Podcasts about early literacy

Kumar Garg, President of Renaissance Philanthropy, rejoins host Mike Palmer for his third appearance on Trending in Ed, earning his highly coveted refrigerator magnet. Kumar discusses RenPhil's growth and its mission to help donors invest effectively in science and technology research areas like AI, climate, and education. Big If True: The conversation explores the concept of "Big If True" and the Big If True Science (BITS) accelerator. This framework focuses on transformative ideas that can have a tangible impact on a field within a three to five-year timeline. Rather than funding incremental research, BITS encourages researchers to identify the biggest goals that would make a real difference in the world if achieved. LEVI Literacy Initiative: A major focus of the episode is the Learning Engineering Virtual Institute (LEVI) Literacy Initiative. This $100 million program aims to cut the number of struggling early readers in half within the school districts where it operates. Kumar explains how improved AI diagnostics can identify speech impediments and learning disabilities much earlier than current methods, allowing for intervention before students fall behind in the third grade. A key technical challenge involves improving Automated Speech Recognition (ASR) for children. Current models are significantly less accurate for younger voices and noisy classrooms compared to adult speech. By building better datasets and benchmarks, researchers can create AI tools that serve as screeners to help speech pathologists and educators provide more tailored services early on, to ensure kids are on track by key 3rd grade literacy milestones. Learning Engineering: The episode also covers learning engineering, a field that treats the act of instruction as a systems-level challenge. Kumar highlights the dynamic dosing model from Carnegie Mellon, which combines human tutoring with digital AI tools to provide personalized learning. This hybrid approach allows students to advance at their own pace while keeping a human instructor available to manage motivation and technical hurdles. Time Stamps: 00:00 Welcome back to Kumar Garg and the refrigerator magnet 03:55 The Big If True Science accelerator framework 05:48 Launching the LEVI Literacy Initiative to help early readers 08:18 Fixing the speech recognition gap for young children 14:48 Applying learning engineering to system-level breakthroughs 22:15 Safety as an accelerant for technological innovation 30:23 Dynamic dosing and the future of human and AI tutoring Subscribe to Trending in Ed on your favorite podcast platform to stay updated on the future of learning. Visit Renaissance Philanthropy at renphil.org to learn more about their newly launched LEVI Literacy Fund and other initiatives.

In Season 11 Episode 10 of Learning Can't Wait, Hayley Spira‑Bauer is joined by Alicia Meyers, an early childhood educator and children's book author, for a rich conversation about teaching, literacy, and neurodiversity. Alicia shares her journey as a lifelong teacher, her experiences teaching in urban classrooms in Washington, D.C., and how the COVID era inspired her to begin writing. She discusses her newest picture book, Tickerific Me, which celebrates Tourette Syndrome and neurodiversity, alongside her practical guide for educators and families, The A to Z Teaching Toolkit. Throughout the episode, Alicia emphasizes the importance of representation, balance in early literacy instruction, and creating classrooms where children feel seen, confident, and empowered as readers and writers.

On this week's episode, Mike Petrilli is joined by David Griffith and Brian Fitzpatrick to discuss Fordham's latest report, From the Teacher's Desk: A Science of Reading Progress Report. Drawing on a nationally representative survey of K–3 teachers, they examine what educators understand about reading instruction, how state policies are shaping classroom practice, and where progress has been made. The takeaway: While many teachers are embracing the science of reading, gaps in knowledge and implementation remain.Then on the Research Minute, Amber Northern examines new evidence on student attendance, finding that most variation is driven by student characteristics rather than school districts, raising important questions about policies that tie funding to average daily attendance.Recommended content: From the Teacher's Desk: A Science of Reading Progress Report —David Griffith and Brian Fitzpatrick, Thomas B. Fordham InstituteWonkathon 2025 Anthology: What comes next for the science of reading? —Edited by Brandon L. Wright and Elainah Elkins, Thomas B. Fordham InstituteImperfect Attendance: Toward a fairer measure of student absenteeism —Jing Liu, Ph.D., Thomas B. Fordham InstituteHow Large are District Effects on Student Attendance? Implications for School Funding Based on Average Daily Attendance David S. Knight and Mark Olofson, EdWorkingPapers (2026)Feedback Welcome: Have ideas for improving our show? We would love to hear them. Send them to thegadfly@fordhaminstitute.org

This episode of The Rural Voice podcast features a conversation with Superintendent Tracy Kingsley and teacher Ashley Wood from the Newburgh R2 School District in rural Missouri, highlighting how a structured literacy coaching initiative transformed early reading outcomes in their schools. In response to post-COVID learning loss, teacher inexperience, and inconsistent literacy instruction, the district partnered with TNTP to implement a coaching model grounded in the science of reading. The approach emphasized collaboration over evaluation, with coaches working directly alongside teachers through classroom visits, modeling, and ongoing feedback. This support led to curriculum changes, stronger alignment between grade levels, and significant gains in foundational literacy skills, including a dramatic increase in first-grade reading proficiency. District leadership played a key role by prioritizing professional development, protecting instructional time, and fostering teacher buy-in through trust and shared decision-making. The discussion also underscores the importance of family engagement, data-driven assessment, and long-term sustainability planning in small rural districts. More broadly, the episode frames literacy coaching as a scalable, high-impact strategy while raising concerns about funding, policy pressures, and the future of rural education. Bios Tracy Kingsley is the Superintendent of the Newburg R-II School District and is currently in her third year in that role. She brings 30 years of experience in public education, including 18 years as an elementary teacher, one year as a reading coach, and 11 years in administration. Her background reflects a sustained focus on literacy, instruction, and school leadership in rural education settings. Ashley Wood is a kindergarten teacher at Newburg R-II School District, currently in her second year of teaching and her second year in the kindergarten classroom. Prior to becoming a teacher, she spent two years working as an Early Childhood Special Education paraprofessional in Rolla immediately after high school. She is currently completing her bachelor's degree in early childhood education and is set to graduate in May.

