Episode 114: Investing in People, Not Programs: A District’s Literacy Transformation

What does it take to transform literacy outcomes across an entire school district? In this episode of Literacy Talks, we explore how leadership, alignment, and a commitment to the science of reading can create lasting change for students and educators alike.In this episode, we discuss: • Leading systemwide literacy change • Building a birth-to-12 literacy ecosystem • Investing in people over programs • Aligning district systems around the science of readingDr. Grant Rivera, Superintendent of Marietta City Schools in Georgia, joins us to share the story behind his district’s literacy transformation. What began with a single conversation about how children learn to read quickly revealed a challenge many districts face: literacy efforts were well intentioned but not aligned around the research on how students actually learn to read. Instead of searching for another program or quick fix, Marietta City Schools focused on investing in people. The district committed to building educator expertise, aligning leadership and professional learning around structured literacy, and embedding literacy support throughout the system. Dr. Rivera also shares how Marietta expanded its vision beyond the classroom—partnering with hospitals, early childhood providers, and community organizations to support literacy development from birth through high school.This conversation offers valuable insights for superintendents, district leaders, literacy coaches, and educators working to improve reading outcomes and create sustainable literacy change.GuestDr. Grant Rivera Superintendent, Marietta City Schools (Georgia)Resources MentionedMarietta City SchoolsMarietta City Schools: Literacy Resources FolderMarietta City Schools: District Literacy Initiative NewsAIM Institute – Marietta City Schools Literacy Leadership Story💬 Want more insights like this? Subscribe to the Literacy Talks Podcast Digest for episode recaps, resources, and teaching takeaways delivered straight to your inbox! Do you teach Structured Literacy in a K–3 setting? Sign up for a free license of Reading Horizons Discovery® LIVE and start teaching right away—no setup, no hassle. Sign-up Now. Coming Soon: Reading Horizons Ascend™ From Pre-K readiness to advanced fluency, Ascend™ offers a consistent, needs-based reading experience across every grade, tier, and model—so every student can build mastery, one skill at a time. Learn More.

Why do some schools see rapid literacy gains while others struggle to move the needle? The difference often isn’t the program—it’s the leadership behind the implementation.In this episode, we discuss:How courageous, humble leadership accelerates literacy improvementMoving from knowledge to practice through actionable support and coachingSustainable literacy improvement doesn’t happen through one-day professional development or a new curriculum alone. It happens when leaders create the conditions for change—building knowledge, supporting teachers in real time, and aligning systems from the district office to the classroom. Our guest shares how implementation moves beyond ideas and into action when leaders focus on instruction, coaching, and culture.We also explore why evaluation alone doesn’t change practice, how bite-sized, actionable professional learning leads to real growth, and what it takes to create schools where teachers feel supported to take risks. When leadership aligns at every level, morale improves, instruction strengthens, and students win.Guest: Justin Browning, M.Ed., literacy consultant and founder of SoR for MoreResources mentioned:SoR for More – https://www.sorformore.comEpisode URL: YouTube Audio Link: YouTube Video Link: https://youtu.be/SO34fhskFH8💬 Want more insights like this? Subscribe to the Literacy Talks Podcast Digest for episode recaps, resources, and teaching takeaways delivered straight to your inbox! Do you teach Structured Literacy in a K–3 setting? Sign up for a free license of Reading Horizons Discovery® LIVE and start teaching right away—no setup, no hassle. Sign-up Now. Coming Soon: Reading Horizons Ascend™ From Pre-K readiness to advanced fluency, Ascend™ offers a consistent, needs-based reading experience across every grade, tier, and model—so every student can build mastery, one skill at a time. Learn More.

We’ve spent years strengthening decoding instruction—but what if the next literacy shift begins at the sentence level? If we want true comprehension, we have to look beyond words and into syntax.In this episode, we discuss:Why syntax is the missing link in reading comprehensionHow Cascade Reading uses linguistically-driven text formatting to support understandingFor decades, reading research and classroom instruction have focused heavily on decoding. But comprehension doesn’t happen after we finish reading a sentence—it happens word by word, as the brain processes syntax in real time. Dr. Julie Van Dyke explains why sentence structure plays a critical role in comprehension, how language networks in the brain differ from cognitive knowledge systems like background knowledge, and why strong decoding skills alone are not enough.We also explore how Cascade Reading makes syntactic structure visible using artificial intelligence, helping students better understand phrasing, fluency, and meaning. Julie shares research findings, practical classroom implications, and why teachers should feel empowered—not intimidated—when bringing syntax into instruction. This conversation challenges us to rethink what comprehension truly requires and how we can better support all readers, especially those with language-based learning differences.Guest: Dr. Julie Van Dyke, cognitive scientist, linguist, former senior scientist at Haskins Laboratories, and co-developer of Cascade ReadingResources mentioned:Cascade Reading – https://www.cascadereading.comInternational Dyslexia Association Perspectives (Syntax Comes First series) – https://dyslexiaida.orghttps://www.onlinedigeditions.com/publication/?i=843724&p=1&view=issueViewerhttps://www.onlinedigeditions.com/publication/?i=847535&p=1&view=issueViewerSyntax: Knowledge to Practice by Nancy Eberhardt & Margie Gillis – https://literacyhow.orgSpeech to Print by Louisa Moats – https://products.brookespublishing.com/Speech-to-Print-P1167.aspx💬 Want more insights like this? Subscribe to the Literacy Talks Podcast Digest for episode recaps, resources, and teaching takeaways delivered straight to your inbox! Do you teach Structured Literacy in a K–3 setting? Sign up for a free license of Reading Horizons Discovery® LIVE and start teaching right away—no setup, no hassle. Sign-up Now. Coming Soon: Reading Horizons Ascend™ From Pre-K readiness to advanced fluency, Ascend™ offers a consistent, needs-based reading experience across every grade, tier, and model—so every student can build mastery, one skill at a time. Learn More.

