Kate Cain, PhD, joins the READ Podcast to explain the latest research on reading comprehension and shares practical, daily ways that teachers can promote critical literacy skills. Dr. Cain reflects on her research journey and expertise, exploring the multidimensional nature of reading comprehension and the role of oral language development in literacy. In this episode, you will learn about:

• Reading comprehension as an active, integrated process
• Critical markers of oral language and comprehension development from early childhood through adolescence
• Ways teachers can intentionally model and foster comprehension skills like comprehension monitoring, making inferences, and critical thinking
• Considerations for EdTech tools and apps that support planning and instruction

Dr. Cain offers concrete, feasible insights about comprehension and oral language that educators can apply across any grade or content area.

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Until next time, READers!

This LEAD on READ episode features Dr. Amy Murdoch, Assistant Dean of Reading Science at Mount St. Joseph University. Starting her career as a school psychologist, Dr. Murdoch has been a leader in reading education, driving systemic change and empowering teachers through the science of reading. In this episode, Dr. Murdoch discusses

• adopting a systems-level perspective and fostering collaboration among all stakeholders to instill change.
• leveraging consistent data as a tool to inform instructional practices, monitor progress, and advocate for evidence-based approaches.
• empowering educators with a deep understanding of the science of reading to enhance student outcomes and increase teacher agency and growth.

Dr. Murdoch shares powerful insights for any teacher, school and district leader, administrator in higher education, and policymaker.

The Windward Institute invites you to share your top bookmarks from this episode by connecting with us on Instagram @thewindwardinstitute, or Facebook. Subscribe to READ's newsletter for access to monthly episodes: Subscribe

Until next time, READers!

Dr. Stephanie Al Otaiba joins READ to share her expertise in literacy interventions, the impact of social-emotional development on learning, and the future of reading education research. A leading researcher and professor at Southern Methodist University, Dr. Al Otaiba has led and collaborated on key studies on literacy and learning disabilities. In this episode, she discusses

• a framework for applying interventions in schools.
• the role of social-emotional learning and growth mindset in reading development.
• an integrated approach to dialogic reading for building language, emotional, and reading skills.
• how teachers ensure fidelity in applying instructional practices, including managing classroom behaviors and discourse.
• current gaps in reading science and her hopes for its future.

This episode offers practical strategies for educators and emphasizes the importance of structured literacy, data-driven decision-making, and supporting teachers to improve literacy outcomes.

Learn more about "The Science of Intensive Reading Interventions" at The Windward Institute's Robert J. Schwartz Memorial Lecture, featuring Dr. Jeanne Wanzek.

The Windward Institute invites you to share your top bookmarks from this episode by connecting with us on Instagram @thewindwardinstitute, or Facebook. Subscribe to READ's newsletter for access to monthly episodes: Subscribe

Until next time, READers!