Podcasts about Literacy

Sean Morrisey, former school psychologist turned fifth grade teacher, walks us through the many different literacy assessments teachers administer. Which are useful, and which are a waste of time? You'll love this practical episode!Click here for the show notes from this episode. Sign up for my free masterclass, 5 Essential Steps to Reach All Readers. 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 me here! Blog Instagram Facebook Twitter (X)

This edWeb podcast is sponsored by CORE Learning. You can access the webinar recording here.This first edWeb podcast of Structured Literacy for Every Learner Week examines national priorities for strengthening instructional quality and accelerating academic recovery, with a focus on literacy, support for diverse learners, and coherent pathways from early learning through postsecondary success. Listeners explore leadership and policy strategies that center student achievement while expanding access and opportunity.This edWeb podcast is of interest to K-12 school and district leaders.This edWeb podcast is part of Structured Literacy for Every Learner Week.CORE LearningTransform teaching and learning so that every student thrives.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.

This edWeb podcast is sponsored by CORE Learning.You can access the webinar recording here.This second edWeb podcast of Structured Literacy for Every Learner Week explores what responsible, community-centered AI can look like in schools and why Latino leadership is essential to shaping its design and adoption. Listeners examine future-ready competencies students need in an AI-driven world, alongside lessons from deep, community-based work across California and Texas that foreground equity, trust, and local voice.This edWeb podcast is of interest to K-12 school and district leaders.This edWebinar is part of Structured Literacy for Every Learner Week.CORE LearningTransform teaching and learning so that every student thrives.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.

We map out a practical path to targeted phonics that lifts every learner. We define instructional precision, show how to gather the right data, and share a step-by-step launch plan that works in real schools with limited adults.• clarifying whole class versus grouping and why size is not the point• defining instructional precision and cognitive load in phonics• sorting data as a team and narrowing the range per teacher• assigning teachers to groups• keeping class teachers connected to progress and practice• reducing stigma with neutral language and parent scripts• aligning evidence, workload, and student wellbeingWe have a free phonics spelling assessment in the resources section on the Jocelyn Seamer Education website, here.Has something in this episode resonated with you? Get in touch! Are your students good readers, but poor spellers? If so, you are not alone. Spelling Success in Action addresses phonics, orthography, and morphology to give students a well-rounded understanding of how our language system works. Find out how you can help your students move beyond guessing and memorisation at https://www.jocelynseamereducation.com/spelling2 Quick LinksJocelyn Seamer Education HomepageThe Resource RoomYoutube channelFacebook Page#jocelynseamereducation #literacy #bestpractice #earlyprimaryyears #primaryschool #primaryschools #primaryschoolteacher #earlyyearseducation #earlyyearseducator #structuredliteracy #scienceofreading #classroom #learning #learningisfun #studentsuccess #studentsupport #teacherlife #theresourceroom #theevergreenteacher #upperprimary #upperprimaryteacher #thestructuredliteracypodcast #phoneme #grapheme #phonics #syntheticphonics

Let’s kick off Season 2 of The Berenstain Bears with the classic “Mama Gets Angry” episode “The Messy Room” and follow it up with the Raffish Ralph classic “The Terrible Termite!”

Today's guest is Judy Braus, Executive Director of the North American Association for Environmental Education or NAAEE for short.NAAEE's mission is to use the power of education to advance environmental literacy and civic engagement so that people and communities can make informed decisions and take action toward a healthier, more sustainable, and equitable future. They equip educators, leaders, and learners with evidence-based tools and knowledge, to help people across ages and backgrounds understand environmental issues and take meaningful action.In this episode, we explore how the organization's mission has evolved, how it bridges research and practice, and how it's helping shape the future of environmental literacy in the face of climate change, social justice challenges, and digital transformation.Connect: https://naaee.org/

There is so much cultural conversation about pleasure.How to create more of it.How to perform it.How to optimize it.But very little about how to listen for it.In this episode, we explore a quieter, more powerful truth:Pleasure is not something you manufacture. It is something you allow. And something you gently cultivate through presence.Dianne guides you into a new understanding of pleasure as sacred biology — not indulgence, not performance — but information.We explore:The difference between a mental “yes” and a somatic “yes”Why safety — not intensity — is the true doorway to alivenessThe role of dopamine, oxytocin, opioid receptors, and the endocannabinoid system in sensual regulationHow pleasure becomes literacy inside the bodyWhy midlife is not decline… but initiationThis is an invitation to slow down.To track subtle expansion.To honor neutrality.To notice contraction without shame.Because pleasure is the body's yes.And when a woman learns to trust that yes, everything reorganizes.Her boundaries strengthen. Her clarity sharpens. Her radiance steadies.Embodiment is reclamation. And embodiment is revolution.

In this episode, guest host Dr. Chrisna Perry sits down with literacy expert Dr. Lee Wright to explore practical, classroom-ready strategies for differentiating reading instruction without sacrificing evidence-based practices.From building effective small groups to balancing skill development with meaningful reading experiences, they unpack how educators can support diverse learners while staying grounded in the principles of the Science of Reading.Whether you're refining your small group instruction or rethinking how differentiation fits into your literacy block, this conversation offers actionable insights you can apply right away.Visit Savvas.com/Literacy today to learn more about our high-quality PreK-12 literacy solutions for your school district. To keep the conversation going follow us @SavvasLearning on Instagram, Facebook, X, Youtube, or Linkedin. Visit Savvas.com today to learn more about our award-winning K-12 programs and to request curriculum samples for your school or district.

