Leading Literacy

​​Hello Leading Literacy friends!  As you know, Institutes of High Ed. play an important role in making the instructional shift from balanced to structured literacy with educators.  On today's episode, we talk with Nancy Walker and Shana Matamala from LaFetra College of Education at the University of La Verne, the only A-rated teacher education program for literacy in the state.  This conversation is so important, and we know you'll find it interesting to see how ULV made the switch from balanced to structured literacy within their own ranks to help teachers be better prepared in the field.  Enjoy this golden episode!

On this episode Leading Literacy, we welcome Tami Wilson, Director of Development and Training at the Sacramento County Office of Education and lead of the California Dyslexia Initiative. Tami has been a driving force in California's shift from balanced to structured literacy instruction and a long-time literacy advocate and warrior. Tami is an incredible friend, colleague, and leader and we're so excited for this conversation around her dyslexia work and California's new Risk of Reading Difficulties Screener. So, sit back and enjoy. Below are the websites mentioned in this episode with Tami: CA Dyslexia Initiative Professional Learning UC|CSU Collaborative for Neurodiversity and Learning – in the future, these resources will also be housed on Arraya Learning.  

Welcome to Leading Literacy!  In this episode, we are thrilled to have a conversation with three incredible leaders from the Lancaster School District in Lancaster, California.  We partnered with Lancaster for three years on the $5 million dollar California State Literacy Development (CLSD) Grant.  We worked with four school sites who made the switch from balanced to structured literacy.  This district had every reason to give up and they did not!  If you're looking for change and inspiration to bring structured literacy to your district, this episode is a must-listen.  Learn the ins and outs of this work and be inspired by their story of triumph over adversity in reading instruction!   Click HERE to watch a highlight reel about the impact of the CLSD Grant with Lancaster's grant schools.

Hey there, educator friends!  On this episode of Leading Literacy, we can't wait for you to get to know Dr. Jasmine Rogers.  Dr. Rogers is from the Washington D.C. area where she is professor at American University and supports teachers at the  D.C. Reading Clinic.  If that's not enough, she also co-authored the NAACP Discussion Guide for “The Right to Read” documentary.  Learn how Dr. Rogers is committed to sharing her knowledge about Black language and how she “can't stop, won't stop.”  Enjoy! Click HERE to access the resources Dr. Rogers references in this episode.  

Hello educator friends!  On this episode of Leading Literacy we're diving back into the secondary world to talk with teacher, Hannah Shickle and school administrator, Tana Piersall from Scott Valley Unified School District in Northern California. They're doing amazing work in structured literacy which helped move the needle for their middle school students.  Subsequently, their whole district is learning from them and how to begin this work at the district level.  These two ladies are incredible!  Please enjoy this fun episode with Hannah and Tana.    If Hannah and Tana's story sounds familiar, it's because they were also featured guests on one of our Lessons from the Field webinars.  Want to revisit their webinar?  Check it out here.   And if you're interested in Chartwell Schools, head over to their website for more information.

Welcome back, educator friends.  We're super excited about this episode with Denise Eide, author of the book, Uncovering the Logic of English: A Common Sense Approach to Reading, Spelling, and Literacy. We love this conversation because it centers on this notion of curiosity and how if we ignite curiosity in both teachers and students about how English works, we can really love both the teaching and learning of how to read.  Buckle up, y'all!  This is a great episode! Be sure to check out the Logic of English website that has some amazing FREE resources!  (We all know how us teacher-types love anything that's F-R-E-E!)  

Have you ever witnessed an amazing idea come to life and wonder, “Why didn't I think of that?”  Well, this is exactly what we thought when we heard about the Laundromat Library League.  On a recent episode of Leading Literacy, Dr. Molly Ness mentioned Laundromat Library League and we knew immediately that we had to learn as much as we could about this group!  So, this all-volunteer organization provides children's books in local laundromats for children to read while their families do their laundry.  I mean, come on.  How brilliant is that?!  Well, we reached out to the Laundromat Library League and had a chat with board member Phil Tripp who shared how this unique work began, how it's grown, and most importantly, how we can get involved.  So fellow educators and literacy lovers this episode is a special treat just for you.  Enjoy!  

On this episode of Leading Literacy, we are thrilled to have our first parent advocate, Denise Morgan. Denise is no ordinary parent – she's determined and dedicated to helping all students and families get the literacy support they need. Denise began working at the California Charter Schools Association in 2017 and currently holds the role of Paralegal Director on the Legal Advocacy Team which supports and engages in successful advocacy work on behalf of California's public schools' students and families. Denise also volunteers a significant amount of time supporting the California State PTA at the state, district, and local levels. She proudly co-authored the Equitable Literacy for All Students Resolution that successfully passed in 2023.  So, sit back and enjoy this conversation with the amazing, Denise Morgan.