Send us Fan MailIf your child can talk for days but freezes the moment a pencil hits paper, the problem might not be “motivation” or “attention.” It might be handwriting. We sit down with educator and curriculum designer Holly Britton, founder of Squiggle Squad, to unpack why handwriting instruction is a core building block for literacy, written expression, and confident learning, especially in the early elementary years. We get specific about what handwriting really is: a transcription skill that has to become automatic so kids can use their brain power for planning, organizing, and revising. Holly explains how fine motor skills and cognitive language skills develop together, why the brain treats writing-by-hand differently than speaking, and how overlapping literacy systems make handwriting more than a nice-to-have. We also talk directionality and why early motor patterns can lock in for years, plus a practical example that can help prevent b and d reversals by teaching consistent start points. Then we zoom out to what developmentally appropriate learning looks like. Holly shares the Squiggle Squad approach of teaching a small set of pre-writing strokes first through gross motor play and finger tracing, before asking young kids to form letters on paper. We also tackle a real classroom issue: kids rarely see adults handwrite anymore, and screen-based “handwriting” demos often fail to model the actual tool, grip, and movement children need to copy. If you care about early literacy, child development, fine motor skills, and practical handwriting tips for parents and teachers, you'll leave with clear next steps and a simple chalk challenge you can do today. Subscribe, share this with a parent or educator, and leave a review with your biggest handwriting question so we can cover it next.Support the showSJ CHILDS - SOCIALS & WEBSITE MASTER LISTWEBSITES- Stream-Able Live — https://www.streamable.live-COMING SOON- The SJ Childs Global Network — https://www.sjchilds.org- The SJ Childs Show Podcast Page — https://www.sjchildsshow.comYOUTUBE- The SJ Childs Show — https://www.youtube.com/@sjchildsshow- Louie Lou (Cats Channel) — https://www.youtube.com/@2catslouielouFACEBOOK- Personal Profile — https://www.facebook.com/sara.gullihur.bradford- Business Page — https://www.facebook.com/sjchildsllc- The SJ Childs Global Network — https://www.facebook.com/sjchildsglobalnetwork- The SJ Childs Show — https://www.facebook.com/SJChildsShowINSTAGRAM- https://www.instagram.com/sjchildsllc/TIKTOK- https://www.tiktok.com/@sjchildsllcLINKEDIN- https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjchilds/PODCAST PLATFORMS- Spotify — https://open.spotify.com/show/4qgD3ZMOB2unfPxqacu3cC- Apple Podcasts — https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sj-childs-show/id1548143291CONTACT EMAIL- sjchildsllc@gmail.com

Connection is central to our core values at Encompass. We recognize the deep need we, as humans, have to feel seen, known, and valued. In this episode of our Parent Talks podcast, we sit down with Encompass Early Literacy Specialist Ana Malloy. Ana shares how our ParentChild+ program helps caregivers and children connect over the joy of shared discovery through books, toys, and intentional time together. It's the ‘aha' moment when caregivers realize even simple activities can be meaningful and create lasting impact.

Ep.162VALUE

This edWeb podcast is sponsored by Learning Ally. You can access the webinar recording here.Unlock actionable leadership strategies that shift school cultures toward equity, early literacy success, and transformative outcomes for all students. In this powerful edWeb podcast, award-winning educator Hilderbrand Pelzer III draws on over three decades of experience as a school leader and author of Unlocking Potential, including organizing one of the largest correctional education programs in the U.S., to illustrate how educational systems can interrupt the school-to-prison pipeline by strengthening literacy instruction and expectations for every learner.Listeners explore how systemic leadership decisions shaped by culture, expectations, and instructional priorities directly impact student trajectories, particularly for underserved learners. Through compelling real-world examples and research-aligned insights, Hilderbrand reframes the role of literacy not just as an academic milestone, but as a core lever for equity and opportunity.Learning objectives include:Explore the correlation between early literacy difficulties, prolonged disengagement, and eventual involvement with the criminal justice systemIdentify leadership practices that foster high expectations and equitable instructional systemsLearn strategies school leaders can implement to support teachers in delivering evidence-based literacy instructionRecognize structural barriers and opportunities to transform school culture toward inclusive successYou gain the inspiration and actionable strategies needed to reshape your school culture. Equip yourself to support your most vulnerable populations, reduce dropout rates, and ensure every student has the opportunity to thrive—not just survive. This edWeb podcast is of interest to K-12 school leaders, district leaders, education technology leaders, and librarians.Learning AllyUnlocking Student Potential Through Improved LiteracyDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Learn more about viewing live edWeb presentations and on-demand recordings, earning CE certificates, and using accessibility features.

Bongani Bingwa speaks to Dr Nompumelelo Mohohlwane, Director of the Reading Directorate at the National department of basic education, as the Africa Report turns its focus to early literacy in the classroom. Early literacy skills are a strong predictor of future reading achievement and overall school success. Spelling plays a key role in this development, helping children understand the connection between letters and sounds and improving their ability to decode words and express ideas through writing. As young learners from across the continent prepare to compete in an African spelling competition next week, the discussion explores how South African learners compare with their peers and what is being done to strengthen reading outcomes. 702 Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa is broadcast on 702, a Johannesburg based talk radio station. Bongani makes sense of the news, interviews the key newsmakers of the day, and holds those in power to account on your behalf. The team bring you all you need to know to start your day Thank you for listening to a podcast from 702 Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays from 06:00 and 09:00 (SA Time) to Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa broadcast on 702: https://buff.ly/gk3y0Kj For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/36edSLV or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/zEcM35T Subscribe to the 702 Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/v5mfetc Follow us on social media: 702 on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TalkRadio702 702 on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@talkradio702 702 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkradio702/ 702 on X: https://x.com/Radio702 702 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@radio7See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bongani Bingwa speaks to Dr Nompumelelo Mohohlwane, Director of the Reading Directorate at the National department of basic education, as the Africa Report turns its focus to early literacy in the classroom. Early literacy skills are a strong predictor of future reading achievement and overall school success. Spelling plays a key role in this development, helping children understand the connection between letters and sounds and improving their ability to decode words and express ideas through writing. As young learners from across the continent prepare to compete in an African spelling competition next week, the discussion explores how South African learners compare with their peers and what is being done to strengthen reading outcomes. 702 Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa is broadcast on 702, a Johannesburg based talk radio station. Bongani makes sense of the news, interviews the key newsmakers of the day, and holds those in power to account on your behalf. The team bring you all you need to know to start your day Thank you for listening to a podcast from 702 Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays from 06:00 and 09:00 (SA Time) to Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa broadcast on 702: https://buff.ly/gk3y0Kj For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/36edSLV or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/zEcM35T Subscribe to the 702 Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/v5mfetc Follow us on social media: 702 on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TalkRadio702 702 on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@talkradio702 702 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkradio702/ 702 on X: https://x.com/Radio702 702 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@radio7See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Stokes, Elias Tsapelas, and Avery Frank join Zach Lawhorn to break down the latest from the 2026 Missouri legislative session, including updates on the push to eliminate Missouri's income tax. They also discuss why the film tax credit doesn't work out for Missouri taxpayers, which provisions of the early literacy bills are still moving forward, the growing debate over data center incentives and energy demands, and more. Produced by Show-Me Opportunity