  Welcome to Absolutely Intercultural show number 316. My name's Anne Fox and this show is coming to you from Denmark. In the last few weeks I began to see lots of videos by Zach Lincoln, an American who is moving to Europe. Why would he move to Europe? One of the things that struck … Continue reading "USA +++ UK +++ Zach moves abroad +++ Absolutely Intercultural 316+++"

This week, the hosts review Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi, a sweeping multi-generational novel that traces the descendants of two half-sisters from 18th-century Ghana into the modern era. One sister, Effia, lives above the dungeon of Cape Coast Castle; the other, Esi, is imprisoned below and sold into American slavery. From that pivotal separation, the book follows their children and grandchildren across centuries, continents, and systems of power. Through alternating chapters, Gyasi explores the legacy of slavery, colonialism, identity, belonging, resilience, and generational trauma. Each descendant wrestles with the inherited shadows of the past, from plantations and Jim Crow to migration, incarceration, and cultural disconnection. The hosts unpack the book's structure, thematic depth, and emotional resonance, reflecting on how history lives in individual lives long after its origins. It's a layered, compassionate conversation that centers legacy, memory, and the ways personal story intertwines with collective history. Cheers!Please be advised this episode is intended for adult audiences and contains adult language and content. We are expressing opinions on the show for entertainment purposes only. Dedication: To our patrons as always!! We love you! Moni & Kat: To the ancestors, old and new!About the  Book: :https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/533857/homegoing-by-yaa-gyasi/Title: Homegoing Author: Yaa Gyasi Genre: Historical Fiction Published: 2016 (Moni states 2026 in error) Pages: 320 (first edition)About the Author:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yaa_GyasiYaa Gyasi is a Ghanaian-American novelist. Her work, most notably her 2016 debut novel Homegoing and her 2020 novel Transcendent Kingdom, features themes of lineage, generational trauma, and Black and African identities.WikipediaBorn: 1989 (age 37 years), Mampong, GhanaParents: Kwaku Gyasi, Sophia GyasiEducation: Stanford University, Grissom High School, University of IowaAwards: PEN/Hemingway Award, Audie Award for Literary Fiction & Classics, American Book AwardF.A.B. Episodes mentioned on the show:https://www.spreaker.com/episode/GreatGatsbyEpisodehttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/-review-of-ketera-of-punishment-island-on-netflix--56231879**Stranger than Fiction:

Feeling overwhelmed by a caseload that includes autism, childhood apraxia of speech, developmental language disorder, articulation, fluency, and AAC users… all back-to-back? You are not alone. Many speech-language pathologists walk into therapy sessions with a stack of different activities for every child. One game for articulation. Another for language. Another for fluency. Another for AAC. Before long, therapy starts to feel like running a fast-food counter. But what if you could run one powerful therapy routine that works for every child on your caseload? In this episode of The Preschool SLP Podcast, Kelly Vess shares the five-step therapy routine she uses every single day to deliver educationally rich, engaging sessions that treat the whole child while producing powerful gains across: • Speech sound production • Language development • Literacy skills • AAC use • Executive function • Motor planning and coordination Instead of pulling ten different activities from behind the therapy table, this routine uses one structured activity and simply changes the treatment target to match each child's goals. Built on principles from Universal Design for Learning, motor learning, and executive function research, this approach allows clinicians to work smarter, not harder. You will learn: • The five predictable therapy steps Kelly uses with every child • How to use one activity to treat speech, language, AAC, literacy, and fluency • Why predictable routines help children feel safe, regulated, and ready to learn • How task-oriented movement improves executive function and engagement • Why treating the whole child instead of just the mouth produces stronger outcomes When therapy is predictable, engaging, and multimodal, both the clinician and the child can be fully present. And that is when the magic happens. Join the SIS Membership If you love practical therapy frameworks like this, the SIS Membership was built for you. Each week inside SIS you receive: • Ready-to-use movement-based therapy activities • Powerful complex speech and language treatment targets • A growing treatment target library you can use with any caseload • A full literacy, language, and movement Google Slides deck for therapy, classrooms, or teletherapy Everything is designed to help busy SLPs deliver high-impact therapy without spending hours planning. Many members prep their entire week of therapy in less than one hour. Join today and receive the entire Treatment Target Library immediately: https://www.kellyvess.com/sis with you in this,

In this episode of the STEAM Box VS podcast, the Panthers are joined by Shawn Andrews, founder of the Rhode Island nonprofit Heroes Read. Shawn explains how his organization tackles the K-12 literacy crisis by using popular arts, such as comic books and graphic novels to engage struggling readers with material they are actually passionate about. The group discusses the real-world challenges of funding and running a grassroots nonprofit while trying to balance a full-time day job. Along the way, the conversation takes fun, passionate detours into the room's favorite anime series, debates over the greatest Batman portrayals, and the unparalleled storytelling of classic hip-hop artists like MF DOOM and Big L#HeroesRead #SteamboxVSPodcast #LiteracyMatters #ComicBooks #GraphicNovels #AnimeCommunity #HipHopCulture #NonprofitLife #YouthEmpowerment #NerdCulture

Steve Baranowski, Senior Vice President of Retail Lending at Marquette Bank, joins Jon Hansen on Your Money Matters to discuss purchase rates in the 5’s and home inventory levels. Steve also discusses pre-approval numbers, budgets, and home-buying assistance. For more information, visit emarquettebank.com.

Dave Schlueter of the Law Offices of David R. Schlueter joins Jon Hansen to discuss what to do financially before house hunting. To learn more about what Dave Schlueter can help you with, go to schlueterlawoffice.com or call 1-630-285-5300.

