Teaching Literacy Podcast

Jake interviews Dr. Steve Graham of the Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation at Arizona State University Please write a short impact statement for Jake's USU review packet (and thank you!): https://forms.gle/QcUs8ciMcAy2yG6L6

Dr. Phil Capin joins the show to discuss 40 years of reading comprehension instruction. References: Capin, P., Dahl-Leonard, K., Hall, C., Yoon, N. Y., Cho, E., Chatzoglou, E., Reiley, S., Walker, M., Shanahan, E., Andress, T., & Vaughn, S. (2024). Reading Comprehension Instruction: Evaluating Our Progress Since Durkin's Seminal Study. Scientific Studies of Reading, 1–30. […]

Jake Downs talks with Dr. Blythe Anderson and Dr. John Strong about effective summer tutoring programs to prevent the summer slide in elementary reading. They discuss strategies such as small-group tutoring, differentiated instruction, and interactive read-alouds, based on multi-year research that shows significant gains in vocabulary, reading fluency, and foundational skills. The episode emphasizes the […]

Host Dr. Jake Downs is joined by Dr. Katherine O'Donnell, an Assistant Professor of Educational Psychology at the University of Utah, to discuss her research on student outcomes in states following the implementation of science of reading legislation. 03:02 Historical Context: Reading First Era09:37 Mississippi's Science of Reading Legislation17:02 Comparative Analysis of State Outcomes29:08 Impact […]

Dr. Danielle Colenbrander joins the show to discuss the benefits of morphology instruction with students. Reference:Colenbrander, D., Von Hagen, A., Kohnen, S., Wegener, S., Ko, K., Beyersmann, E., Behzadnia, A., Parrila, R., & Castles, A. (2024). The Effects of Morphological Instruction on Literacy Outcomes for Children in English-Speaking Countries: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Educational […]

Dr. Cherish Sarmiento joins the show to talk about how fifth and eighth grade students use academic language in their writing. Importantly, we learn that words with seven or more letters may be one way to quickly identify academic words. Reference: Sarmiento, C. M., Truckenmiller, A. J., Cho, E., & Wang, H. (2024). Academic language […]

In this episode, Jake is joined by Dr. Blythe Anderson to discuss her research with vocabulary instruction strategies. References: Anderson, B. E. (2024). Vocabulary Talk Moves: Using Language to Promote Word Learning. The Reading Teacher, 77(4), 439–452. https://doi.org/10.1002/trtr.2263 Anderson, B. E., Wright, T. S., & Gotwals, A. W. (2023). Teachers' Vocabulary Talk in Early-Elementary Science […]

In this episode, Dr. Marianne Rice joins Jake to discuss the different types of inferences and how teachers can support their students in generating inferences to enhance comprehension. For more information, be sure to check out literacy.io References:

Utah Educators — let's talk about fluency and comprehension!October 1 – Brigham CityOctober 7 – Salt Lake CityOctober 22 – St. George Make sure to sign up for both sessionsFluency: https://usbe.midaseducation.com/professional-development/courses/course/64621Comprehension: https://usbe.midaseducation.com/professional-development/courses/course/64623All sessions are free of charge and 7 relicensure hours will be credited for the full day. A big thanks to the Utah State […]

In this episode, Drs. Tricia Zucker and Sonia Cabell join Jake to discuss their “Strive-for-Five Conversations” strategy for promoting oral language development through simple, serve and return style conversations in the classroom. References: Strive-for-Five Conversations, by Tricia Zucker & Sonia Cabell Cabell, S. Q., & Zucker, T. A. (2023). Using Strive‐for‐Five Conversations to Strengthen Language […]

In this episode Dr. Jake Downs joins us to talk about his research on Synchronous Paired Oral Reading techniques. Guest hosted by Dr. Chase Young. Reference: Downs, J., & Mohr, K. A. J. (2024). A Multilevel Meta-Analysis of Synchronous Paired Oral Reading Techniques in Elementary Classrooms. Literacy Research and Instruction, 0(0), 1–28. https://doi.org/10.1080/19388071.2024.2319654 Downs, J., […]

