Science of Reading Leadership Just Right Reader

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:
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. Importance of Family and Community Engagement: Insights into how empowering families and leveraging community resources can significantly enhance the literacy journey for students.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.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.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-Thavenason04:37  Dr. Tanya's literacy-focused leadership in elementary and middle schools10:17  Current initiatives in Fairport Central School District to improve literacy instruction19:46  The integral role of writing in learning to read25:14  Advice for district leaders on implementing effective literacy programs
Connect with Dr. Tanya Wilson-Thevanesan
LinkedIn
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

In this episode of Science of Reading Leadership, Dr. Raashad Fitzpatrick, Superintendent of Lancaster County Schools, joins us to highlight some of the district’s initiatives aimed at accelerating reading achievement. 
Learn why Lancaster County Schools prioritizes:
Data-driven interventionEarly literacy support to get students ready for kindergartenPartnering with community organizations such as Head Start and Early StepsEngaging parents in supporting early literacy development
In this episode:
00:00 Lancaster County Schools Introduction
01:13 Strategies for Accelerating Reading Achievement
02:23  Initiatives for Early Literacy  (infant - 3 years old)
03:50 Overcoming Challenges 
06:16 Advice for School Leaders
“We strongly believe in early literacy and getting the students ready [for kindergarten]. A lot of the students that are considered at risk... It's not because they aren't as smart as other students. It's because they hadn't had print-rich environments, academic conversations that build vocabulary, or anyone to read to them. If we can work with our parents [of kids from birth to three years old], I think we'll help all our kids be successful.” Dr. Raashad FitzpatrickConnect with Dr. Raashad Fitzpatrick: LinkedIn
If you liked this episode, listen to this one with Dr. John Hutton, Associate Professor of Pediatrics in the Division of General and Community Pediatrics, next.

Tune into this inspiring conversation with Dr. Jeremy Owoh, Superintendent of Jacksonville North Pulaski School District, as he discusses the inventive literacy strategies being adopted in his district to enhance reading skills among both students and adults. 
Dr. Owoh highlights some of the district’s unique community partnerships and initiatives that are making a real difference in Jacksonville, Arkansas. 
We also discuss:
Placing libraries in local businesses like barber shops and banks to make reading accessible in everyday environments.The introduction of adult literacy classes, particularly for parents learning English, to empower them to support their children’s education at home.Simple yet effective strategies to engage young readers and integrate reading into their daily lives.
In this episode:
00:00: Introduction and overview of Jacksonville North Pulaski School District02:07: Launching the "Jacksonville Reads" initiative, Literacy  Nights, and community engagement 04:58: Literacy successes in the district06:26: Addressing challenges and the impact on summative assessments09:17: The community's role in sustaining learning beyond the classroom09:58: Practical advice for superintendents and school leaders
Connect with Dr. Jeremy Owoh
Website
Science of Reading Resources
The Science of Reading: What You Need to Know

“You have to be strategic. If we are focusing on literacy, we have to go all in on literacy. That means that literacy shows up in math, science, social studies, and P.E.”Dr. Adam Clark, Superintendent of Mount Diablo Unified School District, shares how innovative strategies, targeted professional development, and strategic resources boost literacy achievement.
We discuss:
The critical role of professional development.The importance of strategic planning in education to avoid burnout and ensure effective teaching.Dr. Clark's holistic approach to integrating literacy across all subjects.

In this episode:
0:00: Introduction of Dr. Adam Clark and overview of Mount Diablo Unified School District.00:50: Strategies for accelerating reading achievement, including training initiatives.01:59: Importance of a dyslexia screener and collaboration with the University of California in San Francisco.04:50: Focus on enhancing the English Learner experience.05:38: Challenges faced in the district include a growth mindset versus a fixed mindset.09:00: Dr. Clark's advice for educators.

Science of Reading Resources
The Science of Reading: What You Need to Know
Unlocking Literacy for Bilingual Learners

 “We were putting pieces into place to move the needle…identifying the components of a literacy program that we needed to have in place. It gave our teachers confidence, having guaranteed a viable curriculum behind them, supporting them. It gave them direction.”In this empowering conversation with Dr. Dan Streeter, Superintendent of Marana Unified School District, we explore the district's comprehensive approach to accelerating reading achievement in the wake of the pandemic. 
Dr. Streeter shares inspiring insights into the district's diverse community in Tucson, Arizona, and the innovative steps taken to address effective literacy instruction including evaluating and enhancing their reading programs and engaging parents as active participants in literacy instruction. 
We discuss:
Literacy challenges revealed by the pandemic Steps taken to involve as many trained adults as possible in students' literacy developmentHow the district has increased parental involvement by training parents in literacy strategies and having them run reading groupsThe importance of including various voices in discussions and staying the course through the challenges of change
In this episode
00:00 Introduction of Marana Unified School District’s Diversity
01:38 Addressing Literacy and the Pandemic's Impact
03:36 - Creating Commitment and Immediate Actions
04:14 Evaluating and Enhancing the Reading Program
06:11 Parent Engagement and Volunteer Training
08:42 Challenges and Overcoming Resistance
11:11 Advice for District Leaders

Connect with Dr. Dan Streeter
Website
LinkedIn

Science of Reading Resources
The Science of Reading: What You Need to Know
A Guide to High-Quality Structured Literacy Materials

If you liked this episode, listen to this conversation with Dr. Gyimah Whitaker to learn about a visionary plan to foster a high-performing and inclusive educational system for every child

“The missing piece is we are missing the parents. I’ve never met a parent who wanted their child to go to school and not succeed. I’ve met a lot of parents who don’t have the skills or the tools necessary to help their child become successful. We talk about no child left behind, but what about no parent left behind? Let’s bring those parents along with us.” Dr. Rob Picou, Superintendent of Tupelo Public School DistrictJoin our conversation with Dr. Rob Picou, Superintendent of Tupelo Public School District, as we explore the district’s literacy journey, from their current phase of implementing the science of reading research to visions of future initiatives to overcome obstacles, challenge the status quo, and transform reading achievement. 
We discuss:
Embracing the science of reading and evidence-based instructionLeveraging literacy strengths and addressing challenges such as professional development for district leaders and student school readinessThe need to provide the tools parents need to support literacy at homeChallenging the status quo to prioritize a genuine love for reading

In this episode:
00:00 Tupelo Public School District
00:45 Tupelo’s science of reading journey
01:53 Building upon literacy strengths in phonetic instruction and evidence-based programs
03:09 Supporting principals and school leaders
06:15 Partnering with community members and parents to support literacy development
07:37 Superintendent Picou's advice on challenging the status quo

Connect with Dr. Picou
Website

Science of Reading Resources
The Science of Reading: What You Need to Know
A Guide to High-Quality Structured Literacy Materials

If you liked this episode, listen to this conversation with Dr. Sarah Calveric to learn practical strategies to accelerate reading achievement.