Shanahan on Literacy

This discussion dives into the complexities of engaging above grade-level readers in classrooms. Strategies like literature circles and project-based instruction are highlighted to meet their advanced needs. The conversation emphasizes the importance of challenging texts, even for those who already excel in reading. Insights into school policies reveal their impact on instructional methods. The goal is to ensure all students are supported without neglecting the advanced learners who thirst for more challenging material.

Many school districts are shifting to a four-day week, pondering its impact on reading achievement. The discussion highlights how fewer instructional days could potentially affect learning, yet improved attendance and teaching quality might offset negative effects. It dives into the critical role of effective classroom time and urges a reevaluation of traditional teaching methods. Listeners are encouraged to consider research that challenges the status quo, aiming for more targeted and impactful educational strategies.

Many phonics proponents claim that the best way to teach phonics is multi-sensorilly with tracing and similar activities. This podcast reveals what research studies have to say about those claims.

The discussion dives into the effectiveness of choral reading in developing oral reading fluency. Teachers share their positive and critical experiences, highlighting the need for personalized reading strategies. Practical tips for enhancing choral reading practices are also offered, sparking a debate on its true value in literacy instruction.

This "blast from the past" revisits -- revises -- a blog posting from 2018. This podcast explains what the research has to say about teaching with decodable text. The idea of teaching students with decodables is a hot topic in reading education these days. Find out what research has to say about these materials and what they contribute to learning to read -- if anything. You might be surprised at what the "science of reading" has to say about this practice.

Recently, several organizations have started evaluating reading programs. These ratings are getting a lot of attention from school districts around the nation, but how good are they and how should they be used? This podcast will explore those issues and provide some recommendations.

Most reading interventions for older students fail. One reason for this is that they tend to focus on raising general reading achievement, instead of putting the major emphasis on helping those students to develop the reading abilities that would allow them to succeed. Think pre-remediation rather than remediation.

These days there is a great deal of interest in controlling classroom reading instruction. One approach to this is to require "fidelity" of program use. What does fidelity mean and will it improve reading achievement? This podcast explores those issues and suggests ways that programs can be used and adjusted for maximum success.

This podcast delves into the debate between whole class and small group reading instruction, highlighting the limitations of solely relying on small group teaching. It discusses optimizing reading instruction through different grouping strategies, emphasizing the importance of teacher-directed lessons and fluency practice for improved outcomes. The podcast also explores effective classroom strategies to address individual student needs and improve reading achievement.

Explore the impactful role of guided reading in enhancing student comprehension. Discover the benefits of pre-teaching vocabulary and setting clear reading purposes. Learn powerful questioning techniques to deepen text understanding and foster connections. Delve into effective strategies for monitoring comprehension, including repeated and paired reading, to boost fluency and overall reading skills. This insightful discussion offers practical tips to support both teachers and students in the journey of literacy.