Melissa Loftus and Lori Sappington join us on the show to discuss their recent book entitled “The Literacy 50: Real-World Answers to Questions About Reading That Keep You Up at Night” available through Scholastic. In this episode we discuss Melissa and Lori's experiences in the classroom, what led them to start a podcast, and what […]

My guests for this episode are here to discuss the role of dispositions, motivation, and agency within the classroom. Their names are Dr. Margaret Vaughn and Dr. Dixie Massey. Dr. Margaret Vaughn is a professor in the Department of Teaching and Learning at Washington State University and Dr. Dixie Massey teaches at Seattle Pacific University. […]

My guest today is here to talk to use about reading profiles and how to use them in your classroom. Her name is Dr. Louise Spear-Swerling and she is a Professor Emerita in the Department of Special Education at the Southern Connecticut State University. In this episode we talk about her recent book The Structured […]

You've probably heard about syntax. Maybe you've seen a slide in a presentation that showed a strand of rope labeled as syntax. Or perhaps you learned about sentence structure in school and completed assignments where you had to diagram sentences. But do we really know what syntax is, why it matters, and how to teach […]

Teaching reading comprehension is a challenging task. There are many different aspects to teaching reading comprehension and doing it well is a feat. My guests for this episode are here to help us teach reading comprehension better. Their names are Kristin Conradi Smith, Tamara Williams, and Ellen Frackelton. In this episode we cover what the […]

What is the relationship between teachers' knowledge, belief, self-efficacy, and instructional practice? My guest today studied 34 rural teachers to learn more. Her name is Dr. Karen Kehoe and she is the Director of Dyslexia Services at the Tennessee Center for the Study and Treatment of Dyslexia at Middle Tennessee State University.In this episode we […]

The last few years, it seems everyone's been talking about phonemic awareness – what works best, how to teach it right, and even how much of it students really need. Today, I've got two experts with me, Dr. Florina Erbeli and Dr. Marianne Rice, and they've been digging deep into these questions and more.Dr. Erbeli […]

Welcome to another episode of TLP! In this episode, we discuss assessments— their cost, time, and accuracy. Two guests, Dr. Courtenay Barrett and Dr. Adrea Truckenmiller, partnered with a school to explore these questions. Dr. Barrett is an assistant professor in the school psychology program at Michigan State University, and Dr. Truckenmiller is an associate […]

2023 was a great year here at TLP. I am looking forward to an even better 2024. To kick things off I've prepared a special episode where I discuss my New Year's resolution–thinking like a scientist. In this episode I describe what thinking like a scientist means, why it matters, and the three other frames […]

Dr. Evan Ortlieb joins us to discuss the 2023 edition of the What's Hot in Literacy survey. This survey was started by Dr. Jack Cassidy in 1997 and is now conducted by Dr. Ortlieb and Dr. Stephanie Grote-Garcia. In this episode we discuss what was hot, what is recieving increased interest, and should be hot. […]

Dr. Dana Robertson joins us to discuss his chapter “Explicit Instruction” in the book “Principles of Effective Literacy Instruction.” We discuss his evolution of thought around explicit instruction, how to balance engagement and being explicit, and discuss the how explicit instruction relates to the gradual release of responsibility. We would love it if you consider […]

Dr. Molly Ness joins us to discuss her recent book ‘Read Alouds for All Learners: A Comprehensive Plan for Every Subject, Every Day, Grades PreK–8.' In this episode we discuss the benefits, common misconceptions, steps for conducting a read aloud in your classroom and much more. Reference: Ness, M. (2023). Read Alouds for All Learners: […]

Dr. Margaret Vaughn and Dr. Seth Parsons join us to discuss their recent book “Accelerating Learning Recovery for All Students: Core Principles for Getting Literacy Growth Back on Track.” We discuss a range of topics including schoolwide action teams, MTSS, partnering with communities, and much more. I always learn a great deal from these two […]

Welcome to a new school year! I hope your summer was fantastic. In this episode I share what I've been up to, a bit of history about the podcast, and where the show is going. Be sure to check it out!