Leah Ruesink is an early literacy coach and adjunct professor based in Michigan. She supports K–3 teachers in implementing research-aligned reading instruction and provides science-backed literacy guidance to educators, coaches, and families. Through her work in schools, writing, and online, Leah helps bridge the gap between literacy research and everyday classroom practice.In this episode, Leah and I talk about the importance of early literacy intervention to ensure students stick at the pace they need. We also get into the need for systematic, explicit phonics programs and business owners building their brand. For all links and resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.educatorforever.com/episode174.

This month's episode is focused on sharing about the Early Literacy Success Grant for Oregon schools and the High Dosage Tutoring being provided for our youngest students throughout HSD. We look forward to learning more about the research and science based interventions, curriculum design, training opportunities for HSD staff, and student success stories!  We know that the early years are critical for the educational experience of our students. Let's hear from some of our dedicated educators who are taking this investment seriously and creating opportunities for our kids and staff along the way!Episode Host: Kim Bayer, HR TOSAFeatured staff:Jaime GoldsteinAngie FosterLaura PlomerHave you had any experience with Early Literacy techniques?Share your questions and experiences here ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HR High Five Podcast Feedback⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Show-Me Institute Audio Briefs features audio versions of select articles, commentary, and publications from the Show-Me Institute. Learn more at showmeinstitute.org. Produced by Show-Me Opportunity This episode was produced using AI-generated narration.

A library program working to help the community with early literacy skills. Plan a trip to Wisconsin's first skating ribbon. How to celebrate Black History Month by combining poetry and stargazing.

The earliest years of development are the most important for learning, especially in the world of literacy. However, rather than merely told what to learn, child-led play is helping kids learn naturally through active movement and learning experiences. CESA 2 Early Literacy Consultant Nicole Aldworth chats with Stacy Benge, international speaker and author of the book, The Whole Child Alphabet: How Young Children Actually Develop Literacy, on how to best tackle literacy acquisition.Learn all about Stacy Benge: ⁠https://www.stacybenge.com/Check out the book, The Whole Child Alphabet:How Young Children Actually Develop Literacy: https://www.stacybenge.com/bookContact Nicole Aldworth: https://cesa2.org/contactSubscribe to our CESA 2 podcast email list!: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/S091xli/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠Check out all our episodes at ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://cesa2.org/building-educator-capacity-podcast

In this episode of NorCal Champions for Kids, we're breaking new ground on a topic that matters for families, educators, and community champions across Northern California: Early Literacy in Rural Communities.We dive deep into provocative conversations and bold questions, the kind that make you rethink assumptions and spark action.Hot Take #1: “Book deserts hit rural communities harder than food deserts — but we talk about them less.”In cities and towns across the country, discussions about food deserts have dominated headlines and policy actions. But what about book deserts, places where families struggle to access books, reading materials, and literacy resources? We explore:Why book access is essential infrastructure for children's development.How limited access to books affects vocabulary growth, school readiness, and lifelong learning.What it means for rural counties like Shasta and Tehama — where long distances, few libraries, and limited bookstores create real barriers families face every day. Hot Take #2: “Home literacy matters more than preschool literacy in rural communities.”Formal preschool programs are vital, but what happens when they simply aren't accessible due to geography, cost, or capacity? In rural places, early literacy often starts at home. So should we rethink where and how we invest?We unpack:The case for parent coaching over classroom hours alone.The power of book distribution programs and in-home reading support.How home visiting programs can meet families where they are — literally and figuratively.Whether funding should pivot to support literacy strategies that work within rural realities, not just urban models. We also explore questions like:Is access to books a civil right?Can community champions step in where systems fall short?How can innovative programs create literacy ecosystems rooted in rural strengths rather than deficits?Whether you're a parent, educator, policymaker, or community supporter, this episode will give you new ways to think, and act, on early literacy for every child, everywhere. Tune in, join the conversation, and help us champion a future where every child in NorCal has the books, support, and opportunities they deserve.

Fan Mail: Tell Wendy how you're saying yes to yourself!New in 2026: Space to Dream Retreats Around the World What if your next chapter could begin in a beautiful city, with a few quiet hours just for you?Space to Dream is a half-day, in-person workshop experience designed to help you step out of the noise and into a moment of intentional pause—one that invites clarity, softness, and possibility. Hosted in inspiring destinations around the world, this experience is for women ready to say yes to what's next.

On this episode of Trending in Ed with Mike Palmer, unlock the secrets of the reading brain and the future of educational technology in this deep dive with Dr. Ola Ozernov-Palchik. A researcher at Boston University's Wheelock College of Education and Human Development and MIT's McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Dr. Ola sits at the cutting edge of cognitive neuroscience and the science of reading.

Jan. 13, 2026- Consultant Jenn O'Connor and Marion Waldman, executive director of Teach My Kid to Read, make the case for state grants to libraries so they can fill the gaps in efforts to promote early literacy.

Send us a textWhat if the most powerful thing we could give young children is time to play?Early childhood expert Rae Pica joins Dr. Diane for a candid conversation about why play, movement, and joy are essentials, not extras -- and how rushing children into academics is doing real harm.