This is a rebroadcast of Episode 245 from the Melissa and Lori Love Literacy Podcast – you can check out that episode here: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/read-like-us-building-fluency-through-repeated-reading/id1463219123?i=1000748503901Make sure to check out the Literacy.io training on the Kat Framework for Comprehension this June!-June 24-25 in East Lansing Michigan-Individual registration available at: https://tamu.estore.flywire.com/products/cusp—the-reading-leagueliteracy10-participant-registration–412940-Group registration available at: https://tamu.estore.flywire.com/products/cusp—the-reading-leagueliteracy10-group-participant-registration–412945-More information available at literacy.io/contact Show Notes2:30 – What is Read Like Us? Overview of the five-step repeated reading protocol How it supports accuracy, automaticity, and prosody 4:10 – The Five Reads Explained Listening passage preview Echo reading Choral reading Partner reading Performance/independent reading 6:00 – Implementation in Classrooms Can it work in whole group settings? Small group intervention applications Working with paraprofessionals and volunteers 10:00 – Maximizing Reading Time Why 90% of intervention time should be actual reading The workout approach to building fluency Ensuring students are actually reading (not just holding books) 12:53 – How Read Like Us Differs from Traditional Approaches More than just “read three times and check for speed” Building all three components of fluency simultaneously The role of modeling and scaffolding 15:00 – Gradual Release of Responsibility Transferring task responsibility to students Why rate/speed wasn’t emphasized in coaching Automaticity as the outcome, not the input 18:00 – Prosody and Comprehension Expression as an indicator of understanding Using the Rasinski multidimensional fluency rubric Rotating focus areas: expression, phrasing, smoothness, pace 20:00 – Study Results Fourth grade students: 16.5 WPM growth in 50 days Effect size of 0.9 Improvements in accuracy, vocabulary, and comprehension measures 22:30 – Potential Comprehension Enhancement Adding a 10-word takeaway or gist statement Keeping it “fluency heavy, comprehension light” Future iterations of the protocol 25:30 – The Stacking Protocol Approach Learning from dissertation chair Dr. Kit Moore Combining multiple evidence-based practices Weaving the reading rope together 27:30 – Cost and Accessibility Read Like Us is free to implement Comparison with commercial tier-two interventions Open access article available 28:48 – Text Selection Philosophy The month-long process of curating 50 texts Using challenging and engaging content (100-200 words) Types included: giggle poetry, science facts, short stories with twists, weird state laws 30:30 – The “Challenging Text” Debate Using texts above grade level with proper scaffolding Addressing the 1960s neurological impress research Why modern research supports stretching students 33:17 – Texts Students Actually Want to Read Students asking to take intervention texts home Incorporating core reading program texts for continuity Balance between practical and engaging content 36:00 – Lexile Levels and Text Complexity Many texts in 6th-8th grade Lexile range for 3rd-4th graders Testing the hypothesis: Can struggling readers succeed in harder texts? Being “level agnostic” in text selection 39:00 – Rethinking Leveled Texts Limitations of the Lexile formula Starting with engaging content, not filter levels The scaffolding makes the difference, not the exact level 42:00 – Student Motivation and Text Choice Chase’s son reading adult-level joke books in first grade The power of “want to” over prescribed levels Teacher control vs. student self-selection 43:00 – Repeated Reading vs. Wide Reading Defining both approaches Why they shouldn’t be pitted against each other Read Like Us = repeated reading across wide array of texts 46:30 – Wide Reading and Teacher Control Students won’t achieve wide reading through self-selection alone The teacher’s role in exposing students to diverse genres Balancing instruction with student choice 48:00 – Benefits of Wide Reading Exposure to different language patterns across genres Informational vs. narrative text structures Building terrain navigation skills with various text types 49:00 – Getting Started with Read Like Us Start with tomorrow’s text Find the 200-300 word section with the most “oomph” Use what you already have in your classroom 50:21 – Closing Where to find the protocol and resources Final thoughts and wrap-up

This edWeb podcast is sponsored by Amplify.The webinar recording can be accessed here.Reframe how you think about reading in your classroom. In this edWeb podcast, join three powerhouse educators (who are also the voices behind the award-winning podcasts Science of Reading: The Podcast and Beyond My Years) for a conversation that revolutionizes your teaching approach, no matter what subject you teach.Dr. Susan Lambert, host of Science of Reading: The Podcast, Ana Torres, host of the Beyond My Years podcast, and Eric Cross, Beyond My Years' Classroom Insider, come together for an inspiring discussion that expands your understanding of how literacy fits into every subject area. These passionate educators share why this is such an important topic and what it looks like in practice.Listeners:Discover strategies to weave literacy seamlessly into your classroomLearn approaches and tactics for supporting multilingual learnersGet strategies for developing academic language across all subjectsExplore what literacy instruction looks like in an adolescent classroomThis edWeb podcast is of interest to PreK–8 teachers, school leaders, and district leaders.AmplifyHelping teachers celebrate and develop student thinking.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.

Tim Stearns, owner and president of TJ Stearns Financial Planning & Benefits, joins Jon Hansen to discuss how to properly plan for retirement. Tim and Jon talk about creating a sustainable income from assets in your account. For more information, call 800-640-2256.

S7 E9: Reading and the Brain w/ Dr. Maryanne WolfIn this episode, Alexis and Gerald were honored to be joined by Dr. Maryanne Wolf, one of the leading experts on the science of reading. Dr. Wolf shares a tremendous amount of knowledge and wisdom from her extensive career and experiences, as she continues to advocate for the needs of all students as it pertains to their development of and appreciation for reading.This discussion raises so many questions about our relationship with reading. We address topics such as the evolutionary nature of reading, the impact of technology on our reading brains, the interconnectivity of brain areas related to reading, progressive and effective modes of reading instruction, Dyslexia, and how reading relates to humanity and our relationship with one another.SummaryEvolutionary nature of readingUnderstanding of how reading is learnedImpact of technology on our reading brainsThe interconnectivity of brain areas related to readingEffective modes of reading instructionConnections between reading, empathy, & humanityDr. Maryanna Wolf is a scholar, a teacher, and an advocate for children and literacy around the world. She is the Director of the newly created Center for Dyslexia, Diverse Learners, and Social Justice at the UCLA Graduate School of Education and Information Studies. Previously, she was the John DiBiaggio Professor of Citizenship and Public Service and Director of the Center for Reading and Language Research in the Eliot-Pearson Department of Child Study and Human Development at Tufts University. Dr. Wolf obtained her doctoral degree in Human Development and Psychology at Harvard University. She is the author of Proust and the Squid: The Story and Science of the Reading Brain (2007, HarperCollins), Dyslexia, Fluency, and the Brain (Edited; York, 2001), Tales of Literacy for the 21st Century (2016, Oxford University Press), and Reader, Come Home: The Reading Brain in a Digital World (August, 2018, HarperCollins). Welcome to the Reid Connect-ED podcast, we are honored to have you join us today.The Reid Connect-Ed Podcast is hosted by Siblings Alexis Reid, M.A. and Dr. Gerald Reid, produced by CyberSound Recording Studios, and original music is written and recorded by Gerald Reid (www.Jerapy.com).*Please note that different practitioners may have different opinions- this is our perspective and is intended to educate you on what may be possible.Show notes & Transcripts: https://reidconnect.com/reid-connect-ed-podcastFollow us on Instagram @ReidConnectEdPodcast and X @ReidConnectEdStreaming everywhere (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, etc.)Be Curious. Be Open. Be Well.