Hey there, educator friends!  I have a question for you.  How many of you love doing read alouds with your students?  I'm going to guess and say almost all of you.  And how about your students – do they love it as much as you do?  If your answers are an astounding YES and YES, then you're going to love Dr. Molly Ness, our guest on this episode of Leading Literacy.  Molly is a former teacher, college educator, reading clinician, and researcher and describes herself as “a fierce advocate for literacy equity, access, and research-based instruction.”  You'll hear how her experiences helped shape her belief in the transformative power of literacy.  We talk about Molly's newest book out titled, “Read Alouds for All Learners: A Comprehensive Plan for Every Subject, Every Day” and SO. MUCH. MORE.  Check out the following links mentioned in this episode: We Need Diverse Books, Laundromat Library League, Barbershop Books, and End Book Deserts Podcast.

On this episode of Leading Literacy, we have an inspiring conversation with Maya Goodall.  Maya is an educator, entrepreneur, and curriculum developer dedicated to helping people become bilingual.  She's the founder of Lingual Learning, a language learning company which she ultimately sold to Rosetta Stone where she developed Rosetta English, which has recently been renamed as Lexia English.  We spent time talking with Maya about oral language development and the role it plays in structured literacy.  You guys, this is one of those conversations where an amazing, little gold nugget of wisdom appears and we're so excited to share with you.  Maya is such a gentle soul and so dedicated to supporting the literacy needs of all learners.  Enjoy this episode! Be sure to check out these resources Maya mentioned in this episode.  She has partnered with Collaborative Classroom to create OL&LA: Online Language & Literacy Academy and CORE Learning.  Both are phenomenal sources to support our multilingual learners.  

Hey there, educator friends!  We're super excited to share this special episode of Leading Literacy. It's the one where Leslie and I have a chat with Andrea Setmeyer, The Reading League's National Chapter Coordinator, and Kristen Koeller, the President of the brand-new Reading League California Chapter.  Join this entertaining and informative conversation about the backstories of The Reading League and why it takes a league to do this important literacy work.  Enjoy!   Be sure to check out the amazing learning opportunities with The Reading League California Chapter and The Reading League National Chapter.  Exciting events coming up in 2024 include The Annual Reading League Summit in San Diego, California in April and the Annual National Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina in October.

Hello educator friends!  You are in for a treat on this episode as we talk with literacy and social justice advocate Lacey Robinson.  Lacey is the President and CEO of UnboundEd, the Nation's largest K-12 educator development organization focused on improving teaching and learning for underserved students.  As a former elementary teacher, middle school principal, and professional development specialist, Lacey works tirelessly to enable educators to accelerate their impact in the classroom.  Lacey's been named to the 2023 Forbes 50 Over 50 list in recognition of her innovative, equity centered leadership.  Her new book, Justice Seekers: Pursuing Equity in the Details of Teaching and Learning, was released in July of 2023, which she calls a love letter to teachers, inspiring us all to recognize that justice is found in the details of teaching and learning.  Enjoy this amazing conversation with Lacey Robinson.

Hey there, educator friends!  On this episode of Leading Literacy, we have the pleasure of introducing you to the wonderful Dr. Tracy White Weeden.  Dr. Weeden has held lots of varied positions in education and is currently the president and CEO of Neuhaus Education Center.  As you listen to this episode, you'll see why Tracy is regarded as an inspirational leader and relentless advocate on behalf of all students to achieve academic excellence.  She talks with us about the real-real on how to help educators build their knowledge and set up the systems necessary to ensure student success.  Dr. Weeden has a special gift of relaying her message with both urgency and compassion that you'll feel it in your mind, heart, and soul.  We can't wait for you to meet her!

On this episode of Leading Literacy, we talk about the role of libraries.  I know, sounds kind of boring, right?  Well, my listeners, this episode is awesome!  Our guest is Debbie Anderson, the Assistant Director of Education Engagement for the L.A. County Library System, and WOW!  We had no idea libraries had so many resources available!  In 2023, Debbie was selected to receive the Sullivan Award for Public Library Administrators Supporting Services to Children and after listening to this episode, you'll understand why.  You'll definitely want to hook up with your local library after listening to all the great things that Debbie has to share.  Be sure to head on over to the L.A. County Library's main website at https://lacountylibrary.org/ to check out all of the amazing resources and locations!  

