Lindamood-Bell Radio

Why Literacy Reform Keeps Failing and What Actually Works | Lindamood-Bell Description: For four decades, well-intentioned literacy reforms have promised to fix America's reading crisis—from A Nation at Risk in 1983 to the current Science of Reading movement. Yet, despite these efforts, scores from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) continue to fall. Why haven't these reforms worked? Paul Worthington, Director of Research and Development at Lindamood-Bell, explores why reading instruction—even approaches grounded in the Science of Reading—often misses the mark. This webinar will examine the root causes behind decades of stalled progress and reveal the essential, often-overlooked skills that truly drive reading success. We discuss: Why past reforms have failed to deliver results The cognitive processes most reading programs overlook How Lindamood-Bell helps students achieve real, measurable gains in literacy At Lindamood-Bell, we develop the imagery-language foundation for reading, spelling, language comprehension, math, memory, and critical thinking. Locations Worldwide       Online and In-Person (800) 233-1819      Connect with LINDAMOOD-BELL Visit our website: https://lindamoodbell.com/ Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/lindamoodbell1 Download a Free Information Pack: https://lindamoodbell.com/learning-centers?info-pack Listen to our Podcast: https://lindamoodbell.com/radio-podcast Follow us on Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/LindamoodBell Follow us on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@lindamoodbellofficial Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Lindamoodbell Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindamoodbellofficial/ Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lindamood-bell-learning-processes

When a child has autism and faces challenges with reading comprehension and language processing, finding the right support can feel overwhelming. In this episode, a Lindamood-Bell parent shares their family's journey—navigating their son's receptive and expressive language delays, reading struggles, and autism diagnosis. Hear how Lindamood-Bell's evidence-based instruction addressed not only his reading comprehension but also his broader language skills, bringing meaningful progress and renewed confidence. This heartfelt story offers hope and insight for other families seeking support.

Mandy Melville, founder, and director of the nonprofit foundation Creative Language-based Learning (CLBL), will discuss her foundation's partnership with Jamaica's schools in providing professional development for teachers since 2017. This episode will also feature Yvette Richards-Thompson, principal of Denham Town High School in Kingston, Jamaica. In 2021, the school was identified as the worst-performing school in its parish. The school faced numerous obstacles, including high levels of crime and violence, and had very low literacy rates. Yvette and Mandy will share the results of a collaborative, year-long effort that sought to transform their desperately challenged inner-city school. Mandy will also discuss their future plans to scale an integrated literacy and life skills program across 272 public schools in Jamaica— 204 primary and 68 secondary schools—sponsored by the Ministry of Education and Youth for the country and in partnership with Lindamood-Bell and the International Youth Foundation (IYF), a global youth-serving organization. Learn about the Creative Language-Based Learning organization: http://creativelearning.info/ At Lindamood-Bell, we develop the imagery-language foundation for reading, spelling, language comprehension, math, memory, and critical thinking. Locations Worldwide Online and In-Person (800) 233-1819  Connect with LINDAMOOD-BELL Visit our website: https://lindamoodbell.com/ Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/lindamoodbell1 Download a Free Information Pack: https://lindamoodbell.com/learning-centers?info-pack  Follow us on Twitter/X: https://x.com/LindamoodBell Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Lindamoodbell Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindamoodbellofficial/

While you'd like your son or daughter to love reading as much as you do, the reality may be just the opposite. In fact, they might even say they dislike reading and when they finally sit down with a book, there are cries of, “Am I done yet?” or “How many more pages?” every few minutes. In this video, alumni parent, Melinda, describes how a Lindamood-Bell learning evaluation pinpointed exactly why her children were not excited about reading—and what could be done to help. While some students come to us with a diagnosis such as dyslexia, many students, like Melinda's children, just need the right instruction to make learning easier. Though Melinda's kids were wary about using summertime for learning, she describes what made them go from “push back” to saying they had “the best summer ever." She gives a parent's perspective on what makes our learning center sessions so fun and effective, and how improved reading and comprehension have sparked a love of books for the family.

  In this inspiring episode, we meet Ben, a student whose life changed thanks to Lindamood-Bell instruction. Once the kid everyone laughed at during read-alouds, Ben shares his journey of overcoming school challenges and gaining confidence. With the help of Lindamood-Bell, he transformed his ability to read and comprehend, clearing the way for him to pursue his dream career in the culinary arts. Don't miss Ben's heartfelt story of resilience, improved reading skills, and success!