Dr. Young-Suk Grace Kim joins us on this episode to discuss the Direct and Indirect Effects Model of Reading (DIER). DIER builds on and adds to other models of reading (i.e., SVR or Scarborough's Rope). It encompasses a wide range of factors, including morphological awareness, text reading fluency, and higher-order cognitions, all integrated into a […]

In this episode of TLP, I am thrilled to have Dr. Shayne Piasta on the show. Dr. Piasta is a listener-favorite from Episode 37 and is joining us to discuss alphabet instruction. Our conversation comes from an excellent chapter she wrote in the newly-released Handbook on the Science of Early Literacy (Cabell et al., 2023). […]

Welcome to the show! In March 2022, the IES released a practice guide for teachers entitled “Providing Reading Interventions for Students in Grades 4-9” In this episode, I interview four of the panelists who wrote this guide–Dr. Deborah Reed, Dr. Jade Wexler, Dr. Kimberly St. Martin, and Dr. Joe Dimino. This episode is jam-packed of […]

Thanks for a great 2022! Looking forward to TLP in 2023! In this episode, I talk about alignment between preschool writing standards and early elementary writing standards in state that adopted the Common Core. My guest is Laura Tortorelli who is an assistant professor in the Department of Teacher Education at Michigan State University. Highlights […]

Welcome to another episode of TLP! This is a fantastic episode where Dr. Danielle Colenbrander breaks down for us irregular words and what we know about these words from research. Dr. Colenbrander is a post-doctoral research fellow at Macquarie University and the lead author of two recent articles we discuss in the episode. A big […]

This is a great interview that covers a lot of ground. We discuss teacher content/pedagogical knowledge, phonological awareness instruction, and phonics instruction, why it all matters, and what it means for instruction. My guests are Dr. Shayne Piasta from the Ohio State University and Dr. Alida Hudson from Texas A&M University A big thanks to […]

Welcome to a new school year! This is a fantastic interview to kick things off. In this episode I am talking with Dr. Courtney Hattan and Dr. Sarah Lupo about knowledge, what it means for reading comprehension, and how to think about leveraging knowledge in the classroom. I am also excited to announce that there […]

Welcome to this episode of TLP! My guest is Dr. Kathleen Brown who directs the reading clinic in the college of education at the University of Utah. Her work focuses on beginning reading instruction, word recognition, instruction, comprehension, instruction, intervention models for at-risk and struggling readers, and teacher professional development in reading instruction and intervention. […]

Welcome to this episode of TLP! My guest is Dr. Devin Kearns, who is an Associate Professor of Special Education in the department of Educational Psychology at the University of Connecticut. Dr. Kearns's research focuses on reading disability, including dyslexia and school-aged children with an emphasis on linking educational practice to cognitive science. In this […]

In this episode I interview Dr. Louise Spear-Swerling about her new book Structured Literacy Interventions: Teaching Students With Reading Difficulties Grades K-6. Dr. Louise Spear-Swerling is a professor emerita in the department of special education at Southern Connecticut State University. Her research interests have focused on reading development, literacy difficulties, and how teacher knowledge connects […]

Maybe you have bought materials from Teachers Pay Teachers to use in your classroom. Or maybe you borrowed curriculum from another teacher that you used to supplement your instruction in the classroom. This is supplemental curriculum at work and my guest today has some interesting findings about this phenomenon.His name is Daniel Silver and he […]

Today's guest is a returning guest. I'm very excited to re-interview on the show, Dr. Margaret Vaughn. Dr. Vaughn is an associate professor in the College of Education at Washington State University. Dr. Vaughn recently completed a systematic review of teacher visioning in a systematic review, which forms the basis of our conversation today. I […]

Welcome to a new year! In this episode I invited Dr. Zoi Philippakos associate professor in the College of Education at the University of Knoxville, Tennessee to discuss her recent book Developing Strategic Young Writers Through Genre Instruction Resouces for Grades K-2. It's a great book, she also has a related book for 3-5 that […]

2021 was fantastic! Looking forward to a great year of literacy in 2022!

