Science of Reading Leadership

“Prioritize and focus on [accelerating reading achievement]. If our kids can’t read, they can’t access anything. If you’re not making it a priority, you’re doing a disservice to kids.” - Dr. Jermall Wright, Superintendent of Little Rock School District On this episode of the Science of Reading Leadership, Dr. Jermall Wright, Superintendent of Little Rock School District, joins us to highlight the district's significant achievements in implementing the Science of Reading research. We explore the district’s commitment to early literacyhow an innovative partnership to provide personalized tutoring transforms elementary students’ reading achievementchallenges of leading literacy initiativesthe importance of professional development for teachersDon't miss Dr. Wright's biggest piece of advice for accelerating reading achievement — it may seem straightforward, but its effect is profound.In this episode:00:00 Historic Little Rock District and the Science of Reading01:37 Partnership with Ignite Reading to provide one-on-one tutors for students03:10 Preparing teachers to teach reading with high-quality instructional materials04:25 Supporting district leaders to lead literacy 06:17 Challenges and importance of prioritizing literacy initiativesConnect with Dr. WrightWebsiteTwitterScience of Reading ResourcesThe Science of Reading: What You Need to KnowA Guide to High-Quality Structured Literacy MaterialsIf you liked this episode, listen to this one with Dr. Sarah Lupo next.

In this episode of SORL, we have a special on-site interview with Yolanda Valdez, the superintendent of Cutler Rosie Unified School District. Yolanda shares her district's journey in prioritizing literacy and the steps they've taken to ensure student success. From the adoption of a comprehensive curriculum to addressing messaging challenges, Yolanda provides insights into the science of reading and the crucial role of leadership in driving literacy initiatives. She emphasizes the importance of focusing resources on elementary education to accelerate student reading achievement. Join us as we delve into the inspirational journey of a superintendent dedicated to transforming lives through the power of literacy.Timestamps00:00 Emphasizing literacy to prepare students for success.03:26 Principals discussing changes and messaging curriculum effectively.09:19 Prioritize resources for elementary education for success.09:52 Yolanda shows true leadership in budget allocation.Connect with Yolanda ValdezLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yolanda-valdez-b35a9342/Website: http://www.cojusd.org/

Dr. Sarah Lupo discusses leveraging student strengths in reading, emphasizing reading stages over levels. She talks about tailored instruction, quad text sets, and foundational word reading skills. Dr. Lupo also shares insights on supporting older readers, morphology research, and the importance of high-quality text materials for improving literacy skills.

In this episode of SORL, Dr. Sarah Calveric, a superintendent in a rural school district, shares insights into accelerating reading achievement and embracing the Virginia Literacy Act. Dr. Calveric discusses the district's efforts in transitioning to the science of reading, including creating a bridging document, providing administrative training, and enrolling teachers in a reading specialist cohort. She also highlights the importance of communicating the why and how behind the transition to all stakeholders, including parents and the community. Dr. Calveric reflects on the successes and challenges of the initiative and provides valuable advice for school and district leaders. Tune in to gain valuable insights and strategies for promoting literacy achievement in your educational community.Timestamps00:00 Administrator training, teacher development, parent involvement in literacy.05:47 Supporting teachers through stipends for professional development.07:40 Navigating resistance, building internal support, and education challenges.Connect with Dr. Sarah CalveriWebsite: https://co.caroline.va.us/

Welcome to another episode of SORL, the podcast where we explore the transformative power of education and leadership in shaping young minds. I'm Dr. Christy Lamb, joined by my co-host, Terri Hunt, M.Ed., and today, we're diving deep into literacy and public education reform with the esteemed Dr. Gyimah Whitaker.As the Superintendent of City Schools of Decatur, Dr. Whitaker stands at the forefront of the district's strategic initiative called All in Decatur, a visionary plan to foster a high-performing and inclusive educational system for every child. She'll share the compelling story of how Brown Bear isn't just a childhood staple but a powerful tool in teaching students to decode language patterns and grasp comprehension.Her efforts are centered on comprehensive interventions for students who struggle with literacy, ensuring that inclusive education isn’t just a talking point but a living, breathing reality.So, tune in as we applaud Dr. Whitaker's courage in paving a new path forward, ensuring that all truly means all, and striving for educational equity. Stay with us for this inspiring journey into literacy and leadership with Dr. Gyimah Whitaker.Timestamps00:00 Grandmother inspired me to pursue teaching.03:32 Long-standing focus on children and education.10:14 Strategic plan for an inclusive public education system.13:10 Using data to inform literacy instruction effectively.15:54 Decatur Housing Authority partners for student literacy.21:04 Emphasizing high-impact tutoring in post-pandemic education.24:07 The School system supports vulnerable learners and families.28:38 Prioritize protocols for effective change management implementation.30:35 City schools of Decatur prioritizing literacy for all.Connect with Dr. Gyimah WhitakerLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gyimahwhitaker/Website: https://www.csdecatur.net/

In this episode of SORL, host Dr. Christy Lamb sits down with superintendent Amy Suman to discuss the unique challenges and strategies for literacy achievement in Pueblo of Laguna, New Mexico. Amy shares her dedicated efforts to address equity issues, trauma-informed teaching, and the revitalization of the Keras language. With an emphasis on social determinants and a call to view children as "at promise," Amy's insightful perspective provides valuable lessons in leadership and student support. This episode offers a profound look into the holistic approach to literacy in a close-knit community.Timestamps00:00 Focusing on equity in education for students.04:23 NWEA MAP data shows delayed progress for students.08:52 Reviving tribal language through technology and elders.10:32 Teacher professional development focused on individual coaching.13:17 Importance of spoken language for future literacy.Connect with Amy SumanWebsite: https://www.lagunaed.net/ 