This is NOT OK: If a child is not reading on grade level by 3rd grade, they are 4x LESS LIKELY to graduate high school, and if living in poverty, 13x LESS LIKELY!Carol Goglia, CEO of Catch Up & Read is focused on one of America's most urgent challenges: early literacy. She has spent her career turning strategy into impact, from her early days at Frito-Lay to leading one of the country's most powerful giving movements at Communities Foundation/North Texas Giving Day.In this episode, Carol shares this idea of joy as a catalyst for learning and retention. From the “joyful results clubs” that make kids ask, “Is it Catch Up & Read day?” to lessons corporate leaders can borrow from the nonprofit world, this conversation is a powerful reminder that sometimes the biggest business signals start in the smallest moments.If you care about the future talent pipeline, team development, or the long game of leadership, I think this will resonate!

ValueIn this episode with Reid Lyon, we go straight to the source of the modern reading research movement. You hear firsthand what the research actually revealed about how children learn to read, where implementation has gone wrong, and why misunderstanding the science continues to create confusion in classrooms. This is not secondhand interpretation. It is direct insight into the evidence, the history behind it, and the consequences of getting it wrong. You walk away with deeper clarity about literacy acquisition and stronger conviction about what matters most.PromiseWe will not water this down.We will not rewrite history.We will not soften the hard truths about research and implementation.We will examine the science.We will confront the misinterpretations.We will connect the evidence to real classroom practice.No spin.No agenda.Just research, accountability, and clarity you can stand on.Kicking off March Madness with the LION OF READING!

(00:00:00) We look back at Ephraim Slaughter: Freedom’s Witness, the one-act production created for the Annual Dauphin County Black History Celebration by Sankofa African American Theatre Company and Gamut Theatre, in partnership with the National Civil War Museum. Actors Marcus McGhee and Melinda Anderson help us revisit the life of Ephraim Slaughter—a man born enslaved who became a Union Army veteran, community leader, and witness to a century of American change. Through their performances, the play brings audiences into a Harrisburg room in 1943, where memory, resilience, and long-silenced truths finally speak. (00:22:02) Then we turn to a new Pennsylvania law requiring cursive handwriting instruction in schools. Dr. Kerry Hasler-Brooks and Dr. Sarah Fischer explore why cursive still matters—from reading historical documents to strengthening cognitive development, deepening literacy skills, and slowing down enough to think critically in a fast-paced digital world. Together, they make the case that preserving history isn’t just about the stories we tell—it’s about ensuring future generations can read them. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tom Appel, Publisher, Consumer Guide Automotive and host of the Consumer Guide Car Stuff podcast, joins Jon Hansen to talk about the current car market for buyers and sellers. Plus, Tom talks about how Gen Z is interested in buying vehicles from China and a cheaper Cybertruck.

In this episode, we (Mark Raffler and Statia Davey) sit down with Dr. Sharon Vaughn, the Manuel J. Justice Endowed Chair in Education and Executive Director of the Meadows Center for Preventing Educational Risk at the University of Texas at Austin. Drawing on her extensive work with the Michigan Dyslexia Research Network, Dr. Vaughn shares her deep expertise on how we can best meet the needs of all learners under Michigan's K-12 Literacy and Dyslexia Law. This conversation moves past the buzzwords to look at the heart of structured literacy, the evolving nature of the science of reading, and practical ways to support students who struggle with decoding.Here are some highlights from our conversation:Moving Beyond Dyslexia Myths: Dr. Vaughn helps us understand that dyslexia isn't simply about seeing letters or words backwards in fact, many young children naturally reverse letters as they learn positionality. Instead, educators should look for significant hurdles in phonological awareness, slow acquisition of word reading, and extreme challenges with spelling.The Science of Reading as an Evolving Field: Much like the science of nutrition, our understanding of how the brain learns to read is constantly refined by new research. Dr. Vaughn emphasizes that while some students seem to learn to read "automatically," every student benefits from the explicit, systematic, and organized instruction that is absolutely essential for students with dyslexia.Structured Literacy is for Everyone: Dr. Vaughn explains that structured literacy isn't just a specialized tool for students with dyslexia, it is a comprehensive "umbrella" that benefits every learner in the classroom. By integrating phonics and fluency with the ultimate goal of comprehension, educators can use a single, cohesive framework. She breaks down the "I do, we do, you do" sequence, showing how this explicit model gives every student the opportunity to practice new skills while receiving the immediate, supportive feedback they need to succeedThe "Secret Sauce" of Instructional Success: One of the most powerful things a teacher can do is use data-based instruction. Dr. Vaughn encourages educators to be "data processing machines" who use screenings, progress monitoring, and everyday observations to refine their teaching and provide quick, targeted support in those small classroom moments.We closed the interview by asking for Dr. Vaughn's top resource picks. She highlighted the wealth of materials available at the Meadows Center (meadowscenter.org) and spoke highly of the book Structured Literacy Interventions Teaching Students with Reading Difficulties, Grades K-6, by Louise Spear-Swerling describing it as a valuable and accessible resource for teachers.Check out our podcast resource page for all the links! We wrap up this episode by asking you to share your thoughts on future podcast topics your voice matters! Please visit bit.ly/LLCNtopics to let us know what you want to hear more about.All resources in this LLCN Brief (and future podcasts) can be found at: bit.ly/LLCNresources2526.  Subscribe to the Literacy Leadership and Coaches Network podcasts here: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/llcnbrief or your favorite podcast platform.Please note the audio used as an introduction and in transitions in this podcast is under the Creative Common License and attribution is given as follows:Medicine by WinnieTheMoog Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/6256-medicineLicense: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

It's a Mesirow Monday! Gary Pattengale, Advanced Planning Specialist and Wealth Advisor at Mesirow, joins Jon Hansen on Your Money Matters to talk about tax season. From filing too early to what you should talk to your CPA about, Gary gives tips on what to do before filing your taxes. For more information, visit www.mesirow.com or call […]

On today's show, we hear that public school enrollment in Arkansas is at a 20-year low, and some educational leaders say economic pressures and the state voucher program are playing a role. We also investigate another critical aspect of the LEARNS Act: third-grade reading proficiency in Arkansas. Plus, we visit with Fayetteville High School's Bulldog Buddies.

