How much do we need to know about morphology and etymology to effectively help students? Is etymology an essential component to spelling and reading instruction?Will phonics instruction bore students? Is exposure to interesting books enough to foster a love of reading for people who don’t have solid word decoding skills?I revisit my conversations with Anna Gieger (Episode 177) and Dr. Jan Wasowicz (Episode 176) in this episode and share my thoughts on these questions.This episode is a follow-up commentary on the National Literacy Month series the BE podcast network (https://bepodcast.network/) did as a partnership with Reading Is Fundamental (https://www.rif.org/).EP 176: Building the language skills for reading, writing, and spelling (with Dr. Jan Wasowicz)(https://drkarendudekbrannan.com/ep-176-building-the-language-skills-for-reading-writing-and-spelling-with-dr-jan-wasowicz/)EP 177: Debunking reading myths and defining literacy buzzwords (with Anna Geiger)(https://drkarendudekbrannan.com/ep-177-debunking-reading-myths-and-defining-literacy-buzzwords-with-anna-geiger/)In this episode, I mention the School of Clinical Leadership, my program that helps related service providers develop a strategic plan for putting executive functioning support in place in collaboration with their school teams. You can learn more about that program here: https://drkarendudekbrannan.com/clinicalleadershipIn this episode, I mention Language Therapy Advance Foundations, my program that helps SLPs create a system for language therapy. You can learn more about Language Therapy Advance Foundations here: https://drkarenspeech.com/languagetherapy/You can get 25% off either program when you join between September 15-October 15. Just enter coupon code RIF25 on the checkout page to get this special rate.*If you’re already a member of either program and you refer a friend, tell them to email me at talktome@drkarenspeech.com if they join and let me know you referred them and I’ll send you a $100 referral bonus. Here’s what you can do right now to support this campaign and ensure you don’t miss any of these amazing interviews/commentary. Go to Apple, Spotify, or any other directory you use for podcasts and subscribe to the De Facto Leaders podcast.Once you listen to an episode or two, leave me a rating and review. This helps get my show into the hands of people who need the information.Do you have a colleague or friend who needs to learn more about the research surrounding language and literacy? Do you want to spread the word about practices and ideas you’d like to see in your school, community, or state? If so, tell them about the De Facto Leaders podcast so they can listen to all the episodes in this special campaign. Reading Is Fundamental is a nonprofit that focuses on connecting educators and families with materials and training aligned with evidence-based literacy instruction. Not only is their model aligned with the science of reading; they also offer unique book ownership solutions for professionals and families to address book equity issues. You can learn more about Reading Is Fundamental here: https://www.rif.org/You can also learn more about the other BE Podcast Network shows at https://bepodcast.network We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers’ timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

Dr. Molly Ness, a reading researcher and former classroom teacher, discusses the transformative power of read-alouds in enhancing language skills. She debunks the myth that structured reading approaches are boring, explaining how confidence and competence foster a love for reading. Dr. Ness emphasizes the science of reading goes beyond phonics, incorporating vocabulary and comprehension. She also advocates for literacy as a social justice issue, urging educators to engage in comprehensive strategies to improve access and support for all learners.

Dr. Karla McGregor, a Senior Scientist at Boys Town National Research Hospital and a leading expert on developmental language disorder (DLD), discusses the complexities and under-recognition of DLD in schools. She emphasizes the critical need for early identification and effective interventions to support literacy and life skills. The podcast also highlights the distinct challenges faced by students with DLD compared to other disorders. Dr. McGregor shares valuable resources for families and educators to better understand and advocate for affected students.