Hi friends!  On this episode of Leading Literacy, we have such an amazing guest.  Dr. Trisha Tucker is the Head of the Writing Instruction in the Thematic Honors program at the University of Southern California.  However, in this episode, we will not be talking with Dr. Tucker about writing, instead, we are focusing on a subject that she is very passionate about: book banning.  She unpacks the issue in a way we've never heard before and really helps break down how to address concerns that arise in schools and districts with respect to removing access to books.  Settle in, everyone - you're going to love this one!  

Hello friends and welcome to Leading Literacy!  On this episode we are excited to delve further into The Right to Read documentary.  (Small aside, if you haven't listened to our previous episode with Kareem Weaver, please do. OMG, it's so good!). Today, we continue to have a blast of a chat with the new teacher featured in the film, Sabrina Causey, and her coach, Jessica Reid Sliwerski.  We get to spill the hot tea on all the behind the scenes work of the film and hear how Bri's class is doing now.  Jess launched a company called Ignite! Reading as a result of her participation in this project.  It's so exciting!  Can't wait for you to join us in this amazing conversation with fellow educators.   

Hey, educator friends! OMG! This episode of Leading Literacy is one of our best ones yet!  We had a chance to sit down with Kareem Weaver, educator, and literacy advocate from Northern California's Bay Area.  If you want to know how to light a fire in your district or school site around evidence-aligned literacy instruction AND you believe that learning how to read is a civil right, then this episode has your name written all over it.  Kareem also talks to us about his new documentary, The Right to Read.  So much goodness!  Enjoy!

Hey all you spelling word-nerds out there!  On this episode of Leading Literacy, we get to share all the buzz on one of our favorite topics – spelling instruction.  As a queen of the spelling bee world here in L.A., Leslie is super excited to introduce you all to Dr. Shelley Blackwell.  Shelley is a licensed speech-language pathologist and MTSS Literacy Support Interventionist in the Olathe Public Schools District in Kansas.  She's got some wit and wisdom around spelling instruction that will make all kinds of spelling sense.  So, buckle up and enjoy this conversation.  

Leading Literacy had the honor and pleasure of chatting with Lee Herrick, California's Poet Laureate.  Lee was awarded this title by Governor Newsom in November of 2022, and as a resident of Fresno, he brings to this position his diverse perspectives and passions as a father, professor, and poet.  As the first Asian American to serve in this role, Lee hopes to bring together poetry with social justice and civic engagement during his term.  Lee has a deep connection with California, its residents, and the varied experiences our great state has to offer, which is captured in his work.  So, sit back, get comfy, and enjoy this rich and delightful discussion with California's Poet Laureate, Lee Herrick.

We're so excited to have Susan Lambert on this episode of Leading Literacy.  Susan is the Chief Academic Officer for Elementary Humanities at Amplify and she's also the host of one of our favorite podcasts, Science of Reading: The Podcast.  Susan's been a classroom teacher, school administrator, and district level leader who has remained focused on creating high quality learning environments using evidence-based practices.  She's a lover of knowledge, a passionate podcaster, and utterly devoted to helping bridge the gap between literacy research and classroom practice.  Enjoy this amazing conversation with fellow podcaster, Susan Lambert.

You are in for a real treat on this episode of Leading Literacy as Leslie and Mara sit down with Dr. Sonia Cabell, assistant professor in the School of Teacher Education and the Florida Center for Reading Research at Florida State University.  As a former second grade teacher and literacy coach, Dr. Cabell has focused much of her research and work on early literacy instruction and the prevention of reading difficulties.  She recently co-authored a book titled, Literacy Learning for Infants, Toddlers, &  Preschoolers and is also an advisor for The Knowledge Matters Campaign.  Listen in as Dr. Cabell discusses practical ways educators can develop students' oral language skills and the importance of building content knowledge with our earliest learners.  Enjoy!

On this episode of Leading Literacy, Leslie and Mara welcome award-winning author, teacher, and professional development leader, Donalyn Miller.  As if that were not impressive enough, Donalyn is also a wonderful, down-to-earth literacy advocate that exudes a passion for learning and helping teachers find ways to engage students in finding a love for reading books.  Settle in for a fun conversation where Donalyn shares her thoughts about being known as “the book whisperer” and using classroom libraries as a co-teacher in the classroom.