STEVENS READING YMCASee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we sit down with Nancy Duggan, co-founder and executive director of Decoding Dyslexia Massachusetts. We talk about how Nancy's path from parent of a dyslexic child to statewide advocate helped move Massachusetts from “we don't say dyslexia” to mandated screening and the Right to Read law. Nancy explains how grassroots parent organizing, neuroscience research, and relentless policy work combined to drive real change, and why early identification, evidence-based instruction, and intensive, comprehensive intervention (far beyond phonics alone) are non-negotiable for students with dyslexia. Whether you're an educator or a family member, you'll walk away with practical strategies for IEP advocacy and a clear-eyed look at how systems can actually change. Resources mentioned in this episode: Decoding Dyslexia Massachusetts Decoding Dyslexia (national network) International Dyslexia Association (IDA) Mass Reads Coalition 2015 “Say Dyslexia” Letter (OSERS, U.S. Dept. of Education) National Reading Panel Massachusetts Right to Read / High-Quality Curriculum Bill Overcoming Dyslexia by Dr. Sally Shaywitz Wilson Reading System RAVE-O We officially have merch! Show your love for the Together in Literacy podcast! If you like this episode, please take a few minutes to rate, review, and subscribe. Your support and encouragement are so appreciated! Have a question you'd like us to cover in a future episode of Together in Literacy? Email us at support@togetherinliteracy.com! If you'd like more from Together in Literacy, you can check out our website, Together in Literacy, or follow us on Facebook and Instagram. For more from Emily, check out The Literacy Nest. For more from Casey, check out The Dyslexia Classroom. Let us know what you want to hear this season! Thank you for listening and joining us in this exciting and educational journey into dyslexia as we come together in literacy!

Send a textIn this episode, hosts Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid welcome back author and literacy advocate Fleur Bradley. The discussion centers on the importance of mysteries in keeping kids reading, the structural "nuts and bolts" of writing for middle grade (MG) versus young adult (YA) audiences, and the release of Bradley's new craft book designed to help writers navigate the genre. Get A Clue is available for preorder right now! Releases April 7th.Key Discussion PointsAddressing the Literacy "Drop-off"Statistics show a significant decline in reading for pleasure as children move from 3rd grade into middle school.Middle grade and YA mysteries act as a "hook" to keep reluctant readers engaged because of their high stakes and interactive nature.Mysteries foster critical thinking and deductive reasoning, making the reader an active participant in the story.Crafting the MG and YA MysteryThe "Fair Play" Rule: In a successful mystery, the reader must be given all the clues necessary to solve the crime alongside the protagonist.Pacing and Momentum: Unlike contemporary fiction, which may focus heavily on internal character arcs, mysteries require constant external momentum and "beats" to keep the reader turning pages.Revision Strategies: Using a structural approach during the revision process can help identify "sagging middles" and ensure clues are properly planted.Defining the Crime by Age CategoryMiddle Grade (MG): * The focus is on the puzzle and the "how."While murder can be a plot point, it should be handled with a "cozy" sensibility—minimal gore and focused on the intellectual challenge.Young Adult (YA): * Allows for more "grit," darkness, and emotional complexity.Authors have more flexibility regarding the types of crimes and the level of peril involved.Practical Advice for Aspiring AuthorsWriters are encouraged to focus on the "nuts and bolts" of plotting early on.Implementing "Your Turn" exercises—taking a specific craft lesson and immediately applying it to a current manuscript—is the most effective way to learn the genre.Character voice is paramount; testing a character's voice through short scenes can determine if they are strong enough to carry a full-length mystery.Key TakeawaysMysteries are essential tools for literacy because they turn reading into a game or puzzle.Structure is the backbone of the genre; without a solid plot and well-timed clues, a mystery will lose its audience.Understanding the specific expectations of the MG vs. YA market is crucial for publication success. Support the show Visit the WebsiteWriters with Wrinkles Link Tree for socials and more!

Our guest this week is Dr. Jenn Pollitt! Jenn Pollitt, PhD is the Assistant Director of Gender, Sexuality and Women's Studies and an Assistant Professor in the College of Liberal Arts at Temple University. She holds a PhD in Human Sexuality from Widener University. Dr. Pollitt currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Woodhull Freedom Foundation, a national organization dedicated to advancing sexual freedom as a fundamental human right through policy, law and education. With over 15 years of experience as a sexuality educator, Dr. Pollitt has developed and taught a wide range of undergraduate and graduate courses on topics including Men & Masculinities, Sexuality and Disability, Porn Literacy, Sexuality Education, and Pleasure. She has also created and facilitated trainings and curricula for professionals in nonprofit organizations, corporations, and labor unions—working with groups such as Lambda Legal, the American Medical Student Association, and Philadelphia's Men's Center for Growth and Change. Dr. Pollitt has developed the first comprehensive sexuality education course for law students, which launched this fall at Temple University's Beasley School of Law. Her work focuses on sexual and erotic agency, LGBTQIA+ rights, reproductive justice, and the intersections of sex, law, and policy. She also examines the influence of popular culture as one of the most powerful—and under-acknowledged—sources of informal sex education in the U.S. Dr. Pollitt's work and commentary have been featured in the New York Times, Washington Post, Slate, Psychology Today, HuffPost, Business Insider, The Philadelphia Inquirer, The 19th News, NPR, WHYY, and Doctor Radio. Listeners, you can find information about Dr. Pollitt and her publications here! If you want to catch up on other shows, just visit our website and please subscribe! We love our listeners and welcome your feedback, so if you love Our Better Half, please give us a 5-star rating and follow us on Facebook and Instagram. It really helps support our show! As always, thanks for listening!

