Addressing Reading Challenges for Transitioning Students

Kate welcomes three educators from the Near North District School Board to share how they transformed reading outcomes for intermediate students through a targeted, data-driven structured literacy intervention. Lisa Rogers, Courtney Berger, and Kristen Roy walk us through the data that prompted the initiative, the logistics of scheduling and grouping, and the instructional choices that made a difference for older students. From explicit instruction with the REWARDS program to building safe, motivating classroom spaces, their stories highlight not only measurable academic growth but also powerful shifts in student confidence and identity as readers.

This episode mentions:

• Indigenous Peoples in the World Wars by Simon Rose (Beech Street Books)
• Fluency in Perspective: Grade 8 Changemakers (ONlit)
• Fluency in Perspective: Grade 7 Across the Curriculum (ONlit)
• REWARDS program by Anita Archer, Mary Gleason, and Vicki Vachon
• Tolentino Teaching website
• No Time to Waste: Structured Literacy with Young Adults (Dr. Julie Brown)