On this episode of Leading Literacy, Mara sits down with two special guests to discuss an issue that has not yet been addressed on the podcast. As part of this discussion, Mara welcomes RLA's Director and Leading Literacy co-host, Leslie Zoroya, and secondary ELA Coordinator, Jessica Sullivan. Enjoy this insightful conversation as we delve into the issues facing older, struggling readers and talk about how the science of reading applies in a secondary setting. You are going to love this episode! We're a hoot!

Leading Literacy welcomes Dr. Jana Echevarria, Professor Emerita at California State University, Long Beach.  As an educator, Dr. Echevarria has taught all grade levels in both general and special education settings, as well as in ESL and bilingual programs.  She is a founding researcher and creator of the Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol, or SIOP Model, and has dedicated her career to effective literacy instruction for English learners. Listen in as Dr. Echevarria shares her extensive knowledge and passion around equitable instruction for English learners, students with disabilities, and all students. We know you're going to love this episode!  Enjoy.

On this episode of Leading Literacy, we're thrilled to speak with noted reading researcher and language expert, Dr. Claude Goldenberg. Dr Goldenberg is a professor emeritus in the Graduate School of Education at Stanford University. A native of Argentina, his areas of research and professional interest have centered on promoting academic achievement among language minority children and youth. Claude is a noted author of three books and scores of articles related to early reading with special emphasis on literacy and English Learners.  He's been on the editorial boards of various literacy, academic, and professional journals. Claude is not only a distinguished expert in the field of education, but a former classroom teacher and an all-around great guy who's passionate and dedicated to this work. Sit back and enjoy our conversation with Dr. Claude Goldenberg.

We have a treat for you on this episode of Leading Literacy. We interview Deidra Mayberry, president, and founder of Reading to New Heights, a nonprofit that teaches adults how to read. Deidra grew up one of seven kids, in a military family, who often moved. Her struggles with reading began early and persisted throughout her education.  Listen as Deidra shares her journey to learn to read and how she both masked and compensated for her lack of reading skills and the toll this took on her both emotionally and physically.  You won't want to miss her inspirational story and how she's now changing lives through the gifts of literacy and joy.  Enjoy!

Leading Literacy can't wait to introduce you to Dr. Elsa Cardenas-Hagan!  Elsa is a Bilingual Speech Language Pathologist, who has spent decades working with and advocating for multilingual learners.  As a multilingual student herself, Elsa discusses the importance of cross-linguistic relationships, teacher knowledge, and the deep value of research to effectively support all our students.  Elsa is a bright light and leader in the multilingual learner community and her book Literacy Foundations for English Learners is a must have.  There's no denying the genuineness of this conversation – enjoy!  

We are so excited to introduce you to Chris Ann Horsley, the Director of Elementary Curriculum at Bonita Unified School District.  As a district and school site leader, Chris Ann has played a pivotal role in helping her schools become the number 1 ranked district on the California Reading Report Card. Listen in on this insightful conversation as Chris Ann discusses the fundamental systems she set in place to help her students and teachers succeed.  This is a good one!  Enjoy.

On this episode of Leading Literacy, we are thrilled to have Todd Collins as our guest.  Todd is a board member of a California school district that has had a “reading reckoning.”  Todd's literacy advocacy work prompted him to launch the California Reading Coalition, which is a group of educators, advocates, researchers, and policy makers who are committed to improving reading outcomes for all California students.  Enjoy this lively chat!

Leading Literacy welcomes Dr. Kymyona Burk to the podcast.  Currently, Dr. Burk is a senior policy fellow from ExcelinEd where she supports states and leaders with comprehensive K-3 reading policies.  Dr. Burk also served as the former state literacy director at the Mississippi State Department of Education where she helped to lead a statewide literacy improvement campaign.  Thanks to Dr. Burk's efforts, Mississippi was the only state in 2019 to make gains on the NAEP assessment!  Join the conversation as Dr. Burk shares Mississippi's policies, efforts, and journey towards statewide literacy improvement.  Such a great listen!

Leading Literacy welcomes DeJunne' Clark Jackson, Vice President of Program Development for the Center for Development and Learning. DeJunne' shares her insight and expertise as an educator, advocate, and parent. It is through these unique lenses that drives DeJunne's work and passion around equitable access for both struggling students and teachers. This episode both informs and inspires and we know you'll love it as much as we did. Enjoy!