There is a disproportionate number of individuals with communication disorders and reading disabilities involved with the justice system for both children and adults.Past research suggests that more than 40% of incarcerated people have some type of nonpsychiatric disability (Berzofsky et al., 2015; Bixby et al., 2022; Thompson, 2022)Additionally, once youth are involved in the justice system, it becomes more difficult for them to access the education and therapeutic services they need. Both literacy and language skills will impact someone’s ability to comprehend employee or disciplinary handbooks, to read language in legal documents, fill out job applications, and or explain past events during job interviews, when interacting with school staff or with law enforcement. Many times things are written off as “behavior problems” when the real underlying issue could be tied to language, reading, or writing. That’s why I invited Dr. Shameka Stewart to episode 180 of the De Facto Leaders podcast). Dr. Shameka Stewart is an Associate Professor of Communication Sciences and Disorders and the Juvenile Forensic Speech-Language Pathologist(r). Dr. Stewart is also a special education advocate trained by the Wright's Law training center. Dr. Stewart’s clinical and scholarly work specializes in Juvenile Forensics, Law Enforcement Interaction with youth with CD, child language disorders, and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Her primary research focuses on the Confluence and Impact of cognitive and communication disorders on the school-to-confinement pipeline, status offenses, involvement with the criminal justice system, law enforcement interaction, and criminal recidivism in youth placed at-risk for delinquency and crime (especially Black and Brown youth from under-resourced areas). Dr. Stewart is also a clinically certified and licensed speech-language pathologist and is licensed to practice in Maryland, Washington, D.C., and multiple other states. Through her work, Dr. Stewart has created cutting edge social justice and juvenile justice specialty courses for graduate CSD students, nationally known training programs for law enforcement and legal counsel, and national and international CE workshops and training for licensed SLP clinicians, students, and families of children with special needs.This episode is part of the National Literacy Month series of podcasts, presented in partnership between the Be Podcast Network and Reading Is Fundamental (RIF).In this conversation, we discuss:✅The relationship between reading challenges and the school-to-confinement pipeline.✅Why “behavior problems” could be related to language processing, reading, or writing challenges.✅When youth become involved with the justice system, how do they get access to special education services (including language therapy)? ✅“They should know better”: Why we can’t assume kids comprehend language in the school discipline handbook. ✅A case for continuing direct language therapy in high school (and why therapists need support from school leaders in making this happen).You can connect with Dr. Stewart on her website here: www.juvforensicslp.comConnect with her on Instagram @drjuvenile_forensicslpJoin her Facebook group SLPs 4 Juvenile Justice here. References for this episode’s show notes:Berzofsky, M., Bronson, J., & Maruschak, L. L. (2015). Disabilities among prison and jail inmates, 2011–12. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Statistics.Bixby, L., Bevan, S., & Boen, C. (2022). The link between disability, incarceration, and social exclusion. Heath Affairs, 41,10. doi: https://.doi.org/10.1377.hlthaff.2022.00495Thompson, E. (2022). Reading through the lines; The correlation between literacy and incarceration. Retrieved from: https://www.northcarolinahealthnews.org/2022/03/21/reading-through-the-lines-the-correlation-between-literacy-and-incarceration/In this episode, I mention the School of Clinical Leadership, my program that helps related service providers develop a strategic plan for putting executive functioning support in place in collaboration with their school teams. You can learn more about that program here. In this episode, I mention Language Therapy Advance Foundations, my program that helps SLPs create a system for language therapy. You can learn more about Language Therapy Advance Foundations here. You can get 25% off either program when you join between September 15-October 15. Just enter coupon code RIF25 on the checkout page to get this special rate. *If you’re already a member of either program and you refer a friend, tell them to email me at talktome@drkarenspeech.com if they join and let me know you referred them and I’ll send you a $100 referral bonus. Here’s what you can do right now to support this campaign and ensure you don’t miss any of these amazing interviews/commentary. Go to Apple, Spotify, or any other directory you use for podcasts and subscribe to the De Facto Leaders podcast.Once you listen to an episode or two, leave me a rating and review. This helps get my show into the hands of people who need the information.Do you have a colleague or friend who needs to learn more about the research surrounding language and literacy? Do you want to spread the word about practices and ideas you’d like to see in your school, community, or state? If so, tell them about the De Facto Leaders podcast so they can listen to all the episodes in this special campaign. Reading Is Fundamental is a nonprofit that focuses on connecting educators and families with materials and training aligned with evidence-based literacy instruction. Not only is their model aligned with the science of reading; they also offer unique book ownership solutions for professionals and families to address book equity issues. You can learn more about Reading Is Fundamental here.&n...