Welcome back to another enlightening episode of SORL, your go-to podcast for insights into the ever-evolving world of literacy. I'm your host, Dr. Christy Lamb, and my co-host Terri Hunt, M.Ed. We're thrilled to welcome Dr. Doris Baker, an associate professor from the University of Texas, Austin. She's here to dive deep into the foundations of reading for bilingual students, addressing their unique challenges and the benefits of embracing bilingualism in the classroom.It will be a riveting discussion as Doris shares her research findings and personal observations, including a heartwarming success story showcasing the power of bilingual education done right.Stay tuned for this compelling conversation with Dr. Doris Baker on SORL. And remember, to keep our literacy conversations going, subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts!Timestamps00:00 Grad school in Latin American studies, education advocate.04:06 Reading science applies to all languages globally.08:37 Attention to English vocabulary is crucial for learning.13:03 Using visuals enhances phonemic awareness activities.16:38 Reading aloud in the native language strengthens language.17:30 Kids recognized books in the classroom and corrected the teacher.21:50 Engaging parents in school communication during COVID-19.26:28 Teaching phonemic awareness to diverse students.28:06 Teach letter sounds in Spanish and English.Connect with Doris BakerLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doris-baker-824b5419Website: https://education.utexas.edu/

In this episode, Dr. Christy Lamb sits down with Dr. Tiffany Brunson, proud superintendent of Elementary School District 159, located near Chicago. Dr. Brunson shares her district's journey in leading the science of reading, emphasizing the importance of human resources, curriculum, and intentional processes. She discusses the value of gathering feedback from teachers, promoting a learner's stance, and recognizing the impact of every data point on students' lives. Dr. Brunson also highlights the significance of including everyone's voice in decision-making for thriving schools. Tune in as we delve into practical strategies for accelerating reading achievement and fostering a culture of collaboration in education leadership.Timestamps00:00 Prioritize human, financial, and curriculum resources wisely.03:13 Customizing education, not adopting canned programs.08:57 Encouraging approach leads to successful educational growth.10:32 Ongoing, hands-on learning for teachers' success.13:01 Intentional differentiation, transparency, and support for teachers.16:56 Advice for speeding up reading achievement for superintendents.Connect with Dr. Tiffany BrunsonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffany-brunson-ph-d-64aa0828/Website: https://www.dist159.com/

In this episode, Dr. Mullen shares her journey from public relations and consumer brands to the field of education, molded by her educator parents' influence. With a district serving a vibrant student population characterized by diversity, with 48% students of color and over 100 different languages spoken, she emphasizes the district's commitment to innovative practices and its strategic plan, Vision 2037. This initiative is designed to navigate the future of careers, technology, and the table-turning impact of artificial intelligence on education.Dr. Mullen doesn't shy away from addressing the challenges faced by her district, where 40% of families rely on support services. She underlines the necessity of engaging parents and community members in the education process, reinforcing the critical role they play in democracy and literacy advocacy.Timestamps00:00 Transitioned from PR to special education advocacy.05:27 Community of learners committed to innovation and growth.07:31 Unanticipated effects of COVID-19 and AI.13:03 Prioritize evidence-based practices and equitable engagement.17:39 Struggle with word recognition, language comprehension crucial.18:50 Emphasize trust in teaching reading to all.22:39 Supporting diverse student needs through collaborative efforts.27:26 Demystify education, and support families in learning.28:34 Promoting math curriculum, engaging parents and community.33:45 Practitioners prioritize research, literacy, and engaging families.37:43 Promoting education and community for future generations.39:10 Enthusiastic gratitude for sharing a personal storyConnect with Dr. Barbara MullenLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbara-a-mullen-ph-d-91bb4116/Website: https://www.rhnet.org/

In this episode titled SORL with Dr. Julia Lindsey, who used to be an elementary school teacher but now is an expert in teaching kids how to read and write the basic way. Our friendly hosts, Dr. Christy Lamb and Terri K. Hunt, M.Ed., have a great chat with Dr. Lindsey. She talks about how she got into teaching and why she loves helping kids learn how to break down words, which is important for reading. Dr. Lindsey knows a lot about teaching reading the right way, and she shares her tips and stories. She even talks about the tough parts of teaching kids to read and how teachers can do it better. She also tells us about her book, Reading Above the Fray, where she gives more advice, especially for the people in charge of schools who want to improve reading lessons.Listen to this episode if you want to learn more about how to help kids in your school read better and pick up some useful tips from Dr. Lindsey.Timestamps00:00 Passionate teacher develops phonics program for children.05:48 Precision in teaching decoding skills is crucial.07:46 Supporting literacy instruction, challenges in teacher knowledge.10:57 District leaders focus on classroom observations and alignment.15:49 Effective and efficient routines for foundational skills.16:59 Teaching skills for reading and writing effectiveness.21:30 Effective teacher support requires a holistic, long-term approach.Connect with Dr. Julia LindseyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliablindseyWebsite: https://www.juliablindsey.com/