In this episode of Leading Literacy, we had a chance to chat with Janee Butler, the Director of Program Design & Implementation at The Center for Literacy and Learning. Janee shares her expertise on what it takes to build strong literacy systems, including effective sight word instruction, the importance of vertical instructional alignment across all grade levels, and much more! If you're interested in accessing Janee's article that she co-authored with Dr. Katie Pace Miles and Denise Eide titled, The Regularity of High-Frequency Words (Sight Words): Teacher Phonetic Knowledge is Key, you can reach out directly to Janee via The Center for Literacy & Learning website. Want to hear more about what the Center for Literacy & Learning has to offer?  If so, check out Leading Literacy's past episode, number 22, with DeJunne Clark Jackson.  

Are you ready to rip that binky out of that baby’s face?! It’s Baby Berenstain Bears Pacifier Time!

DOJ Sues Utah Lieutenant Governor over Voter Information The Urgent U.S. Embassy Exit in Jerusalem Amid Looming Iran Strike Ethics vs. Orders: The Fight Over Military AI Use Bills on the Hill: The Future of Tech, Civics, and Literacy in Utah Schools House Cleaner Testifies on Supplying Drugs to Kouri Richins Unaffordable America: The Vanishing Middle‑Class Essentials Scream 7 and Greatest Movie Plot Twists

Greg and Holly check in on what's happening on Utah's Capitol Hill and discuss key education-related legislation that is being debated.

Send a textWhat if the way we teach grammar is actually doing harm?In this episode of The Cultural Curriculum Chat™ Podcast, host Jebeh Edmunds sits down with Patty McGee — author, literacy educator, and consultant — to challenge the shame-based, punitive ways grammar has been taught for generations.Patty shares how language is deeply connected to identity, culture, and belonging, and why students from marginalized communities are often made to feel that the way they speak is “wrong” instead of valid. Together, they explore how grammar can be taught through play, curiosity, and multiple “buckets” of language rather than correction and compliance.This conversation is essential listening for educators who want to build classrooms where students feel seen, respected, and empowered through their words.You can find Patty's work and teaching resources by following her on Instagram at @pmgmcgee.  Patty McGee | National Literacy Consultant COME SAY Hey!! Instagram: @cultrallyjebeh_ Facebook: @JebehCulturalConsulting Pinterest: @Jebeh Cultural Consulting LinkedIn: @Jebeh Cultural Consulting Leave a Review on our Podcast! We value your feedback! Buy My Book: The Orange Blossom https://a.co/d/dRgzqgB Follow our Blog Enroll In Our Mini Courses Enroll In My Digital Course: How To Be A Culturally Competent LeaderBuy My K-12 Lesson PlansSign Up For Our Newsletter Enjoy the Cultural Curriculum Chat podcast? Share the love! Refer a friend to Buzzsprout and both you and your friend will enjoy exclusive benefits. Click the ...

Wheat pennies, baseball ticket stubs, and more! Brian Hoogeveen, The Cash Man from Americash Jewelry & Coin Buyers, joins Jon Hansen to discuss items that could be worth money. If you think you have items you'd like to have appraised, visit topcashbuyer.com or call (630) 969-9600

What do Gustav Eiffel and dynamic, tactile, temporal cueing have in common? Scaffolding, vision, and the courage to aim higher than anyone else. In this episode, I break down why Dynamic, Tactile, Temporal Cueing (DTTC) is not just for childhood apraxia of speech. It is a practical, high-impact framework that can upgrade how you treat: • Speech sound disorders • Language delays • Literacy skills • Fluency • AAC users • Autism and complex communication needs If you want maximal gains in minimal time, this episode is your blueprint. After standing beneath the Eiffel Tower and speaking at a packed state conference, one message hit me hard: the higher you aim, the bigger the cascade. When you treat at a complex level with the right scaffolds, earlier developing skills often come along for the ride. Inside this episode, we unpack: • Why fewer targets with higher reps build automaticity faster • How simultaneous production jump starts planning and reduces breakdowns • Why slowing time increases accuracy across speech, language, fluency, and AAC navigation • How to use most to least prompting without letting the tower fall • Why errorless learning and the 80 percent sweet spot matter • How multimodal cueing accelerates learning for every child • Why you build automaticity first and generalize later This is not business-as-usual therapy. This is challenge point therapy. This is how you stop grinding and start seeing real progress. Join SIS and get the complex targets done for you If you want powerful complex speech and language targets ready to pull into sessions immediately, join SIS Membership today. You will get access to high impact therapy materials designed to help you scaffold fast progress across speech, language, literacy, and AAC, without reinventing the wheel every week. Join here and get started today: https://www.kellyvess.com/sis Roll up your sleeves. Make the world better, one child at a time. With you in this,

Student success is directly linked to literacy. According to the latest data from the Georgia Council on Literacy, 62% of third-graders are not reading on grade level. The findings come as state lawmakers consider the Georgia Early Literacy Act of 2026, which aims to improve literacy through several approaches and strategies. “Closer Look’s” February installment of “Coffee Conversations was held at The Ke'next Cooperative located in the Westview neighborhood. Host Rose Scott talked with several guests, including children’s book authors. They discussed community-center resources and programs geared toward improving literacy rates in Georgia and read excerpts from children’s books. Guests included: Kiyomi Rollins, the owner of The Ke’nekt Cooperative Gayle Hunter Holloman, the executive director of Fulton County Library System Caroline Ahmann, owner of the Beloved Books Bookmobile Dr. Nicola Chin, a pediatrician at Morehouse Healthcare and a Reach Out and Read Clinician Alex Ryan, the founder of Alex in Wonderland, LLC, and the author and creator of “Zina Bina Learns the Value of Money” Dr. Breanna J. McDaniel, an educator, speaker and author of the book “Go Forth and Tell” Shelly Anand, an author of “Laxmi’s Mooch” Reem Faruqi, an award-winning author of “Lailah's Lunchbox”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why do some schools see rapid literacy gains while others struggle to move the needle? The difference often isn't the program—it's the leadership behind the implementation.In this episode, we discuss:How courageous, humble leadership accelerates literacy improvementMoving from knowledge to practice through actionable support and coachingSustainable literacy improvement doesn't happen through one-day professional development or a new curriculum alone. It happens when leaders create the conditions for change—building knowledge, supporting teachers in real time, and aligning systems from the district office to the classroom. Our guest shares how implementation moves beyond ideas and into action when leaders focus on instruction, coaching, and culture.We also explore why evaluation alone doesn't change practice, how bite-sized, actionable professional learning leads to real growth, and what it takes to create schools where teachers feel supported to take risks. When leadership aligns at every level, morale improves, instruction strengthens, and students win.Guest: Justin Browning, M.Ed., literacy consultant and founder of SoR for MoreResources mentioned:SoR for More – https://www.sorformore.comEpisode URL: YouTube Audio Link: YouTube Video Link: https://youtu.be/SO34fhskFH8