In this heartfelt episode, we speak with a mom about her child's transformative journey at Lindamood-Bell Academy. Struggling in the third grade, her child faced daily challenges with schoolwork that dragged on for hours, often ending in tears and exhaustion. Determined to break the cycle, she sought out a school that could meet her child's unique learning needs. The results were life-changing. From the very start, her child came home excited to share what they were learning, developed a newfound love for reading, and even began volunteering to read aloud for the family—a remarkable turnaround. "It was the best decision of our life," she shares. Now thriving academically, her child has discovered a passion for science and is dreaming of a bright future. Don't miss this inspiring story of resilience, hope, and finding the perfect educational fit.  

  Join us for an episode featuring Miss Massachusetts 2024, Kiersten Khoury. Diagnosed with dyslexia in fifth grade, Kiersten began her journey with Lindamood-Bell as a student. Today, she's using her platform to advocate for literacy and inspire others on their reading journey.  

In this episode, we discuss the impact of Lindamood-Bell's online instruction through a parent testimonial and a look at student success data. Alyson, a dedicated mom, shares her story of how Lindamood-Bell's online program helped her energetic kindergartener make significant strides in reading and spelling. Paul Worthington, Lindamood-Bell's Director of Research and Development, also joins us to discuss research showing that students achieve the same impressive gains online as they do in person. Tune in for insights into the transformative potential of Lindamood-Bell online learning!  

Join Paul Worthington, Lindamood-Bell's Director of Research and Development, as he explores the connection between learning disabilities and attention challenges. Many children are diagnosed with attention deficits without a full understanding of their learning profiles. Paul discusses how to better diagnose and support students, offering insights from longitudinal data and customized interventions to address both learning and attention deficits.  

Abbie's Mom, Beth, discusses her teenage daughter's experience with Lindamood-Bell instruction and how her improved skills enabled her to thrive despite facing extreme challenges. Beth and Abbie's story will answer questions of parents contemplating Lindamood-Bell's services for their children. By sharing their journey, we aim to inspire and empower parents with a message of hope and possibility. At Lindamood-Bell, we develop the imagery-language foundation for reading, spelling, language comprehension, math, memory, and critical thinking. Locations Worldwide Online and In-Person (800) 233-1819 Connect with LINDAMOOD-BELL Visit our website: https://lindamoodbell.com/ Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/lindamoodbell1 Download a Free Information Pack: https://lindamoodbell.com/learning-centers?info-pack Listen to our Podcast: https://lindamoodbell.com/radio-podcast Follow us on Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/LindamoodBell Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Lindamoodbell Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindamoodbellofficial/

In this podcast episode, Dr. Pasternack discusses the role of tiered intervention in preventing unnecessary referrals, the importance of teacher preparation and professional development, and the necessary components of effective literacy instruction.  As a teacher, New Mexico State Special Education Director, and, ultimately, as the Assistant Secretary for the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) at the U.S. Department of Education, Dr. Robert Pasternack has spent his career focused on improving student outcomes.   

Dave Kiyvyra Director of Development, Lindamood-Bell for Schools Honorable Robert Pasternack Former Assistant Secretary for the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services at the U.S. Department of Education As a teacher, New Mexico State Special Education Director, and, ultimately, as the Assistant Secretary for the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) at the U.S. Department of Education, Dr. Robert Parternack has spent his career focused on improving student outcomes. In these specially curated excerpts from his past Lindamood-Bell Leaders in Literacy webinars, Dr. Pasternack discusses the role of tiered intervention in preventing unnecessary referrals, teacher preparation and professional development, and the necessary components for thorough literacy implementation. Lindamood-Bell provides interactive, in-depth professional development courses for educators, in-person or online. Lindamood-Bell has pioneered programs to develop the imagery-language foundation that underlies reading, spelling, language comprehension, math, memory, and critical thinking. Connect with LINDAMOOD-BELL: Download a Free Information Pack: https://lindamoodbell.com/for-schools?info-pack Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/lindamoodbell1 Follow us on Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/LindamoodBell Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Lindamoodbell Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindamoodbellofficial/ Follow us on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@lindamoodbellofficial

In this episode, Shelly shares her journey of finding the ideal school environment for her daughter, Brooklyn. As a student with dyslexia, Brooklyn faced challenges in keeping up with the curriculum while working to improve her reading skills. Shelly discusses how Lindamood-Bell Academy provided the perfect balance, offering a supportive learning environment that not only met Brooklyn's academic needs but also fueled her boundless curiosity.

