In the Season 9 premiere of Science of Reading: The Podcast, Susan Lambert speaks with Ray James, Head of School at The Ansley School, about the transformative impact of literacy instruction. The Ansley School, which serves children experiencing homelessness, has made evidence-based literacy instruction a key piece of its efforts to foster profound educational and community change. Ray shares his journey and explores how a focus on literacy provides benefits that extend beyond the classroom to the broader community. This episode underscores the importance of foundational literacy skills and sets the stage for a new season dedicated to a literacy reboot.

Show notes:

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The Ansley School Instagram): @theansleyschool
Ray’s Instagram: @the_rayvolution
Website: https://theansleyschool.org/

Quotes:
"If you don't get reading right in an elementary school, every piece of the school suffers." —Ray James

"We’re not just doing school, but educating people. I think a lot of people do school, we’re trying to educate our community holistically."—Ray James

"Education isn't just about academics, it's about creating a safe place and providing holistic, evidence-based literacy instruction that catalyzes real change."—Ray James

Episode timestamps*
01:00 Season nine: Reading reboot
02:00 Introduction: Who is Ray James?
04:00 Ray James' journey from politics to education
06:00 The Boyce L. Ansley School community
10:00 Support structures for families
13:00 Transforming literacy at The Ansley School
20:00 Impact of literacy initiatives
29:00 Future goals and vision for The Ansley School
40:00 Season nine: Looking ahead
*Timestamps are approximate, rounded to nearest minute

S9 E1: Literacy as a catalyst for change, with Ray James