In this inspiring episode of the Science of Reading Leadership Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Claude Goldenberg, Nomellini & Olivier Professor of Education at Stanford University to discuss effective strategies for enhancing literacy among multilingual learners.

Dr. Goldenberg's deep passion and extensive research shed light on the evolving challenges and opportunities in bilingual education and language acquisition.

Key Takeaways:

1. Bridging Literacy and Language Development: Dr. Goldenberg emphasizes the importance of aligning literacy instruction with language development, especially for English Language Learners (ELLs), to foster academic success and equitable opportunities.
2. Importance of Systematic Instruction: The conversation highlights the critical need for systematic, explicit instruction in foundational literacy skills tailored to the unique needs of multilingual learners.
3. Empowering Multilingual Students: Dr. Goldenberg discusses the potential of bilingual education programs to leverage students' linguistic resources, enhancing their learning experience and academic outcomes.
4. Advocacy for Educational Equity: Drawing from his family's commitment to social justice, Dr. Goldenberg advocates for educational practices promoting equity and access, particularly for underserved communities.

Timestamps:

• 00:00 Introduction
• 01:12 Dr. Goldenberg's personal and professional background influenced his focus on literacy and multilingual learners.
• 06:58 Discussion on the unpredictability of educational trajectories and the importance of intervention.
• 19:53 Detailed strategies for literacy education among multilingual learners.
• 39:35 Dr. Goldenberg's advice for educators.

Connect with Dr. Goldenberg.

Accelerate reading achievement with over 700+ decodables mapped to a rigorous phonics progression in English and Spanish: www.JustRightReader.com

Read our article: The Science of Reading: What You Need to Know.

This week, we talked with special guest, Tracie Bergman, a passionate literacy advocate and the Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum Instruction with a Literacy Focus at Hillsborough County Public Schools. With a career spanning over two decades, Tracie shares her extensive experience and innovative strategies to enhance literacy across one of the largest school districts in the U.S.

Key Takeaways:

1. Literacy Frameworks: Tracie emphasizes the need for clear instructional frameworks across all grades to ensure consistent, high-quality teaching.
2. Professional Development: She highlights the vital role of ongoing training and support in enhancing teacher efficacy and adapting to literacy initiatives.
3. Community Engagement: Insights into engaging families and communities to support literacy through effective partnerships and resources.
4. Curriculum Strategies: Tracie discusses methods for selecting high-quality materials and adapting to feedback for educational success.
5. Challenges and Successes: She shares experiences of overcoming obstacles and achieving success in literacy programs across Hillsborough County.

Timestamps:

• 00:00 Introduction of Tracie Bergman and her educational background.
• 04:09 Overview of the demographic and structural complexities of Hillsborough County Public Schools.
• 04:39 Steps taken to establish a foundational literacy framework in the district.
• 07:16 Challenges faced in standardizing literacy instruction across a large district.
• 09:33 Successes seen from new literacy initiatives and professional development.
• 17:40 Role of families in supporting literacy and strategies to enhance parental involvement.
• 24:01 Advice for district leaders on aligning practices with the science of reading.

Science of Reading Resources

Accelerate reading achievement with over 700+ decodables mapped to a rigorous phonics progression in English and Spanish: www.JustRightReader.com

Read our blog: The Science of Reading: What You Need to Know

In this episode, we dive deep into transforming reading instruction with Dr. Tanya Wilson-Thavenason, Deputy Superintendent for School Improvement and Community Engagement at Fairport Central School District. Discover how Dr. Wilson-Thavenason, an equity-driven leader, uses her passion for literacy and community engagement to revolutionize reading education, tackling challenges from foundational changes in instructional approaches to the nuances of family involvement in literacy.

Key Takeaways:

1. Transformation Through Literacy: Dr. Tanya's journey from turning around a school with a 0% ELA proficiency rate to fostering district-wide reading success is a testament to the power of focused, research-based literacy programs.
2. Importance of Family and Community Engagement: Insights into how empowering families and leveraging community resources can significantly enhance the literacy journey for students.
3. Evidence-Based Instructional Practices: The shift to a robust science of reading approach in Fairport Central School District illustrates the effectiveness of structured, phonics-based instruction.
4. Leadership in Literacy: The role of leadership in advocating for and implementing research-driven, equitable educational practices that address all students' needs, especially those historically marginalized.
5. Future of Literacy Education: The ongoing challenges and opportunities within literacy education emphasize the need for continual adaptation and research-based approaches.

Important Timestamps:

• 00:00 Introduction of Dr. Tanya Wilson-Thavenason
• 04:37 Dr. Tanya's literacy-focused leadership in elementary and middle schools
• 10:17 Current initiatives in Fairport Central School District to improve literacy instruction
• 19:46 The integral role of writing in learning to read
• 25:14 Advice for district leaders on implementing effective literacy programs

Connect with Dr. Tanya Wilson-Thevanesan

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Twitter

Science of Reading Resources

Accelerate reading achievement with over 700+ decodables mapped to a rigorous phonics progression in English and Spanish: www.JustRightReader.com