Heather Bernt-Santy, author of "Using Schema Play Theory to Advocate for Free Play in Early Childhood" has been living her commitment to children, their families and their teachers for over 30 years. You may know Heather from her work as the host of the popular early care and education podcast "That Early Childhood Nerd," but she also loves her work as a speaker, consultant, writer and professor. She has held just about every position possible in the field of early care and education: teacher, director, family child care provider, education director—you name it, she's probably tried it! Heather is an enthusiastic believer in children's right to play and of the research that tells us play IS right.  Amy Reyes has been serving in the Early Childhood space in Wyoming for many years and plays an important role in bridging gaps in ECE across the United States. She is an expert in Early Learning, with specializations in Social Emotional Learning specifically digital tech wellness, Outdoor Learning and Early Literacy. She has over 26 years of combined experience in child development and early childhood education, with expertise in leadership, strategic planning, inclusion models and transformational change. Amy spent her career as a Head Start Director also spending a good portion of her career as a kindergarten teacher. Amy holds degrees in Elementary Education with an endorsement in Early Childhood Education, Outdoor Learning and Education, Child Development, and Organizational Leadership with a minor in law. Amy currently works as the State of Wyoming's State Early Learning and Literacy Specialist with the Wyoming Department of Education.  Amy is an advocate for outdoor learning and emotional intelligence regarding digital tech addiction. She has integrated outdoor learning into over 200 classrooms across her home state of Wyoming with the Get Wild Wyoming Initiative. Amy is an early childhood speaker and motivator who firmly believes children learn best in outdoor learning settings where they are able to self regulate through natural colors, shapes, sounds, feelings and most importantly disconnected from devices. 

Send us a textJoin hosts Alex Sarlin, Ben Wallerstein, and Matt Tower for Week in Edtech, exploring OpenAI's teacher certifications, kids' online safety legislation, early literacy declines, college admissions pressures, and what remains irreplaceable in education as AI advances.✨ Episode Highlights[00:03:00] OpenAI launches teacher certifications, expanding into K–12 [00:05:00] Big Tech credentials raise control and gatekeeping concerns [00:07:55] Doubts emerge around certifying AI pedagogy [00:12:40] Google and OpenAI intensify competition for schools [00:14:15] Congress advances online safety bills affecting edtech [00:19:15] COPPA changes threaten AI personalization [00:24:05] Parent reading declines deepen literacy gaps [00:26:45] Early childhood remains underfunded despite high impact [00:31:15] College admissions lean further into yield management [00:33:10] AI reshapes admissions essay review [00:36:20] Trust in higher education continues to fall [00:40:40] Education systems face pressure to adapt Plus, special guests: [00:45:30] Maya Bialik, Founder of QuestionWell, and Peter Nilsson, Founder of Athena Lab, on their book Irreplaceable: How AI Changes Everything (and Nothing) in Teaching and Learning [01:11:16] Emily Gill, Co-Founder & COO of LEVRA, on AI simulations for human skills development

Explore Greenville County Libraries' early literacy resources. Discover free library programs for children, expert parenting tips, and tools for kindergarten readiness.Episode Resources:Explore the Greenville County Library System's Events CalendarLearn more about Dolly Parton's Imagination LibraryLearn more about Public Education PartnersLearn more about Greenville First StepsSimple Civics:Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good GreenvilleGet in touchSupport Simple Civics with a tax-deductible contributionSign up for the Simple Civics newsletter.View our entire catalogueSimple Civics: Greenville County is produced by Podcast Studio X.

Susan Pendergrass is joined by Cory Koedel, director of education policy at the Show-Me Institute, and Avery Frank, policy analyst at the Show-Me Institute, to discuss Missouri's early literacy crisis. They walk through the need for a universal reading screener, the evidence behind third grade retention, why banning three cueing matters, how teacher preparation programs must change to align with the science of reading, what successful states like Mississippi have done, what Missouri's current laws get wrong, and more. Produced by Show-Me Opportunity

This edWeb podcast is sponsored by Khan Academy Kids.The webinar recording can be accessed here.Family engagement is one of the highest-leverage ways to accelerate early literacy and math—when it fits real families' time, languages, and routines. In this edWeb podcast, moderated by Allison Leedie, School Partnerships—Khan Academy Kids and former educator and literacy coach, with guests from School City of Hobart, Lori Anderson, Director of Elementary Curriculum, and Sara Gutierrez, Director of Early Learning, PreK–2 educators explore practical strategies that connect school and home.You learn to:Launch weekly home routines for phonological awareness, vocabulary, and early numeracyAdapt multilingual, family-friendly messages and visual guides caregivers can use tomorrowAlign centers and take-home activities so families see and reinforce priority skillsTrack progress with simple checks and celebrate growth to sustain engagementListeners leave with strategies that can be put into action on the very next day, and a district example from Hobart that shows how small habits build big gains—while honoring diverse caregivers and busy schedules. This edWeb podcast is of interest to PreK-2 teachers, school leaders, and district leaders.Khan Academy KidsInspire a lifetime of learning and discovery with our fun educational program for kids ages 2 - 8.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Learn more about viewing live edWeb presentations and on-demand recordings, earning CE certificates, and using accessibility features.

Emily Cadiz is a teacher, musician, mom of three, and founder of Prelude Early Learning, home of Finnegan the Dragon. After a traumatic brain injury left her needing to relearn how to talk and walk, she rebuilt her skills through music and singing—an experience that inspired Prelude's music-based approach to teaching language and pre-reading. With 20+ years in education and master's degrees in education, special education, and music, Emily has created an NIH-supported program that's shown up to 250% growth in early literacy skills. In our talk, Emily dives deep into her accident and her history as an educator. She emphasizes why she advocates for inclusive music in classrooms, rather than traditional speech therapy. She also has some great advice for those transitioning from education to entrepreneurship.For all links and resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.educatorforever.com/episode163.

David Stokes, Elias Tsapelas, and Avery Frank join host Zach Lawhorn to outline what a responsible plan to eliminate Missouri's income tax should include, from revenue triggers and spending restraint to rethinking other taxes. They also break down St. Louis County's Bill 182 expanding prevailing wage and DBE mandates, Independence's proposed TIF package for a new Wally's gas station and what it says about corporate welfare, Missouri's early literacy crisis and reforms like a universal third grade reading screener, mandatory retention, and banning three cueing, and what they are watching next on prefiled tax bills, data center policy, and rising property tax bills across the state. Produced by Show-Me Opportunity

In the third grade, students transition from learning to read to reading to learn. But there's a problem in Delaware.Gov. Matt Meyer declared a literacy emergency earlier this year after eighth grade reading scores showed Delaware students saw their lowest scores in almost three decades.Statewide assessments in earlier grades tell a similar story, with proficiency rates at a standstill.Delaware's Secretary of Education Cindy Marten says literacy makes a world of a difference for students' life outcomes, and that's why she and Gov. Meyer put together their Early Literacy Plan.Delaware Public Media's Abigail Lee sat down with Marten to talk about the plan.

