Literacy Talks

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...

Why do some schools see rapid literacy gains while others struggle to move the needle? The difference often isn’t the program—it’s the leadership behind the implementation. In this episode, we discuss: How courageous, humble leadership accelerates literacy improvement Moving from knowledge to practice through actionable support and coaching Sustainable literacy improvement doesn’t happen through o...

We’ve spent years strengthening decoding instruction—but what if the next literacy shift begins at the sentence level? If we want true comprehension, we have to look beyond words and into syntax. In this episode, we discuss: Why syntax is the missing link in reading comprehension How Cascade Reading uses linguistically-driven text formatting to support understanding For decades, reading research a...

Episode Summary : What if libraries played a central role in transforming literacy instruction? In this Changemaker Voices episode, Jenny Emery Davidson shares how a rural community library became a hub for science-of-reading-aligned professional learning, teacher collaboration, and joyful literacy advocacy. This conversation will inspire educators and leaders to rethink how communities can help b...

What does it really take to change reading outcomes at scale? In this episode of Literacy Talks, Donell Pons, Stacy Hurst, and Lindsay Kemeny kick off a new conversation focused on changemakers in literacy. Together, they unpack commonly cited literacy data—especially NAEP scores—and explore what those numbers do (and don’t) tell us about reading achievement in the U.S. The discussion moves beyond...

As 2025 draws to a close, the Literacy Talks trio—Stacy, Donell, and Lindsay—gather for a spirited season finale filled with highlights, reflections, and bold predictions. From progress in the science of reading to the growing spotlight on writing, integration, and instructional clarity, this episode captures the momentum and milestones of the past year. They also look ahead to 2026 with insights,...

Ever hear something in a meeting, online, or even at a conference that made you do a double take? In this episode, the hosts of Literacy Talks share surprising, questionable, and even cringe-worthy things they’ve heard about literacy—and why they wish they weren’t true. From conversations that raise eyebrows to persistent myths that refuse to fade, it’s all on the table. Tune in for thoughtful rea...

In this episode of Literacy Talks, we sit down with Viv Ramakrishnan, founder of Project Read AI, to explore the intersection of artificial intelligence, pedagogy, and equity in literacy instruction. Viv shares his journey from teacher to tech innovator, the surprising limits of AI in decoding language, and how real-time, research-based tools are being designed with teachers—and students—at the ce...

In this special recap episode, Stacy Hurst and Donell Pons share key takeaways from the 2025 International Dyslexia Association Conference. While Lindsay Kemeny wasn’t able to attend, she joins the conversation to reflect on the insights and themes that emerged — including the newly revised definition of dyslexia, the critical role of literacy leadership, and the power of early, high-quality instr...

In this deeply personal episode of Literacy Talks, host Donell Pons sits down with her son Bridger for a heartfelt conversation about growing up—and parenting—through the lens of dyslexia. From early signs and school struggles to moments of breakthrough and discovery, their dialogue offers a rare, honest look at how learning differences affect families, relationships, and self-perception. Bridger...

Fresh from the Reading League Conference in Chicago, the Literacy Talks trio—Stacy Hurst, Donell Pons, and Lindsay Kemeny—share highlights, favorite sessions, and key insights that left a lasting impression. From impactful keynotes to deep dives into phonological awareness, explicit instruction, AI in education, and writing practices, this episode is packed with thoughtful takeaways. Join the conv...

Looking for free, practical literacy tools that really work? In this episode, the hosts of Literacy Talks share their favorite go-to websites for everything from decodables and syntax support to articulation videos and classroom-ready texts. It’s an honest, unsponsored round-up of resources we use, trust, and recommend. 💬 Want more insights like this? Subscribe to the Literacy Talks Podcast Diges...

Writing is anything but simple. In this episode, the hosts break down the foundational elements of writing instruction—from the mechanics of handwriting and spelling to the role of oral language and student motivation. They share insights, personal stories, and practical strategies for supporting students at every stage, with a special focus on transcription, composition, and the power of student...

We’re back with more of the literacy gripes that make us wince, laugh, and think deeper. In our third pet peeves episode, the Literacy Talks team—Stacy, Donell, and Lindsay—sound off on persistent myths, misplaced blame, phonics fluff, and why reading will never be obsolete. With listener submissions in the mix, this candid conversation is part venting session, part professional reflection. If you...