lancaster County Schools prioritizes: Data-driven intervention Early literacy support to get students ready for kindergarten Partnering with community organizations...

Tune into this inspiring conversation with Dr. Jeremy Owoh, Superintendent of Jacksonville North Pulaski School District, as he discusses the inventive literacy strategies being adopted in his district to enhance reading skills among both students and adults.  Dr. Owoh highlights some of the district’s unique community partnerships and initiatives that are making a real difference in Jacksonv...

“You have to be strategic. If we are focusing on literacy, we have to go all in on literacy. That means that literacy shows up in math, science, social studies, and P.E.” Dr. Adam Clark, Superintendent of Mount Diablo Unified School District, shares how innovative strategies, targeted professional development, and strategic resources boost literacy achievement. We discuss: The critical role of pro...

 “We were putting pieces into place to move the needle…identifying the components of a literacy program that we needed to have in place. It gave our teachers confidence, having guaranteed a viable curriculum behind them, supporting them. It gave them direction.” In this empowering conversation with Dr. Dan Streeter, Superintendent of Marana Unified School District, we explore the district's c...

“The missing piece is we are missing the parents. I’ve never met a parent who wanted their child to go to school and not succeed. I’ve met a lot of parents who don’t have the skills or the tools necessary to help their child become successful. We talk about no child left behind, but what about no parent left behind? Let’s bring those parents along with us.” Dr. Rob Picou, Superintendent of Tupelo...

“Prioritize and focus on [accelerating reading achievement]. If our kids can’t read, they can’t access anything. If you’re not making it a priority, you’re doing a disservice to kids.” - Dr. Jermall Wright, Superintendent of Little Rock School District  On this episode of the Science of Reading Leadership, Dr. Jermall Wright, Superintendent of Little Rock School District, joins us to highligh...

In this episode of SORL, we have a special on-site interview with Yolanda Valdez, the superintendent of Cutler Rosie Unified School District. Yolanda shares her district's journey in prioritizing literacy and the steps they've taken to ensure student success. From the adoption of a comprehensive curriculum to addressing messaging challenges, Yolanda provides insights into the science of reading an...

Welcome back to SORL, the podcast where we delve deep into the Science of Reading and Leadership. I'm your host, Dr. Christy Lamb, joined by co-host Terri Hunt, M.Ed., and today we have a truly insightful episode ahead. In this episode, titled SORL with Dr. Sarah Lupo, we'll explore Dr. Lupo's nuanced perspective on moving beyond reading levels to embrace the concept of reading stages, particularl...

In this episode of SORL, Dr. Sarah Calveric, a superintendent in a rural school district, shares insights into accelerating reading achievement and embracing the Virginia Literacy Act. Dr. Calveric discusses the district's efforts in transitioning to the science of reading, including creating a bridging document, providing administrative training, and enrolling teachers in a reading specialist coh...

Welcome to another episode of SORL, the podcast where we explore the transformative power of education and leadership in shaping young minds. I'm Dr. Christy Lamb, joined by my co-host, Terri Hunt, M.Ed., and today, we're diving deep into literacy and public education reform with the esteemed Dr. Gyimah Whitaker. As the Superintendent of City Schools of Decatur, Dr. Whitaker stands at the forefron...