This edWeb podcast is sponsored by ESGI: A Riverside Insights Solution.The edLeader Panel recording can be accessed here.Reaching ambitious early literacy goals requires more than just the right curriculum—it takes the right framework to align your people, data, and assessments. In this edWeb podcast, you learn how short cycles of high-frequency formative assessment can drive big gains in literacy by giving educators actionable insights in real time.Hear from district leaders, superintendents, and literacy experts as they discuss using short, formative assessment cycles to drive successful literacy implementations. You walk away with the insights and tips to get all your district's key players aligned on a macro and micro level with:One established data languageOne set of assessmentsTargeted literacy goalsThis edWeb podcast is of interest to PreK-5 school leaders, district leaders, literacy directors and coordinators, and curriculum directors.ESGI, a Riverside Insights SolutionESGI supports early elementary educators in assessing and monitoring foundational skill developmentDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Learn more about viewing live edWeb presentations and on-demand recordings, earning CE certificates, and using accessibility features.

Katie Rast, CEO of the Dr. Seuss Foundation, chats about the Foundation's focus on advancing early literacy development through strategic community partnerships and investments that inspire learning, spark imagination, and expand opportunities for all children.  Rast talks about the Foundation's commitment to ensure that children develop a lifelong love of reading.About Spotlight and Cloudcast Media  "Spotlight On The Community" is the longest running community podcast in the country, continuously hosted by Drew Schlosberg for 19 years.  "Spotlight" is part of Cloudcast Media's line-up of powerful local podcasts, telling the stories, highlighting the people, and celebrating the gravitational power of local.   For more information on Cloudcast and its shows and cities served, please visit www.cloudcastmedia.us. Cloudcast Media | the national leader in local podcasting.   About Mission Fed Credit Union  A community champion for over 60 years, Mission Fed Credit Union with over $6 billion in member assets, is the Sponsor of Spotlight On The Community, helping to curate connectivity, collaboration, and catalytic conversations.  For more information on the many services for San Diego residents, be sure to visit them at https://www.missionfed.com/

What if the behavior issues in your classroom weren't about defiance—but about reading? In this powerful episode, we talk with Hildebrand Pelzer III, a former prison principal turned education advocate, about how early literacy is the key to preventing the school to prison pipeline. This is a conversation every teacher and school leader needs to hear.In this episode, we'll talk about:Why reading failure—not behavior—is at the root of the school to prison pipeline.How to reframe classroom misbehavior as a cry for academic help.The role school leaders play in supporting science-backed instruction.Practical ways to use reading data to intervene early and effectively.Why investing in early reading instruction is a moral and professional imperative.Show LinksHilderbrand Pelzer III Website / LinkedIn / InstagramJoin Malia on Instagram.Become a Science of Reading Formula member!Rate, Review, and FollowIf you loved this episode, please take a minute to rate and review my show! That helps the podcast world know that this show is worth sharing with other educators just like you.Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review". Then let me know what you loved most about the episode!While you're there, be sure to follow the podcast. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and I don't want you to miss out! Follow right here.

How early is too early for literacy? It is never too early! This article and podcast episode explore the significance of early literacy from the prenatal period onwards. Drawing on brain development research and practical strategies, it highlights the power of narration, modelling, and bonding through books—laying strong foundations for language and a lifelong love of reading.   Read the article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/extremely-early-literacy/   This episode is in partnership with Male Childcare and Teaching Jobs.   Male Childcare and Teaching Jobs advocate for greater male participation in education and caregiving roles, offering support and guidance to enhance gender inclusion in nurseries and schools.   To find out more visit: https://malechildcareandteachingjobs.co.uk/   Listen to more: If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like to hear more at https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/articles/men-in-early-childhood/   Our 2026 conference info & tickets: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-years-conference-2026/   Get in touch and share your voice: Do you have thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/   Episode break down: 00:00 – Welcome! 01:30 – New host introduction 04:00 – United for Literacy Initiative 05:00 – Dolly Parton's Imagination Library 08:45 – Prenatal early literacy 13:15 – The 30 million word gap 14:20 – Language immersion through narration 16:00 – You can never spoil a baby 17:10 – Book prescriptions by physicians 18:40 – Instilling a love for books early 20:00 – Books for babies 23:00 – Creating dedicated reading spaces 26:00 – Diversity & representation in books 30:00 – Screens vs physical books 35:45 – Presence & teachable moments 39:45 – Reading doesn't start at age 3+ 41:00 – PreemieWorld Foundation – supporting premature babies 43:00 – Future episodes For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

For this episode, I speak to Maya Smart, an early literacy advocate, parent educator and author of Reading for Our Lives: The Urgency of Early Literacy and the Action Plan to Help Your Child. She's affiliated faculty at Marquette University and holds degrees from Harvard and Northwestern. Her website MayaSmart.com features weekly book picks some playful learning ideas and free tools to help parents grow as their children's first teachers. We get into how she became in reading and why she wanted to research early literacy. We dive into her research, which found disparity in reading achievement between black and white kids. We also spend time discussing her book and how she wrote it. Take notes, it's a good one!For all links and resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.educatorforever.com/episode154.