In this episode, Ruth Gentry shares her son Roan's journey, including his reading challenges, dyslexia diagnosis and getting help at Lindamood-Bell. Ruth describes how a disabled rescue dog named Sammy became Roan's best friend, providing emotional support during daily online sessions. Now, Roan is thriving and reads to Sammy every night. Roan's journey has been full of challenges, but his future is bright with Lindamood-Bell and Sammy by his side!   Click here to read a Newsweek article about Roan and Sammy. Follow @sammys_chairot_of_fire on TikTok and Instagram.

Paul Worthington, Lindamood-Bell's Director of Research and Development, discusses key topics in the Cognitive Science of Learning. Discover common misconceptions, explore evidence-based interventions, and learn about the latest peer-reviewed research findings: A new paradigm that encompasses the science of reading Reading abilities and cognition: a theoretical exploration Understanding the foundations of reading: the brain's sensory-based system for literacy Overcoming language disabilities: insights from new research The latest research on diagnosing and treating dyslexia and autism Effective, evidence-based intervention for dyslexia At Lindamood-Bell, we develop the imagery-language foundation for reading, spelling, language comprehension, math, memory, and critical thinking. Locations Worldwide Online and In-Person (800) 233-1819 Connect with LINDAMOOD-BELL Visit our website: https://lindamoodbell.com/ Download a Free Information Pack: https://lindamoodbell.com/learning-centers?info-pack  Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/lindamoodbell1   Follow us on Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/LindamoodBell Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Lindamoodbell Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindamoodbellofficial/

In this special forum, Drew's Mom, Jody, discusses her eight-year-old son's instruction at Lindamood-Bell and how his remarkable progress has changed their lives. Drew, a very bright second grader, was struggling with reading. Jody says, “I would lay in bed in the middle of the night with worry. Is his reading going to improve?” Jody and Drew's story will directly address the concerns and questions of parents considering Lindamood-Bell's services for their children. By showcasing their journey, we aim to inspire and empower parents with a message of hope and possibility. At Lindamood-Bell, we develop the imagery-language foundation for reading, spelling, language comprehension, math, memory, and critical thinking. Locations Worldwide Online and In-Person (800) 233-1819 Connect with LINDAMOOD-BELL Visit our website: https://lindamoodbell.com/ Download a Free Information Pack: https://lindamoodbell.com/learning-centers?info-pack Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/lindamoodbell1  Follow us on Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/LindamoodBell Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Lindamoodbell Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindamoodbellofficial/

In this podcast episode, Dr. Robert "Bob" Pletka, the Superintendent of Fullerton School District, provides insights into how his district addresses the learning needs of its diverse student population. Dr. Pletka sheds light on the practices employed by the district to improve language and literacy skills, emphasizing the impact of Lindamood-Bell professional development.  

In this compelling new episode, we welcome Jacquelyn, a 17-year-old learning disability advocate behind MindsLikeMine. Jacquelyn shares her transformative journey of overcoming dyslexia and dyscalculia, emphasizing the power of community and open dialogue about learning disabilities. The episode explores her perseverance, academic achievements, and the value of evidence-based instruction on her journey. MindsLikeMine.com  

We welcome Sarah Kodinsky to the podcast. Sarah is the CEO of a childcare service specializing in support for children with developmental needs.  https://apex-social.com/  

Emily Hoffman, the Director of Lindamood-Bell Academy, joins the podcast to explore our unique school and showcase the achievements of our students. Lindamood-Bell Academy is a K-12 private school. We combine Lindamood-Bell's instructional expertise with a full curriculum. Our personalized school environment is an excellent solution for students who thrive in a flexible, non-traditional learning environment.  

Our guest presenter is Jennifer Thompson, IRR Instructional Coordinator from Fulton County Schools. She describes the district's partnership with Lindamood-Bell for Schools, her experience with Lindamood-Bell Teacher Workshops, and online job-embedded professional development. She'll share student achievement data, as well as lessons learned and key tips for success. Fulton County Schools in Georgia is a large, diverse school district in the Atlanta area. In 2019, the district began to address their ongoing learning gaps in literacy with sensory-cognitive instruction. Lindamood-Bell is proud to host Leaders in Literacy. We feature educators sharing their insights on successful school improvement.

Lindamood-Bell Learning Center student, Alyssa, reflects on her own learning journey. Now a successful college freshman, she was once a struggling elementary school student. Alyssa credits Lindamood-Bell with increasing her learning ability and self-confidence.  