Leading Literacy welcomes LACOE's very own English Learner Project Director, Ruth Baskett.  Ruth is both hilarious and knowledgeable in the world of quality English learner programs and services.  Join us as we discuss pressing needs for our English learners, the mystifying disconnect between English learner and early reading advocates, and looking forward to the Dual Language initiative in California.  We hope you enjoy this lively conversation as much as we did.

It is our pleasure to welcome Dr. Maria Murray to Leading Literacy!  Maria is the CEO and President of The Reading League and has served as an associate professor at the State University of New York at Oswego.  For over 10 years, she has taught courses related to literacy assessment and intervention and is extremely passionate about the prevention and remediation of reading difficulty.  You won't want to miss this fun and insightful conversation about The Science of Reading: A Defining Moment and being a Lone Nut in the world of evidence-based reading instruction.  We are definitely not worthy to have Maria on our little podcast, but at the same time we can't wait to share it with all of you!

Leading Literacy has the honor and privilege to welcome L.A. County's 2021 Poet Laureate, Lynne Thompson. Listen in and get to know Lynne and the unconventional path that led her to this special role. Enjoy!  Read more about Lynne on the Los Angeles Public Library website.

In this must-listen episode of Leading Literacy, Leslie and Mara have a wonderful discussion with Keren Taylor, Executive Director and Founder of WriteGirl L.A. Keren shares her journey in developing and expanding WriteGirl into a nationally-recognized writing and mentoring organization aimed at helping underserved Los Angeles teens discover and express their creative voices. Join this inspiring conversation and you'll catch yourself smiling right along with us!  Learn more about WriteGirl L.A.

Today on Leading Literacy we are thrilled to welcome licensed therapist, author, mother and advocate, Dr. Thomishia Booker. Dr. Booker is the author of three books and CEO of HeyCarterBooks. Her self-published book, "Brown Boy Joy" has been featured in the Netflix Family series, "Bookmarks: Celebrating Black Voices." Dr. Booker's background serves as a foundation for writing books focused on building self-confidence and pride among children of color. Be sure to drop in to listen. Click on the following link to learn more about Dr. Booker: Meet the Self-Published Author Who Negotiated a Deal with Netflix As mentioned in the podcast, learn more about Black Literacy Collective. 

Leslie and Mara interview celebrated young adult fiction author, Francisco X. Stork. Francisco has a very interesting backstory as a young immigrant from Mexico and overcoming many obstacles to attend both Harvard University and Columbia Law School. Although Francisco worked many years as a lawyer, it was his true passion of writing that led him to success as an author of nine young adult novels. We are so excited to share this genuine conversation.  Click here to learn more about Francisco and his work.

On this special episode of Leading Literacy, Mara interviews Leslie and Dr. Kathryn Edwards, the Director of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at LACOE. Leslie and Kathryn recently completed a year-long project in collaboration with UCLA and the Center for Powerful Public Schools and Riverside County Office of Education, on a document entitled, Supporting the African American Learner: A Guide for Transforming Beliefs, Systems and Practices for Black Students. Leslie and Kathryn's passion will inspire and motivate as they discuss how this document can be put into practice to ensure better outcomes for Black students. You won't want to miss it!

Leading Literacy welcomes UC Irvine School of Education professor, Dr. Julie Washington. Dr. Washington's research is focused on the intersection of literacy, language variation, and poverty. Her work pays a particular focus on understanding the role of cultural dialect in the identification of reading disabilities in school-aged African American children. We hope you enjoy this gem of a conversation as much as we did.

Leading Literacy welcomes Margaret Goldberg for a chat about all things science of reading, coaching, and evidence-based reading instruction.  Currently, Margaret is a first grade teacher in a Title 1 school in Oakland and has served in her district in a variety of literacy leadership roles.  She is the co-founder of The Right to Read Project, a group of teachers, researchers, and activists committed to the pursuit of equity through literacy.  Margaret has tons of knowledge to share!  Check out her amazing blog, reading resources, and infographics at https://righttoreadproject.com/ and on Reading Rockets https://www.readingrockets.org/blogs/right-to-read.