How can school leaders make informed decisions about reading curriculum when they know the home environments among their student body vary widely?I don’t envy people tasked with these kinds of decisions. My opinion is that schools should ensure students get their instructional needs met during the school day, because it’s difficult to control what happens to students once they leave the school campus.Direct instruction of reading has to fall on the plate of educators. If we assume certain practices will be done at home consistently, we create huge equity issues.With all that being said, school staff can work to create a shared partnership with families and communities. Even though they might aim to include the essentials during the school day, they can provide opportunities and tools for students and families to support literacy outside formal classroom instruction.I invited Susan Brady, a reading specialist from Illinois, to De Facto Leaders episode 179 to discuss how she’s helped her community get access to books and extracurricular activities that support literacy. Susan Brady has been in the teaching profession for over 40 years. She worked in a private school where she taught first grade and kindergarten. Sixteen years ago she began work in the public schools as a kindergarten teacher. In 2008, she received her Master’s Degree in Reading from Governors State University and became a Reading Specialist. She moved to middle school 5 years ago and works with small groups, large groups, and push-ins. She also has started and run engaging book clubs for her students to help get them excited about reading.This episode is part of the National Literacy Month series of podcasts, presented in partnership between the Be Podcast Network and Reading Is Fundamental (RIF).In this conversation, Susan shares:✅Are reading teachers getting the pre-service training they need to critically evaluate research and implement instructional practices?✅Relying a curriculum versus leveraging a curriculum to guide your practice✅How to start a book club and get students excited about reading✅Where to find inexpensive or free books for schools and families✅Navigating logistical and equity issues when hosting community events and running extracurriculars.The following resources were mentioned in this episode:Our partner for the National Literacy Month Campaign, Reading Is Fundamental (https://www.rif.org)Better World Books (https://www.betterworldbooks.com/)First Book (https://firstbook.org)BookShare (https://www.bookshare.org) United for Literacy (https://www.bookshare.org)Little Free Library (https://littlefreelibrary.org)In this episode, I mention the School of Clinical Leadership, my program that helps related service providers develop a strategic plan for putting executive functioning support in place in collaboration with their school teams. You can learn more about that program here: https://drkarendudekbrannan.com/clinicalleadershipIn this episode, I mention Language Therapy Advance Foundations, my program that helps SLPs create a system for language therapy. You can learn more about Language Therapy Advance Foundations here: https://drkarenspeech.com/languagetherapy/You can get 25% off either program when you join between September 15-October 15. Just enter coupon code RIF25 on the checkout page to get this special rate. *If you’re already a member of either program and you refer a friend, tell them to email me at talktome@drkarenspeech.com if they join and let me know you referred them and I’ll send you a $100 referral bonus. Here’s what you can do right now to support this campaign and ensure you don’t miss any of these amazing interviews/commentary. Go to Apple, Spotify, or any other directory you use for podcasts and subscribe to the De Facto Leaders podcast.Once you listen to an episode or two, leave me a rating and review. This helps get my show into the hands of people who need the information.Do you have a colleague or friend who needs to learn more about the research surrounding language and literacy? Do you want to spread the word about practices and ideas you’d like to see in your school, community, or state? If so, tell them about the De Facto Leaders podcast so they can listen to all the episodes in this special campaign. Reading Is Fundamental is a nonprofit that focuses on connecting educators and families with materials and training aligned with evidence-based literacy instruction. Not only is their model aligned with the science of reading; they also offer unique book ownership solutions for professionals and families to address book equity issues. You can learn more about Reading Is Fundamental here. You can also learn more about the other BE Podcast Network shows at https://bepodcast.network We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers’ timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

Tom Parton, a seasoned Speech Language Pathologist and President of Everyone Reading Illinois, unpacks the confusion around using 'dyslexia' in schools. He discusses the implications of a 2015 letter that left parents and educators unclear about legal and ethical responsibilities. The conversation delves into the importance of correct identification of dyslexia, the need for trained professionals, and the benefits of personalized education strategies. Parton also highlights the role of technology in supporting learning, making a case for advocacy in both educational and workplace settings.