Dr. Ronda Beaman("Dr. B") discusses Fit2Learn, a new addition to Lindamood-Bell Academy. Research shows the value of movement in learning, retention, and academic success. Fit2Learn aims to provide engaging, high-quality fitness classes emphasizing and reinforcing Lindamood-Bell instruction.  Dr. B's awards and certifications include training and certification from the prestigious Cooper Clinic in Dallas, Texas, and being named National Fitness Idol. She holds a Doctorate in Education and has taught, coached, and led people from ages two to 82.   

Administrators from a large, urban school district describe their experience partnering with Lindamood-Bell to establish a Learning Center on Campus (LCOC). The LCOC model features direct instruction for students. Lindamood-Bell instructors are on-site, providing evidence-based intervention. We collaborate with school administrators, teachers, specialists, and instructional aides to address literacy needs.  

Vanessa and Angel talk about how challenging it was for their son to keep up in a large, accelerated kindergarten classroom. When extra tutoring and reading time at home was not helping, they turned to Lindamood-Bell to get their young son's reading on track for school.  

Cheryl describes finding the right school environment for her son, John. With Lindamood-Bell Academy, "a light turned on for him." His foundational skills are improving and he is able to participate in school curriculum like never before.

A mother and her teen sons each give their perspective on Lindamood-Bell instruction. One son, on the autism spectrum, attends Lindamood-Bell Academy. His brother attends the learning center after school for academic support in challenging subjects.  

In this podcast episode, we are joined by a panel of Jamaican educators. They explain how sensory-cognitive instruction has transformed their teaching and has impacted the lives of students. Over the past five years, teachers across Jamaica have received Lindamood-Bell professional development to increase literacy for struggling readers and students with learning disabilities. The effort was initiated by Mandy Melville, President of Creative Language-Based Learning (CLBL), who experienced the positive results of Lindamood-Bell instruction with her own children.

Lindamood-Bell Learning Center parent, Megan F., describes the Lindamood-Bell Learning Ability Evaluation and what sets it apart.

A retired professional describes his own experience receiving Visualizing and Verbalizing instruction at a Lindamood-Bell Learning Center.  

Lindamood-Bell's Director of Research & Development, Paul Worthington, shares valuable insights into common dyslexia misconceptions, peer-reviewed interventions, and the latest research.  

Lindamood-Bell for Schools Director of Development, Dave Kiyvyra, is joined by Heidi O'Leary, the Director of Special Education for Maine School Administrative District 75. They discuss strategies to address pandemic-related learning loss among at-risk students. The specific focus is on the district's successful implementation of Science of Reading-aligned literacy instruction.

We welcome Liz Angoff, Ph.D. to the podcast. Dr. Liz Angoff is a Licensed Educational Psychologist with a Diplomate in School Neuropsychology. She is the author of the Brain Building Books, tools for engaging children in understanding their learning and developmental differences.  www.drlizangoff.com www.ExplainingBrains.com/parents    

In this episode, Lindamood-Bell Learning Center parent, Charlette, discusses her son's learning journey. Lindamood-Bell instruction not only improved his reading ability but also his confidence and self-esteem.

Presenters:  Dave Kiyvyra, Director of Development, Lindamood-Bell for Schools Dr. Andrea Stolar, Director of Special Education for Chicopee Public Schools in Massachusetts In this presentation, "Implementing Reading Interventions Aligned with State Dyslexia Mandates," Dr. Andrea Stolar describes how her school district aligned literacy instruction with state mandates on dyslexia.  The webinar includes additional case studies and an expanded discussion of the cognitive science of learning for decoding and language comprehension. This presentation is appropriate for administrators, including State, District and School Administrators, Staff Development Coordinators, and Lead Teachers.  Lindamood-Bell for Schools provides interactive, in-depth professional development for educators, in-person and live-online. Lindamood-Bell has pioneered programs to develop the imagery-language foundation that underlies reading, spelling, language comprehension, math, memory, and critical thinking.   Connect with LINDAMOOD-BELL (800) 233-1819  Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/lindamoodbell1 Download a Free Information Pack: https://lindamoodbell.com/for-schools?info-pack Listen to our Podcast: https://lindamoodbell.com/radio-podcast Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LindamoodBell Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Lindamoodbell Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindamoodbellofficial/

Dr. Rajesh Kana joined us to discuss current initiatives at the Cognition, Brain, and Autism Lab at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He researches individuals with autism and interventions that can affect learning and brain function. A study using the  Visualizing and Verbalizing program is now enrolling participants. For more information: www.cbra.ua.edu (205) 202-0616 cbralab@ua.edu  

Robert H. Pasternack, Ph.D. joins us to discuss educational topics, including learning loss and student mental health. Dr. Pasternack served as Assistant Secretary for the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) at the U.S. Department of Education.