Student success is directly linked to literacy. According to the latest data from the Georgia Council on Literacy, 62% of third-graders are not reading on grade level. The findings come as state lawmakers consider the Georgia Early Literacy Act of 2026, which aims to improve literacy through several approaches and strategies. “Closer Look’s” February installment of “Coffee Conversations was held at The Ke’nekt Cooperative, located in the Westview neighborhood. Host Rose Scott talked with several guests, including children’s book authors. They discussed community-center resources and programs geared toward improving literacy rates in Georgia and read excerpts from children’s books. Guests included: Kiyomi Rollins, the owner of The Ke’nekt Cooperative Gayle Hunter Holloman, the executive director of Fulton County Library System Caroline Ahmann, owner of the Beloved Books Bookmobile Allyson Eads, a community engagement librarian for the Cobb County Public Library System Dr. Nicola Chin, a pediatrician at Morehouse Healthcare and a Reach Out and Read Clinician Alex Ryan, the founder of Alex in Wonderland, LLC, and the author and creator of “Zina Bina Learns the Value of Money” Dr. Breanna J. McDaniel, an educator, speaker and author of the book “Go Forth and Tell” Shelly Anand, an author of “Laxmi’s Mooch” Reem Faruqi, an award-winning author of “Lailah's Lunchbox”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

AP's Lisa Dwyer reports on one Ohio hospital's efforts to boost Childhood literacy.

Notes and Links to Oliver James' Work   Oliver James is a literacy advocate and motivational speaker who has been sharing his journey about learning to read as an adult, through TikTok and Instagram. Through videos and posts, he has been charting the books he's read, and the lessons he's learned and relearned. He has been featured on The Jennifer Hudson Show, The Today Show, NPR, and more.   Buy Unread: A Memoir of Learning (and Loving) to Read on TikTok   Oliver's Website   Oliver on The Jennifer Hudson Show At about 1:25, Oliver talks about feedback he has gotten from early readers of Unread At about 2:35, Oliver responds to Pete's question about vulnerability in writing the book and presenting the book to the world At about 4:00, Oliver talks about his social media availability and upcoming tour stops At about 5:20, Pete asks Oliver about the book's Dedication and important epigraph; Oliver expands upon the connections between reading and exercises At about 7:40, Oliver talks about the emotions at the moment after he shared with his social media followers that he couldn't read, in 2021 At about 10:00, Oliver explains how he would get by when being called on to read in school At about 12:20, Oliver replies to Pete's question about good ways for people to start learning to read/cement their developing reading skills At about 15:00, Oliver talks about his singing and reading and other things that he does on Tik Tok Live and Instagram At about 16:10, Oliver and Pete discuss  At about 18:00, Pete highlights Oliver's great book recommendations throughout his book, and particularly connections between The Giver and Oliver's pains and triumphs in learning and reading At about 21:45, The two discuss missing important learning opportunities and learning cycles in adolescence  At about 23:15, Oliver talks about “creating [his] own identity” based on what teachers and other authority figures sometimes told him, subtly or not At about 24:40, The two discuss how The Phantom Tollbooth connects to Oliver's reading and learning journey At about 26:30, Oliver gives background on how a speech class gave him more confidence and how it led to speech becoming a vocation At about 29:50, Oliver reflects on what might have been different had he been a reader when he was set up in a sting operation At about 31:50, Oliver explains how people in jail gave him hope and how this experience connects to the character of Zero in Holes, particularly with regard to a sense of “duty” and community learning  At about 33:50, Oliver highlights Dirty Laundry and shame and relationships with girls and dependence  At about 37:20, Oliver talks about the importance of a quote book that was his first gifted book and the “helpless[ness]” that came at the beginning of the COVID pandemic  At about 43:20, Oliver makes connections between COVID and “how to carry” on his reading and emotional journey At about 44:20, The Diary of Anne Frank and The Outsiders and ideas of reading and being in community with readers and reading is discussed  At about 45:40, Pete gives a rec for one of his all-time favorites, That Was Then, This is Now At about 46:20, The two discuss the Piiraha people and “living in the moment” based on Oliver's car accident and other traumatic and triumphant moments  At about 51:00, Pete highlights The Alchemist and ideas of how books “unlock” so much, and expands upon the “agreements” featured in Don Ruiz's books, in particular with regards to his father  At about 54:30, Empathy is discussed, as experienced in reading and in life, and love and thanks for his mother At about 56:10, Oliver reflects on children's books and “tap[ping] into emotions” and “be[ing] a kid” At about 1:00:30, Pete highlights ways in which Oliver gave him a different perspective on finishing a book and on the classic The Giving Tree At about 1:02:10, Oliver responds to Pete's questions about his feelings upon meeting famous people for interviews, like Jennifer Hudson    You can now subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, and leave me a five-star review. You can also ask for the podcast by name using Alexa, and find the pod on Stitcher, Spotify, and on Amazon Music. Follow Pete on IG, where he is @chillsatwillpodcast, or on Twitter, where he is @chillsatwillpo1. You can watch other episodes on YouTube-watch and subscribe to The Chills at Will Podcast Channel. Please subscribe to both the YouTube Channel and the podcast while you're checking out this episode.       Pete is very excited to have one or two podcast episodes per month featured on the website of Chicago Review of Books. The audio will be posted, along with a written interview culled from the audio. His conversation with Jeff Pearlman, a recent guest, is up soon at Chicago Review.     Sign up now for The Chills at Will Podcast Patreon: it can be found at patreon.com/chillsatwillpodcastpeterriehl      Check out the page that describes the benefits of a Patreon membership, including cool swag and bonus episodes. Thanks in advance for supporting Pete's one-man show, DIY podcast and extensive reading, research, editing, and promoting to keep this independent podcast pumping out high-quality content!    This month's Patreon bonus episode features an exploration of formative and transformative writing for children, as Pete surveys wonderful writers on their own influences.    Pete has added a $1 a month tier for “Well-Wishers” and Cheerleaders of the Show.     This is a passion project, a DIY operation, and Pete would love for your help in promoting what he's convinced is a unique and spirited look at an often-ignored art form.    The intro song for The Chills at Will Podcast is “Wind Down” (Instrumental Version), and the other song played on this episode was “Hoops” (Instrumental)” by Matt Weidauer, and both songs are used through ArchesAudio.com.     Please tune in for Episode 326 with Yiming Ma, who spent a decade in tech and finance before writing the dystopian novel These Memories Do Not Belong to Us, named a Spotify Editors' Pick, longlisted for the Goodreads Choice Award, and featured on Best Book of 2025 lists by Electric Literature, Debutiful, PEN America,  and elsewhere.    The episode airs on February 24 or 25.       Please go to ceasefiretoday.org, and/or https://act.uscpr.org/a/letaidin to call your congresspeople and demand an end to the forced famine and destruction of Gaza and the Gazan people.       You can also donate at chuffed.org, World Central Kitchen, and so many more, and/or you can contact writer friend Ursula Villarreal-Moura directly or through Pete, as she has direct links with friends in Gaza.