Anna Geiger, a former teacher, mom of six, and founder of The Measured Mom, dives deep into the evolving landscape of literacy education. She demystifies key terms like balanced and structured literacy, shedding light on the importance of decodable texts. Anna shares her journey from advocating three-cueing to embracing research-backed practices. The conversation emphasizes the balance between phonics and the joy of reading, and the crucial role of informed teacher knowledge in developing effective literacy strategies.

Dr. Jan Wasowicz, an expert in literacy with over 40 years of experience, delves into the interconnectedness of reading, writing, and spelling. She discusses her Language Literacy Network framework that advocates for explicit instruction and highlights best practices in literacy education. The conversation tackles the vital links between language skills and reading development, emphasizing the importance of aligning educational technology with student needs. Dr. Wasowicz also shares insights on integrating metalinguistic awareness to enhance literacy skills effectively.

Texting's influence on children's reading and spelling skills takes center stage, exploring necessary word decoding abilities. The conversation highlights innovative leadership strategies aimed at enhancing literacy through collaborative efforts with Reading Is Fundamental. It also stresses the importance of a balanced approach to digital communication and traditional reading methods. Parents and educators gain practical tips for fostering vocabulary development and addressing book equity, all while navigating the challenges of literacy in today's texting-savvy world.

I’m a huge supporter of professionals taking ownership of their careers; regardless of the systemic issues at play.But having said that, I ALSO like to help educators get to a place where they can work towards addressing systems issues head on.That’s why I was so excited to talk with Kurtis Hewson about the Collaborative Response Framework in episode 174 of De Facto Leaders.Kurtis Hewson is an award-winning former administrator and teacher, as well as teaching faculty at the post-secondary level. He is the co-founder of Jigsaw Learning, a co-author of the text, “Collaborative Response: Three Foundational Components That Transform How We Respond to the Needs of Learners” (Corwin, 2022), and currently works with districts and schools nationally and internationally establishing Collaborative Response frameworks and interacting with thousands of educators annually.Good teachers, therapists, and administrators often develop toolkits they can use to offer a continuum of support to students. But as Kurtis points out, they’re often operating in “silos of excellence”. What would happen if team members worked together to pool their resources? We discuss this topic in this episode, including:✅People in education talk a lot about the problems with “the system”. But what is the “system” and how do we improve it?✅Is talking about individual student needs always the best use of time at team meetings?✅Meetings sometimes feel like an obligation or a waste of time. How do we change that?✅What types of meetings should district level teams have and what’s the purpose of each?✅Why school teams need 4 tiers of support rather than the traditional 3 tiers of RtI.In this episode, I mention the School of Clinical Leadership, my program that helps related service providers develop a strategic plan for putting executive functioning support in place in collaboration with their school teams. You can learn more about that program here: https://drkarendudekbrannan.com/clinicalleadershipYou can learn more about how to connect with Kurtis and his work at: https://www.jigsawlearning.ca/Read about the Overview of Collaborative Response here: https://bit.ly/CR-overview Read the Introductory Chapter of the text Collaborative Response - https://bit.ly/CR-introLearn about the Layers of Collaborative Teams Here: https://www.jigsawlearning.ca/publications/blog-posts/scaffolding-our-collaborative-response-purposeful-layering-tLearn the Five Considerations to Transform Your Team Meetings here:  https://www.jigsawlearningonline.com/five-planning-considerations-to-transform-your-team-meetings We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers’ timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.