Saskia Hostetler Lippy, M.D. is a psychiatrist and education advocate whose child received instruction at Lindamood-Bell. She provides insight into the entire process—starting with the value of the initial evaluation and recommendations.

In this episode, we welcome Sruti and Philip, Center Director and Associate Center Director of our Portland Learning Center. They share what drew them to Lindamood-Bell, and they discuss one of the most rewarding aspects of the job -  what it's like helping students learn to read and comprehend to their potential with our unique approach.

A mom shares her experience homeschooling during the COVID-19 pandemic and seeking help getting her daughter and son on track with reading. Despite her misgivings about virtual learning, she gave Lindamood-Bell Online Instruction a try. She describes the incredible growth they made and how the instructors kept them engaged and excited every step of the way.

We welcome Cindy Goldrich, Ed.M., ADHD-CCSP, to the podcast. Cindy is a mental health counselor, ADHD Certified Clinical Service Provider, and professional coach trainer. As an ADHD Specialist, she supports parents, educators, and other professionals in addressing the social and emotional impact ADHD & Executive Functioning have on learning, motivation, behavior, and the family system. www.PTScoaching.com

Robert H. Pasternack, Ph.D., former Assistant Secretary for the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) at the U.S. Department of Education Dr. Pasternack joins us with an authoritative perspective on the history and evolution of Response to Intervention (RtI). He describes how data-driven practices prevent learning gaps and improve student outcomes. Dr. Pasternack served as Assistant Secretary for the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) at the U.S. Department of Education.

Learning Center employee,  Gabrielle, describes what makes her work at Lindamood-Bell so inspiring. She shares what it's like, as a former Lindamood-Bell student,  to now be the one teaching kids how to reading and comprehend.  At Lindamood-Bell, we develop the imagery-language foundation for reading, spelling, language comprehension, math, memory, and critical thinking. Visit our career site, https://lindamoodbellcareers.silkroad.com/

  Director of Development, Dave Kiyvyra, describes how Lindamood-Bell professional development helps schools comply with state mandates on dyslexia. Lindamood-Bell for Schools helps increase student achievement through professional learning. Educators learn how to develop the imagery-language foundation that underlies reading, comprehension, and math. The evidence-based programs presented in Lindamood-Bell workshops address the needs of a wide variety of populations, including early learners and students diagnosed with dyslexia.

When a speech-language pathologist referred the family to Lindamood-Bell Academy, Peter's son, Bentley, had been struggling with literacy and attention for years. At Lindamood-Bell Academy, Bentley learned how to read and write to his potential—and experience success with school curriculum. Peter describes how the sensory-cognitive approach and positive, engaging instruction helped unlock learning for his resilient, remarkable son.

Robert struggled with literacy and comprehension his entire life. For years, he relied on his wife Lorinda whenever a task required reading or writing. Everything was about to change when 60-year-old Robert was presented with an inspiring volunteer opportunity. It would require training, including the successful completion of a college-level course. Anticipating the challenge, Robert enrolled at a Lindamood-Bell to improve his learning ability and prepare.  Lorinda and Robert describe his life-changing experience—how Visualizing and Verbalizing instruction "opened up his mind," and improved his communication skills and his ability to make decisions.

Lauren recently graduated from high school with honors. She starts college in the fall at a university where she will major in psychology.  She has come a long way since her elementary school days when she was a struggling reader who was the target of bullying.  Lauren and her mother, Donna, describe how she overcame adversity to become the thriving young person she is today.

In this episode, parents describe their son's speech delays and associated struggles. Direct stimulation of concept imagery at Lindamood-Bell improved his language comprehension and thinking. They noticed it in communication, academics, and everyday life.

Dr. Patrick Sayne, a former superintendent of Paso Robles Joint Unified School District currently serves as a consultant to California public schools. Dr. Sayne shared his perspective on post-pandemic schooling, reading instruction, community input on eduction, and the future of the teaching profession.

Robert Cardiff draws a direct line from the reading breakthroughs he experienced as a child at Lindamood-Bell to his current success as a technology executive. "I'm excited about the future of my life and that wouldn't have happened without my parents investing the time and money to go to Lindamood-Bell.” Robert is a passionate fundraiser for children's literacy and is a Lindamood-Bell Foundation board member. He joins us to discuss their efforts to provide Lindamood-Bell Learning Center scholarships to students in need. LindamoodBellFoundation.org