12/5/2023

Common Threads From All For Literacy Season 1

The inaugural season of Lexia’s All For Literacy podcast invited 10 unique guests to share their knowledge and perspectives about literacy with our dedicated listeners. With host Dr. Liz Brooke, guests revealed insight, broached critical topics, and asked, answered, and used questions to probe deeper into the current state of literacy education.

While guests differed in background, training, and career paths, several common—and crucial—threads wove throughout the episodes and conversations. 

The importance of teacher-prep and professional development opportunities

Multiple guests sparked conversation around the need for more robust and applicable teacher-prep and professional development programs, especially opportunities based on the science of reading. All for Literacy guests Emily Hanford, Dr. Tiffany Hogan, Dr. Claude Goldenberg, and Dr. Shayne Piasta passionately dove into this topic while providing applicable solutions. For example, Hanford and Hogan highlighted programs that teach science of reading principles, and Goldenberg emphasized the importance of identifying supported strategies that make research accessible to teacher-prep programs.

The disconnect between literacy researchers and educators

It can take years for research-backed practices to make it into the classroom—the flow of information often hindered by the lack of connection and understanding between literacy researchers and educators. Hanford, Hogan, and Piasta made arguments for building a better connection between the two to increase student success. Hanford and Hogan made a solid case for the importance of researchers spending time in classrooms where their areas of expertise are being applied to increase their understanding of the context of their research.

Literacy as a civil right

An individual’s ability to read has a profound effect on their entire life, which very clearly points to literacy as an important civil rights issue. Several podcast guests, including Kareem Weaver and Dr. Kymyona Burk, brought up this important conclusion and related research. Similarly, Dr. Piasta discussed how the conversation around literacy as a civil right currently brings her hope, emphasizing that this discussion in this context is a vital first step.

The rise of technology and its relationship to literacy

It is no secret the world is becoming increasingly technological, and the world of literacy is not immune to this trend. Software, devices, and other tech instruments are now recognized as literacy tools, and podcast guests Carl Hooker and Dr. Maryanne Wolf discussed best practices for using technology effectively to increase literacy rates and support educators.

Differentiated literacy needs

Differentiated learning opportunities can ensure all students find success. Guests Weaver, Goldenberg, Hooker, Hogan, and Wolf discussed everything from dyslexia and developmental language disorder to personalized technology opportunities and the unique needs of multilingual learners.

Join us for a wrap up of season 1

Catch up on what you missed in season one by tuning into All For Literacy, episode 11, where host Dr. Liz Brooke explores the season in depth. This season wrap up points listeners to episodes that align with their interests and prepares them for an exciting season two.

With the spotlight now shining on these critical issues in the world of literacy, the stage is set for All For Literacy 2024. Subscribe today and never miss important and valuable insight!