Send us a textThis week we're talking with the Georgia Foundation of Early Care and Learning about a new round of Early Literacy Alignment Mini-Grants. With up to $5,000 in funding, these grants bring public elementary schools and local child care programs together to foster innovative, vertically aligned literacy practices.  Joining us to talk about the Early Literacy Alignment Mini-Grants is Laura Wagner, Executive Director of the Georgia Foundation for Early Care and Learning, and Paige Buzbee, Executive Director of the Georgia Foundation for Public Education. Support the show

Feeling whiplash from decades of shifting reading strategies? You're not alone. In this episode, we unpack the real story behind the science of reading—and why it's not just another trend. If you've been burned by balanced literacy, whole language, or three-cueing, this conversation is your turning point.In this episode, we'll talk about:Why the science of reading isn't a passing fad—but a 50-year body of research.What makes it different from past methods like whole language or balanced literacy.How brain scans and real classroom data prove what actually works.What veteran teachers are doing to see huge gains with less burnout.Where to begin if you're ready to teach smarter, not harder.Show LinksJoin Malia on Instagram.Become a Science of Reading Formula member!Rate, Review, and FollowIf you loved this episode, please take a minute to rate and review my show! That helps the podcast world know that this show is worth sharing with other educators just like you.Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review". Then let me know what you loved most about the episode!While you're there, be sure to follow the podcast. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and I don't want you to miss out! Follow right here.

Nonprofit leaders know that creating meaningful change in legacy organizations requires both bold vision and deep empathy. In this episode, Spencer is joined by Bess Goggins, President and CEO of the YMCA of Columbia-Willamette, to discuss leading transformative change, building a culture of belonging, and the role of communications in advancing equity. This episode is ideal for health nonprofit leaders navigating complex systems, team culture, and digital engagement strategies. About the guest Bess Goggins is the President and CEO of the YMCA of Columbia-Willamette and the first woman to lead the organization in its 157-year history. She began the role in May 2025, bringing nearly 20 years of nonprofit leadership to advance the Y's mission of community well-being, belonging, and opportunity across the Portland metro and Southwest Washington region. She previously served as CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Bend, where she led strategic growth and secured a $1.7 million Early Literacy grant from the Oregon Department of Education to expand K–3 tutoring. Bess holds dual bachelor's degrees in English and Communications and dual master's degrees in English with concentrations in Technical Writing and Rhetoric. Now based in Portland, she is inspired by the YMCA's commitment to holistic health, inclusion, and thriving communities. Resources The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker: https://www.priyaparker.com/book-art-of-gatheringRadical Candor: https://www.radicalcandor.com/The Oregonian: https://www.oregonlive.com/The Columbian: https://www.columbian.com/The Reflector: https://www.thereflector.com/The Bee: https://thebeenews.com/Portland Business Journal: https://www.bizjournals.com/portlandCoaching For Leaders Podcast: https://coachingforleaders.com/The Art of Manliness Podcast: https://www.artofmanliness.com/podcast/Storyworthy by Matthew Dicks: https://matthewdicks.com/Books/storyworthy/The Fine Art of Small Talk by Debra Fine: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/93409.The_Fine_Art_of_Small_Talk Contact Bess Website: https://www.ymcacw.org/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bessgoggins/YMCA CW's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ymca-of-columbia-willametteBess' email: bgoggins@ymcacw.org

Kelly talks to educator Maya Smart about her new book “Reading for Our Lives: The Urgency of Early Literacy and the Action Plan to Help Your Child.” “Alarms ring; they don't teach. And often when an alarm rings for too long, we tune it out.”  “Spoken words are the precursor of all precursors to reading.”  “Praise the […]

Durango School District kindergarten reading proficiency jumped 39% in just one year thanks to the Orton-Gillingham literacy approach, with students of all ages showing impressive gains. By Sadie Smith. Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/early-reading-scores-soar-in-durango-schools  This story is sponsored by Durango Gelato, Coffee & Tea and Tafoya Barrett & Associates. Support the show

Welcome to Literacy with Laura, a professional development series featuring Laura Stewart, Chief Academic Officer from the 95 Percent Group. In this final episode, Jeff Bradbury and Laura Stewart discuss key topics in literacy education, focusing on intervention strategies, the Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) model, curriculum recommendations, and engaging instructional practices. They emphasize the importance of collaboration among educators and the need for effective professional development to enhance teaching outcomes. If you are a new listener to TeacherCast, we would love to hear from you.  Please visit our Contact Page and let us know how we can help you today! Subscribe to My Weekly Newsletter To get our weekly Instructional Coaching Tips sent right to your inbox, please subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Conversation Takeaways Intervention is about accelerating progress for all students. A multi-tiered system of support is essential for literacy. All students should receive instruction during intervention time. Curriculum should align with the goals of instruction. Explicit instructional dialogue aids teacher understanding. Teachers need professional learning to effectively teach reading. Engaging instruction is crucial for student motivation. 30 to 45 minutes is a general guideline for tiered instruction. The 95% group phonics core program is highly recommended. Advocating for comprehensive support is vital for educators. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Literacy with Laura 00:50 Understanding Intervention in Literacy 05:27 Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) Explained 08:36 Curriculum Recommendations for Literacy 11:20 Engaging Instruction: Making Learning Exciting 15:50 Final Thoughts and Advice for Educators About our Guests Laura Stewart Laura Stewart is the Chief Academic Officer at 95 Percent Group. She is a nationally recognized Science of Reading and Structured Literacy advocate who has dedicated her career to improving literacy achievement at leading education companies. Stewart has more than 25 years of academic leadership experience. Most recently, she served as the Chief Innovation Officer for The Reading League and Chief Academic Officer for professional development with the Highlights Education Group. Other key education roles include vice president of professional development for the Rowland Reading Foundation and Zaner-Bloser, school district administrator and adjunct professor. She is the author of several training guides and training workshops, as well as 12 children's books, and the co-author of The Everything Guide to Informational Text, K-2: Best Texts, Best Practices (Corwin Press, 2014). She serves on several advisory boards, including The Path Forward for Teacher Preparation and Licensure in Early Literacy. About the 95 Percent Group 95 Percent Group is an education company whose mission is to build on science to empower teachers—supplying the knowledge, resources, and support they need—to develop strong readers. Using an approach that is based in structured literacy, the company's One95 Literacy Ecosystem™ integrates professional learning and evidence-based literacy products into one cohesive system that supports consistent instructional routines across tiers and is proven and trusted to help students close skill gaps and read fluently. 95 Percent Group is also committed to advancing research, best practices, and thought leadership on the science of reading more broadly. For additional information on 95 Percent Group, visit:

Welcome to Literacy with Laura, the first in a professional development series featuring Laura Stewart, Chief Academic Officer from the 95 Percent Group. In this episode, Jeff Bradbury and Laura Stewart explore key aspects of literacy instruction, focusing on the differences between reading skills and strategies, the importance of oral reading fluency, and effective methods to support English language arts instruction. They also discuss the significance of decodable texts in early reading development and provide practical tips for educators. If you are a new listener to TeacherCast, we would love to hear from you.  Please visit our Contact Page and let us know how we can help you today! Subscribe to My Weekly Newsletter To get our weekly Instructional Coaching Tips sent right to your inbox, please subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Conversation Takeaways Skills are foundational abilities that children develop through practice. Reading strategies help students engage with text meaningfully. Accuracy in oral reading fluency is crucial for comprehension. Decodable texts support the development of decoding habits. High impact, repeatable routines maximize cognitive energy for learning. Explicit instruction benefits all students, including English learners. Utilizing students' home language can enhance learning. Oral language is a vital scaffold for English learners. Visual aids and graphic organizers support comprehension. Realia provides tangible experiences to enhance vocabulary. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Literacy and Instruction 01:29 Understanding Skills vs. Strategies in Reading 03:26 Oral Reading Fluency: Accuracy and Comprehension 06:10 Supporting English Language Arts Instruction 11:13 The Importance of Decodable Texts About our Guests Laura Stewart Laura Stewart is the Chief Academic Officer at 95 Percent Group. She is a nationally recognized Science of Reading and Structured Literacy advocate who has dedicated her career to improving literacy achievement at leading education companies. Stewart has more than 25 years of academic leadership experience. Most recently, she served as the Chief Innovation Officer for The Reading League and Chief Academic Officer for professional development with the Highlights Education Group. Other key education roles include vice president of professional development for the Rowland Reading Foundation and Zaner-Bloser, school district administrator and adjunct professor. She is the author of several training guides and training workshops, as well as 12 children's books, and the co-author of The Everything Guide to Informational Text, K-2: Best Texts, Best Practices (Corwin Press, 2014). She serves on several advisory boards, including The Path Forward for Teacher Preparation and Licensure in Early Literacy. About the 95 Percent Group 95 Percent Group is an education company whose mission is to build on science to empower teachers—supplying the knowledge, resources, and support they need—to develop strong readers. Using an approach that is based in structured literacy, the company's One95 Literacy Ecosystem™ integrates professional learning and evidence-based literacy products into one cohesive system that supports consistent instructional routines across tiers and is proven and trusted to help students close skill gaps and read fluently. 95 Percent Group is also committed to advancing research, best practices, and thought leadership on the science of reading more broadly. For additional information on 95 Percent Group, visit:

Welcome to Literacy with Laura, a professional development series featuring Laura Stewart, Chief Academic Officer from the 95 Percent Group. In this episode, Jeff Bradbury and Laura Stewart discuss the importance of professional development in literacy education. They address questions from listeners about summer training for new literacy roles and foundational knowledge for secondary teachers in reading intervention. The conversation emphasizes the significance of structured literacy and the need for continuous professional learning to support educators in their roles as reading teachers. If you are a new listener to TeacherCast, we would love to hear from you.  Please visit our Contact Page and let us know how we can help you today! Subscribe to My Weekly Newsletter To get our weekly Instructional Coaching Tips sent right to your inbox, please subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Conversation Takeaways Professional development is crucial for literacy educators. Summer training can enhance skills for new roles. Resources like Top 10 Tools by 95% Group are valuable. Secondary teachers need foundational knowledge in reading. Every teacher plays a role in teaching reading. Relentless focus is needed for struggling readers. Low literacy can lead to serious life outcomes. Structured literacy is essential for effective teaching. Intervention should be proactive and preventative. Continuous learning is key for educational success. View Our Episode on YouTube Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Professional Development in Literacy 01:14 Summer Training for New Literacy Roles 04:38 Foundational Knowledge for Secondary Reading Intervention 08:33 Looking Ahead: Instruction and Assessment About our Guests Laura Stewart Laura Stewart is the Chief Academic Officer at 95 Percent Group. She is a nationally recognized Science of Reading and Structured Literacy advocate who has dedicated her career to improving literacy achievement at leading education companies. Stewart has more than 25 years of academic leadership experience. Most recently, she served as the Chief Innovation Officer for The Reading League and Chief Academic Officer for professional development with the Highlights Education Group. Other key education roles include vice president of professional development for the Rowland Reading Foundation and Zaner-Bloser, school district administrator and adjunct professor. She is the author of several training guides and training workshops, as well as 12 children's books, and the co-author of The Everything Guide to Informational Text, K-2: Best Texts, Best Practices (Corwin Press, 2014). She serves on several advisory boards, including The Path Forward for Teacher Preparation and Licensure in Early Literacy. About the 95 Percent Group 95 Percent Group is an education company whose mission is to build on science to empower teachers—supplying the knowledge, resources, and support they need—to develop strong readers. Using an approach that is based in structured literacy, the company's One95 Literacy Ecosystem™ integrates professional learning and evidence-based literacy products into one cohesive system that supports consistent instructional routines across tiers and is proven and trusted to help students close skill gaps and read fluently. 95 Percent Group is also committed to advancing research, best practices, and thought leadership on the science of reading more broadly. For additional information on 95 Percent Group, visit: https://www.95percentgroup.com....

