Science of Reading: The Podcast

Join Dr. Catherine Barnes, CEO of Sudden Impact Solutions and leader of the Black Parents Support Network, as she addresses the shortcomings of the educational system during the pandemic in underserved communities, the need for overcoming parents’ perceptions of judgment by educators, and how educators can foster relationships with parents in order to ensure continuous learning for students during these trying times. Quotes:“We are not coming in to judge parents and we are not expecting them to be teachers, but we do value what they bring to the table.”“We need to make sure that we are addressing students where they are today, socially as well as academically”Resources:Black Parent Support Network Facebook groupCo-organizers: Dr. Diedre Houchen, UF professorKarla Hutchinson, H.O.M.E Church youth advocate)Chanae Jackson, parent & parent organizerWant to discuss the episode? Join our Facebook group Science of Reading: The Community.

Author and University of Virginia psychology professor Daniel Willingham discusses the “reading wars” (and mischaracterizations among their factions), the importance of understanding basic science to teach reading, and the variations in implementation of the science of reading in literacy instruction across districts. Quotes:“Reading is central to (virtually) every educator’s concerns.”“Everything touches education." Resources:The Reading Mind: A Cognitive Approach to Understanding How the Mind ReadsWhen Can You Trust the Experts?Blog: What Will Your Children Tell their Grandchildren About the Pandemic?Website: www.danielwillingham.comTwitter: @DTWillinghamFacebook: DTWillinghamPodcast Discussion GuideWant to discuss the episode? Join our Facebook group Science of Reading: The Community.

Doug Lemov, author and managing director of Uncommon Schools, discusses the role of technology in the classroom and remote instruction, how educators should reconsider how they approach literacy, and his experience reconstructing a reading curriculum for this next phase of digital learning while holding true to the values of the science of reading.Quotes:"Classrooms are first and foremost cultures and they shape students’ experiences.""Everything is challenging to teach online, but reading is the most challenging."Resources:Teaching the art of listening in the age of me, me, meDoug’s blog: Teaching Like a ChampionForgetting how to readTeach Like a Champion 2.0: 62 Techniques that Put Students on the Path to CollegePractice Perfect: 42 Rules for Getting Better at Getting BetterReading Reconsidered: A Practical Guide to Rigorous Literacy InstructionReader, Come Home by Maryanne WolfPodcast Discussion GuideWant to discuss the episode? Join our Facebook group Science of Reading: The Community.

Educator, author, and leader Shawn Joseph discusses his work advocating for all students, shedding light on what he calls the silent crisis in literacy instruction. In this episode, you’ll hear about his experience as a former superintendent of several large urban districts and learn how he fostered achievement in all of his students.Quotes:“You have millions of children in the country who have not been given a civil right: the right to read.”Resources:Becoming a Data Champion in 6 Steps by Shawn JosephA research paper written by Shawn, titled School District Grow Your Own Principal Preparation Programs: Effective Elements and Implications for Graduate Schools of EducationA podcast discussion guide to share with your colleaguesShawn’s book, The Principal's Guide to the First 100 Days of the School Year Shawn's websiteNashville UnchainedWant to discuss the episode? Join our Facebook group Science of Reading: The Community.

Multilingual author and expert Elizabeth Jimenez Salinas and host Susan Lambert discuss advocating for underrepresented English Learners (EL), improving dual language instruction, and learned passivity. Elizabeth shares tips for EL students during this time and reinforces the importance of home connection and language development.Quotes:“English learners are put at a serious disadvantage by a school system that doesn’t use their home language.”“It is not just learning to recite rote words–it is comprehending and using the home language for parents.”Resources:Eradicating Learned Passivity: Preventing ELs from Becoming Long Term English LearnersTen behavioral skills that interpreters need to knowReparable HarmStudents train as interpreters, with benefits for all involvedMulticultural Author ProjectWant to discuss the episode? Join our Facebook group Science of Reading: The Community.

Join Mary Clayman, Director of the District of Columbia Reading Clinic, and host Susan Lambert, as Mary shares her experience founding one of the first graduate clinical practicums sponsored by a public school system and discusses how it has influenced the training of DCPS teachers and the success of students in early literacy by using the science of reading.Quotes:"Like Louisa Moats said, ‘Teaching reading is rocket science,’ it takes a long time to learn all about the English language.”“We’re committed to quality training for more teachers.”Resources:D.C. Reading ClinicTeaching Reading Is Rocket Science: What Expert Teachers of Reading Should Know and Be Able To Do by Louisa C. Moats  Want to discuss the episode? Join our Facebook group Science of Reading: The Community.

Jacquey Barber, director of design & development at UC Berkeley’s Lawrence Hall of Science, examines her research on the symbiotic relationship between literacy and science and what educators should be looking for in high-quality, literacy-rich science curricula.Quotes: “Literacy is a domain in search of content; science is a domain in need of communication.”“Develop opportunities for students to learn to read, write, and talk like scientists do.”Resources:UCLA CRESSTThe Knowledge Gap: The Hidden Cause of America's Broken Education System—and How to Fix It by Natalie WexlerNo More Science Kits or Texts in Isolation by Jacqueline Barber and Gina Cervetti. Podcast Discussion GuideWant to discuss the episode? Join our Facebook group Science of Reading: The Community.

David and Meredith Liben, nationally recognized reading experts and co-authors of Know Better, Do Better, discuss effective literacy instruction. They share their journey from struggling teachers to advocates for evidence-based solutions. The Libens emphasize the importance of systematic phonics and tailored methods to address unfinished learning in reading. They also highlight the crucial need for access to grade-level texts and the role of educators in ensuring every student can read. Their insights aim to inspire both teachers and parents in fostering literacy.

Laurence Holt, language acquisition expert and author of the Learning to Read primers, joins host Susan Lambert to discuss the simple view of reading, how the brain rewires itself to learn how to read, and the importance of background knowledge in language comprehension.Quotes: “Learning how to read is such a pivotal moment in all of K-12.”“Decoding and language comprehension need to come together in order to become an expert reader.”Resources:Learning to Read: Primer Part OneLearning to Read Primer: Part TwoPodcast discussion guideWant to discuss the episode? Join our Facebook group Science of Reading: The Community.

Larry Berger, CEO of Amplify, discusses the use of innovation and technology to inform teaching and learning, his new initiative called Wide Open School, and how we can step back and let this be a time of joy and creativity for kids––letting them discover a love of reading. Quotes: “Make this a time of exploration and openness."“There is a moment for necessity and necessity brings innovation.”Show notes:Wide Open School Free remote learning resources from AmplifyAmplify websiteWant to discuss the episode? Join our Facebook group Science of Reading: The Community.