Ricky Robertson stops by Leading Literacy to discuss the importance of student trauma and adversity and how it impacts their educational experience and outcome.  As a former teacher, Ricky provides a unique lens through which to serve students who have experienced adverse childhood experiences (ACES).  Currently as an author, consultant, and coach, Ricky supports schools and districts to develop multi-tiered social-emotional and behavioral supports that are both trauma-informed and culturally responsive.  Ricky is a co-author of the book, Building Resilience in Students Impacted by Adverse Childhood Experiences: A Whole Staff Approach.  You can learn more about Ricky and his work on his website:  www.buildingresilienceinstudents.com

Leading Literacy is super thrilled and honored to welcome Dr. Katie Novak and Mirko Chardin to the podcast to talk about their new book, "Equity by Design: Delivering on the Power and Promise of UDL." Katie is a world-known educator, college professor, author, and has done extensive work around Universal Design for Learning. Mirko Chardin is also an educator and founding head of a school in Massachusetts as well as a hip-hop artist. Katie and Mirko both bring their authentic selves, knowledge, and passion around social justice, equity, and UDL. This conversation elevates the pairing of: will and skill. Your equity-educator-self will LOVE this episode! Click here to learn more about Katie and Mirko, their work, and their latest book.

We have a very special episode of Leading Literacy - our very first teacher roundtable discussion! We are thrilled to welcome Xochitl Morales (K teacher, Los Altos Elem., South Whittier SD), Andrea Castaneda (SPED Autism Spectrum Disorder Mod/Sev. teacher, Lone Hill MS, Bonita USD), Ella Farinas (Instructional Coach & 6-8 AVID Coordinator, Washington STEAM Multilingual Academy, Pasadena USD), Curtis Duong (8th grade teacher, Garfield Elem., Alhambra USD), and Jenna Kamp (12th grade English teacher, University Prep. Value Charter HS). Listen in to hear their experiences and how educators are adjusting and coping during the pandemic. We are so proud of our hard-working educators and we couldn't be more excited to highlight these rockstars!

Leading Literacy welcomes Jessica Hamman, founder and CEO of Glean Education. Jessica has worked in education for close to two decades. She started Glean Education to empower educators with best practices to support struggling students. Jessica has much to share during our conversation, including her deep knowledge and experiences with dyslexia. You won't want to miss it!

Leslie and Mara welcome Dr. Maryanne Wolf on Leading Literacy. Dr. Wolf is the director for the Center for Dyslexia, Diverse Learners, and Social Justice at the UCLA Graduate School of Education and Information Studies. She is an author and advocate for children and literacy around the world. Dr. Wolf shares her knowledge and passion on how to help build “the reading brain” for all of our students.

Leading Literacy is over-the-moon excited and honored to welcome THE Dr. Louise Moats.  Dr. Moats has dedicated her entire career to literacy education as a teacher, researcher, psychologist, graduate school faculty member, and author.  Dr. Moats was kind enough to drop in and have a chat with us about the importance of the science of reading.  You won't want to miss what she has to share!

Leslie and Mara are delighted to welcome UCLA professor, Dr. Jeff Share, co-author of The Critical Media Literacy Guide: Engaging Media and Transforming Education.  In a world full of “fake” news and information over-load, Jeff shares his passion and insights into the field of critical media literacy and how educators can help students analyze memes, verify sources, and investigate biases.

Join Leslie, Mara, and Elizabeth Jimenez Salinas as they discuss the "superpowers" of being bilingual and practical strategies to implement in the classroom to help all English learners. Elizabeth brings her knowledge and experience from her days as a bilingual educator, advocate and consultant. Elizabeth is amazing! Click on the following links to access the resources mentioned in this podcast: Cognates Resources Eradicating Learned Passivity Homework Questions and Prompts for Long Term English Learners Language Organizer Reparable Harm Document

Leading Literacy is so excited to have Emily Hanford! Emily is a senior education correspondent at American Public Media Reports and a total science of reading rockstar! She's been working in public media for over 2 decades as a reporter, producer, news editor, and program host. She's won all kind of awards and is one of our reading heroes. Be prepared to have your mind blown! Click on the following links to read Emily Hanford's articles: Hard Words At a Loss for Words What the Words Say

Natalie Wexler shares her insights and thoughts with Leslie and Mara about her two books: The Knowledge Gap and The Writing Revolution. Join the conversation as Natalie discusses the importance of immersing all students of varied socioeconomic backgrounds, with content knowledge about the world and then linking that knowledge to explicit writing instruction. Click on the following links to read Natalie Wexler's articles: The Need for Explicit Instruction in Teaching Students to Write Well Elementary Education Has Gone Terribly Wrong

Leslie & Mara welcome Dr. Carolyn Strom - first grade teacher, turned reading specialist/literacy consultant, turned NYU Professor. Carolyn joins the podcast to discuss the pervasive gaps between research and practice and the importance of connecting the two for our earliest learners - whose brains are developing the most! You won't want to miss this lively conversation! Click here to download a copy Dr. Strom's Family Playlist and Extension Activities.