Welcome to Literacy with Laura, the first in a professional development series featuring Laura Stewart, Chief Academic Officer from the 95 Percent Group. In this inaugural episode, Laura tackles one of the most common questions about the Science of Reading: Is it just a fad? Laura explains that unlike educational trends of the past, the Science of Reading represents a vast interdisciplinary body of scientifically-based research spanning five decades and multiple disciplines. She clarifies that it's not just about phonics instruction, but rather a comprehensive approach that informs all aspects of reading and writing development. If you are a new listener to TeacherCast, we would love to hear from you.  Please visit our Contact Page and let us know how we can help you today! Subscribe to My Weekly Newsletter To get our weekly Instructional Coaching Tips sent right to your inbox, please subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Conversation Takeaways The science of reading is a comprehensive body of research. Phonics is a crucial part of the science of reading. Implementation science is key to bridging knowledge and practice. Teaching involves both science and art. Evidence-based practices must be deeply rooted in research. The science of reading encompasses multiple disciplines. Professional development is essential for educators. Resources are available for further exploration of the science of reading. Educators should continue to share their passions with students. View Our Episode on YouTube https://youtu.be/ZJ0UoreXR0E Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Literacy with Laura 01:28 Understanding the Science of Reading 07:04 Evidence-Based Practices in Education About our Guests Laura Stewart Laura Stewart is the Chief Academic Officer at 95 Percent Group. She is a nationally recognized Science of Reading and Structured Literacy advocate who has dedicated her career to improving literacy achievement at leading education companies. Stewart has more than 25 years of academic leadership experience. Most recently, she served as the Chief Innovation Officer for The Reading League and Chief Academic Officer for professional development with the Highlights Education Group. Other key education roles include vice president of professional development for the Rowland Reading Foundation and Zaner-Bloser, school district administrator and adjunct professor. She is the author of several training guides and training workshops, as well as 12 children's books, and the co-author of The Everything Guide to Informational Text, K-2: Best Texts, Best Practices (Corwin Press, 2014). She serves on several advisory boards, including The Path Forward for Teacher Preparation and Licensure in Early Literacy. About the 95 Percent Group 95 Percent Group is an education company whose mission is to build on science to empower teachers—supplying the knowledge, resources, and support they need—to develop strong readers. Using an approach that is based in structured literacy, the company's One95 Literacy Ecosystem™ integrates professional learning and evidence-based literacy products into one cohesive system that supports consistent instructional routines across tiers and is proven and trusted to help students close skill gaps and read fluently. 95 Percent Group is also committed to advancing research, best practices, and thought leadership on the science of reading more broadly. For additional information on 95 Percent Group, visit: https://www.95percentgroup.com. Links of Interest...

The latest nation's report card shows that American children's reading skills reached new lows, while there is a debate about the best way to teach reading in school. Maya Payne Smart is a writer, parent educator, and literacy advocate argues that America's reading crisis begins well before children enter kindergarten. She says it starts at birth, which is why she wrote a step-by-step guide for parents to do what it takes to set their children up to thrive as readers from day one to early elementary school. The name of the book is “Reading for Our Lives: The Urgency of Early Literacy and the Action Plan to Help Your Child.”

Episode 228 If you've ever wondered how to help your students decode longer words, this episode is for you! We're joined by literacy researcher and professor Devin Kearns to talk all about teaching multisyllabic words.Many phonics programs focus on single-syllable words, but what happens when students hit big words and get stuck? Devin unpacks the research behind why that happens and what we can do instead. We talk about:flexible decoding strategies,when and how to teach syllables and morphemes,and what “set for variability” really looks like in the classroom (spoiler: it's not guessing!).You'll walk away with practical, research-backed ideas to help your students read longer words with confidence.Devin M. Kearns, Ph.D., is the Goodnight Distinguished Professor in Early Literacy at NC State, where he studies early reading and collaborates with experts in psychology, cognitive science, and neuroscience to explore the brain basis of reading.RESOURCESHelping Students With Dyslexia Read Long Words: Using Syllables and Morphemes by Devin M. Kearns and Victoria M. WhaleySyllable Division: New Data that Can Inform Intervention by Joanne Marttila Pierson, Ph.D., CCC-SLPOn Eating Elephants and Teaching Syllabication by Tim Shanahan We answer your questions about teaching reading in The Literacy 50-A Q&A Handbook for Teachers: Real-World Answers to Questions About Reading That Keep You Up at Night.Grab free resources and episode alerts! Sign up for our email list at literacypodcast.com.Join our community on Facebook, and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter.

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library https://governorsfoundation.org/Link to enroll - https://imaginationlibrary.com/check-availability/?#selectedCountry=UShttps://imaginationlibrary.com/news-resources/parent-resources/www.GovernorsFoundation.org@GovEarlyLitTNNo content or comments made in any TIPQC Healthy Mom Healthy Baby Podcast is intended to be comprehensive or medical advice. Neither healthcare providers nor patients should rely on TIPQC's Podcasts in determining the best practices for any particular patient. Additionally, standards and practices in medicine change as new information and data become available and the individual medical professional should consult a variety of sources in making clinical decisions for individual patients. TIPQC undertakes no duty to update or revise any particular Podcast. It is the responsibility of the treating physician or health care professional, relying on independent experience and knowledge of the patient, to determine appropriate treatment.

Dr. Cory Koedel, the Show-Me Institute's new director of education policy, joins Susan Pendergrass to discuss the biggest challenges facing Missouri's public education system. They cover declining student outcomes, the role of accountability and testing, and the promise of school choice. Koedel shares insights from his research on school funding models—highlighting Tennessee's student-centered formula—and breaks down what Missouri can learn from states that are improving early literacy. They also examine controversial policies like early grade retention and open enrollment, and Koedel outlines his priorities for education research in Missouri. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Education Policy Challenges in Missouri 03:10 The Role of School Choice in Improving Outcomes 05:48 Funding Formulas and Their Implications 08:52 Early Literacy and Reading Instruction 12:05 Retention Policies and Their Effectiveness 15:04 Open Enrollment and Its Impact on Rural Schools 17:58 Future Directions for Education Policy in Missouri Produced by Show-Me Opportunity

202: Dr. Brent Conway, school superintendent, and Jen Hogan, curriculum coordinator, have written a fascinating white paper, Early Literacy and the Balanced Literacy Hangover. Even though more schools and teachers are embracing the science of reading, "lingering beliefs and practices have become like a bad hangover that is tough to shake." In this episode, Brent and Jen identify these beliefs and practices and share specific ways that teachers can move forward.Click here for this episode's show notes.Get my book, Reach All Readers! Looking for printable resources that align with the science of reading? Click here to learn more about our popular and affordable membership for PreK through 3rd grade educators.Connect with Anna here! Blog Instagram Facebook Twitter (X)

This week on The Learning Curve, co-hosts Alisha Searcy and U-Arkansas Prof. Albert Cheng interview Dr. Kymyona Burk, Senior Policy Fellow at ExcelinEd and former state literacy director for Mississippi. Dr. Burk shares insights from her remarkable career in K-12 education reform. She discusses her journey from classroom teacher to leading transformative literacy initiatives in […]