I'm very excited about today's episode today. My guest is Dr. Dan Reynolds, he is an assistant professor of English and literacy education at John Carroll university. He does a lot of work with scaffolding texts and, helping support students in complex texts. But today we're talking specifically about updated recommendations for adolescent literacy. In […]

Identifying text structure is an important element of the Common Core State Standards, but what does research say about what it is and how it should be taught? Dr. John Z. Strong is back on the show today to talk about these questions. He developed and investigated an intervention called ‘Read STOP Write' to support […]

Thank you for your continued support with the podcast! My goal is to publish two episodes a month, I would love some help to make that happen. Two things I am looking for: #1 Someone willing to help me with backend work. This includes audio editing, uploading, and show notes. I can show you how! […]

As educators, we are constantly trying to hone our craft. However, what types of knowledge do teachers need to develop further expertise, and how do we gain that knowledge? My guests on this episode co-wrote a chapter in the recent book, “Principles of Effective Literacy Instruction” (see E 24) that tackles that very subject. Their […]

Welcome to another episode of the Teaching Literacy Podcast! In this episode, Dr. Tim Rasinski and Dr. Chase Young answer YOUR questions on reading fluency. We sent out a questionnaire in July for educators to submit questions about reading fluency. A big thanks to all who submitted questions, we received a worldwide response. I hope […]

Welcome to this episode of the Teaching Literacy Podcast! In this episode Dr. Steve Graham joins me on the show to discuss research on the benefits of integrating reading and writing instruction. We talk research, theory, and practice. This episode has lots of great takeaways for your classroom- this is a show you won't want […]

Have a reading fluency question? We want to hear it! Dr. Tim Rasinski and Dr. Chase Young are joining me on the show to answer YOUR questions about reading. Interested? Copy and paste this link into your browser to submit your question: https://forms.gle/SQr4ay7ixZpNvW1s5 You have until July 23 to submit your question. Tune in in […]

Welcome to another episode! I am very fortunate to be joined by Dr. Seth Parsons in this episode. Dr. Parsons is a professor at George Mason University and recently co-edited a book with Dr. Margaret Vaughn entitled “Principles of Effective Literacy Instruction K-5.” The book is an excellent read- the 22 chapters are short, to […]

What do eye movements tell us about reading comprehension? In this episode I talk with Drs. Kit and Eric Mohr about eye tracking evidence that supports goal directing reading. Image of Figure 1, referenced in the discussion Reference: Mohr, K. A. J., Downs, J. D., & Mohr, E. S. (2020). Mindful Reading: Eye-Tracking Evidence for […]

Welcome back to the Teaching Literacy Podcast! This is a fantastic interview to get us rolling again. Today I welcome Dr. Sarah K. Clark to discuss a series of studies she completed that integrated literacy and science instruction. Disciplinary Literacy Learning Modules from the Annenberg Foundation: References: Clark, S. K., Judd, E., Smith, L. K., […]

Welcome to part 3 of 3 of this mini-series on thinking about comprehension. Strategy instruction is a key component of many classrooms, what what does research indicate about its effectiveness? Check out this episode to find out!

There’s several popular models of reading comprehension that are frequently talked about, such as Gough and Turner’s Simple View of Reading or Scarborough’s Rope. I enjoy these models and think they have a lot to tell us about reading comprehension. However, my favorite model of reading comprehension, and the one that I think has the […]