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The National Science of Reading Landscape – Part 1

In this episode, Jeff Bradbury, Laura Stewart, and Kymyona Burk discuss the importance of literacy instruction and the levers that can improve literacy outcomes for students. If you are a new listener to TeacherCast, we would love to hear from you.  Please visit our Contact Page and let us know how we can help you today!

In This Episode …

  • What is the current landscape of the science of reading?
  • How did the science of reading become a national movement?

Conversation Takeaways

  • Investing in teacher knowledge and coaching are key levers for improving literacy outcomes.
  • Funding is essential for implementing effective literacy policies and practices.
  • Teacher preparation programs should include instruction on evidence-based literacy practices.
  • Personal connections and relationships can enhance professional collaborations.
  • Ongoing work is needed to sustain and improve literacy education. Teacher preparation is crucial in ensuring that educators are equipped with the knowledge and skills to teach reading effectively.
  • High-quality instructional materials aligned with the science of reading are essential for supporting teachers in their instruction.
  • The banning of ineffective instructional strategies, such as the three-cueing strategy, is a necessary step in promoting evidence-based reading instruction.
  • Stakeholders, including school boards, play a vital role in implementing and sustaining the science of reading practices.
  • The science of reading movement has gained momentum nationally, with many states adopting policies and initiatives to align with evidence-based reading instruction.
  • There is hope for improving literacy outcomes for all students, and the success achieved in Mississippi serves as an example of what is possible with investment in teacher knowledge and support.

The Science of Reading

About the 95 Percent Group

95 Percent Group is an education company whose mission is to build on science to empower teachers—supplying the knowledge, resources, and support they need—to develop strong readers. Using an approach that is based in structured literacy, the company’s One95 Literacy Ecosystem™ integrates professional learning and evidence-based literacy products into one cohesive system that supports consistent instructional routines across tiers and is proven and trusted to help students close skill gaps and read fluently. 95 Percent Group is also committed to advancing research, best practices, and thought leadership on the science of reading more broadly. For additional information on 95 Percent Group, visit: https://www.95percentgroup.com.

Links of Interest

About our Guests

Laura Stewart

Laura Stewart is the Chief Academic Officer at 95 Percent Group. She is a nationally recognized Science of Reading and Structured Literacy advocate who has dedicated her career to improving literacy achievement at leading education companies. Stewart has more than 25 years of academic leadership experience. Most recently, she served as the Chief Innovation Officer for The Reading League and Chief Academic Officer for professional development with the Highlights Education Group. Other key education roles include vice president of professional development for the Rowland Reading Foundation and Zaner-Bloser, school district administrator and adjunct professor. She is the author of several training guides and training workshops, as well as 12 children’s books, and the co-author of The Everything Guide to Informational Text, K-2: Best Texts, Best Practices (Corwin Press, 2014). She serves on several advisory boards, including The Path Forward for Teacher Preparation and Licensure in Early Literacy.

Kymyona Burk, Ed.D.

Kymyona Burk is a Senior Policy Fellow at ExcelinEd. In this role, she supports states pursuing a comprehensive approach to K-3 reading policy by assisting state leaders in building new or improving existing K-3 reading policies, with a heavy focus on supporting successful policy implementation. Kymyona most recently served in Mississippi as the Executive Director for the Jackson Public School District’s Office of Teaching and Learning and led all aspects of the district’s instructional programming. Prior to this, she was the State Literacy Director at the Mississippi Department of Education where she led the implementation of Mississippi’s Literacy-Based Promotion Act. Kymyona began her career as an elementary reading teacher and has also taught middle and high school English. At Jackson State University, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Master of Arts in Teaching English, Master of Science in Education Administration and Supervision and a Doctor of Education in Early Childhood Education.

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Jeffrey Bradbury

Jeff Bradbury is a globally-recognized educator, educational broadcaster, public speaker, and entrepreneur whose powerful message has inspired thousands of educators through the TeacherCast Educational Network.