In this episode of All For Literacy, host Kerri Larkin sits down with Dr. Marisa Ramirez Stukey, Chief Academic Officer of The Reading League, to explore what it really takes to turn literacy research into meaningful classroom practice. Together, they unpack why the science of reading—while essential—is not enough on its own, and how the science of learning and implementation science are critical to achieving lasting, equitable literacy outcomes. This conversation dives into the realities educators face every day, from competing initiatives to limited time and resources. Dr. Stukey challenges traditional ideas of fidelity, emphasizing integrity, context, and systems-level alignment. Listeners will come away with a clearer understanding of why real change requires not just adding new programs, but also removing barriers, de-implementing what no longer works, and supporting educators with coherent, connected professional learning. Why knowledge alone doesn't change practice What implementation science looks like in real classrooms Fidelity vs. integrity in literacy instruction Identifying and removing systemic barriers The importance of de-implementation for long-term change A must-listen for educators, school and district leaders, and anyone committed to evidence-based literacy transformation.  

If AI can do the homework, what happens to the student? In this episode, Sam Shapiro sits down with Eric Hudson, a strategic advisor who has helped hundreds of schools navigate the intersection of technology and humanity. Together, they explore how to raise kids who are "AI-literate" but—more importantly—human-centered.We discuss:The "Do Hard Things" Thesis: Why the struggle of learning is the ultimate hedge against an unhealthy, shortcut-obsessed world.Literacy vs. Policy: Why building a child's internal "BS detector" is more protective than any school ban.Augmentation over Automation: How to use technology to extend human capability rather than replace it.

Author and academic Katherine Rundell explores the precipitous decline in reading books for pleasure, and what can be done to reverse it. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

242: Ever heard of RAN assessment but weren't quite sure what it was or what to do with it? Dr. Erin Pzinski breaks down rapid automatized naming and explains why it's like a "check engine" light. You'll learn what not to do with RAN assessment data and what really helps students with low RAN succeed.Find the show notes here:https://reachallreaders.com/episode242 Sign up for my free masterclass, 5 Essential Steps to Reach All Readers. 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 me here! Blog Instagram Facebook Twitter (X)

In this episode, we sit down with Alton Ford of Taylor County, Georgia, to talk about grassroots literacy efforts making a real impact—and how those efforts connect to the Georgia Strawberry Festival.We also spotlight Dolly Parton's Imagination Library and how the Flint Foundation proudly sponsors free book access for children ages newborn to five in Macon, Marion, Talbot, and Taylor Counties—helping build strong readers from the very start.

This week I couldn’t get my book, so I’ve decided to do an entire episode about BOARD BOOKS ABOUT PACIFIERS and WATCH MY LISTENERSHIP DROP LIKE A HOT POTATO.

Episode 246Fluency looks different across grade levels, but it always matters.In this special mashup episode, Melissa and Lori bring together voices from seven classroom teachers, spanning first grade through eighth grade, to show how fluency comes to life in real classrooms. Each teacher shares a best practice they use to support accuracy, automaticity, and expression, always grounded in meaningful reading.You'll hear about a range of approaches, including:Songs, shared reading, and read-alouds in early gradesPartner reading routines that build accountability and supportPerformance-based practices like Readers' TheaterUsing oral reading as assessment and feedbackStructuring small groups to support different fluency needsThis episode is full of practical ideas, classroom insight, and teacher wisdom, whether you're teaching in the primary grades or supporting older readers.Resources: Check out our Fluency Listening Guide for links to all of the episodes! Featured Episodes: First Steps to Fluency: How Young Learners Become Independent Readers with Virginia Quinn-Mooney Improving Student Reading Growth in Months with Fluency Instruction and Practice with Lorraine Griffith and Lindsay Kemeny A Classroom Fluency Protocol That Works with Aaron GrossmanBaltimore Secondary Literacy Teachers Talk Fluency with Tanisha Dasmunshi, Emily Jaskowski, and Emery Uwimana Watch Virginia Teach Fluency in this video Let's bring back the magic of song by Tim RasinskiLindsay Kemeny YouTubePartner Reading with Paragraph Shrinking3 Phases for Fluency by Aaron GrossmanTim Rasinski's Multidimensional Fluency RubricAaron's website: Just Two 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.