Episode Summary:What if libraries played a central role in transforming literacy instruction? In this Changemaker Voices episode, Jenny Emery Davidson shares how a rural community library became a hub for science-of-reading-aligned professional learning, teacher collaboration, and joyful literacy advocacy. This conversation will inspire educators and leaders to rethink how communities can help build a true social fabric of literacy.GuestJenny Emery DavidsonExecutive Director, The Community Library (Ketchum, Idaho)Topics DiscussedLibraries as community-based literacy leadersSupporting teachers through collaboration, not mandatesProfessional learning grounded in the science of readingLiteracy access and equity in rural communitiesCreating joyful, meaningful learning experiences for educators and studentsBuilding a “social fabric of literacy” beyond schoolsOrganizations & Programs MentionedThe Community Library (Ketchum, ID)https://comlib.orgThe Community Library Literacy SummitA multi-day professional learning experience for Idaho educators focused on the science of reading and literacy instructionhttps://comlib.org/literacy-summitUniversity of Idaho (Moscow, ID)https://www.uidaho.eduScholars & Literacy Leaders ReferencedDr. Louisa Moats https://www.louisamoats.comDr. Anita Archer https://explicitinstruction.orgDr. Carol Tolman https://drcaroltolman.com/Dr. Antonio Fierro https://readinguniverse.org/contributor/antonio-fierro-edd?page=1Dr. Sally Brown (College of Idaho) https://collegeofidaho.edu/people/sally-brown/Books & Resources MentionedSpeech to Print – Louisa Moats https://products.brookespublishing.com/Speech-to-Print-P1167.aspxIdaho Dyslexia Handbookhttps://www.sde.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Idaho-Dyslexia-Handbook.pdfSold a Story (Podcast by Emily Hanford)https://features.apmreports.org/sold-a-story▶️ Watch the full conversation on YouTube. https://youtu.be/6GOksQx4vt4If this episode resonates with you, share it with a colleague or community leader—and consider how your own community might help build a stronger social fabric of literacy.💬 Want more insights like this? Subscribe to the Literacy Talks Podcast Digest for episode recaps, resources, and teaching takeaways delivered straight to your inbox! Do you teach Structured Literacy in a K–3 setting? Sign up for a free license of Reading Horizons Discovery® LIVE and start teaching right away—no setup, no hassle. Sign-up Now. Coming Soon: Reading Horizons Ascend™ From Pre-K readiness to advanced fluency, Ascend™ offers a consistent, needs-based reading experience across every grade, tier, and model—so every student can build mastery, one skill at a time. Learn More.

What does it really take to change reading outcomes at scale?In this episode of Literacy Talks, Donell Pons, Stacy Hurst, and Lindsay Kemeny kick off a new conversation focused on changemakers in literacy. Together, they unpack commonly cited literacy data—especially NAEP scores—and explore what those numbers do (and don’t) tell us about reading achievement in the U.S.The discussion moves beyond test scores to examine systems change: leadership, shared language, collaboration across classrooms and institutions, and the growing role of innovation and technology. From teacher leaders and researchers to curriculum developers and parent advocates, this episode highlights the many roles changemakers play in moving literacy work forward—and why lasting change requires collective impact, not quick fixes.Literacy Talks Episode 110 Show NotesTopics CoveredWhat NAEP data does (and does not) tell us about reading proficiencyWhy systemic change is harder—and more important—than isolated successMississippi’s literacy efforts and what we can learn from themAI and technology as tools, supports, and potential risks in literacy instructionThe importance of shared language, collaboration, and leadershipTeachers, parents, researchers, and curriculum providers as change makersScaling impact through conferences, professional communities, and partnershipsResources & References MentionedBooksFrontiers in Social InnovationThe Journey of Collective Impact (John Kania, Mark Kramer, & colleagues)Assessments & DataNational Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP)Organizations & InitiativesProject Read AIThe Reading LeagueCenter for Literacy & Learning – Plain Talk ConferenceBig Sky Literacy SummitTransformative Reading Teacher GroupResearch & Thought LeadershipReid Lyon’s work on literacy, systems change, and shared languageLiteracy Instruction & ResearchReading Horizons💬 Want more insights like this? Subscribe to the Literacy Talks Podcast Digest for episode recaps, resources, and teaching takeaways delivered straight to your inbox! Do you teach Structured Literacy in a K–3 setting? Sign up for a free license of Reading Horizons Discovery® LIVE and start teaching right away—no setup, no hassle. Sign-up Now. Coming Soon: Reading Horizons Ascend™ From Pre-K readiness to advanced fluency, Ascend™ offers a consistent, needs-based reading experience across every grade, tier, and model—so every student can build mastery, one skill at a time. Learn More.

As 2025 draws to a close, the Literacy Talks trio—Stacy, Donell, and Lindsay—gather for a spirited season finale filled with highlights, reflections, and bold predictions. From progress in the science of reading to the growing spotlight on writing, integration, and instructional clarity, this episode captures the momentum and milestones of the past year. They also look ahead to 2026 with insights, hopes, and a few wishes for the future of literacy instruction. Join the conversation that celebrates growth, questions assumptions, and champions the evolving landscape of teaching and learning.💬 Want more insights like this? Subscribe to the Literacy Talks Podcast Digest for episode recaps, resources, and teaching takeaways delivered straight to your inbox! Do you teach Structured Literacy in a K–3 setting? Sign up for a free license of Reading Horizons Discovery® LIVE and start teaching right away—no setup, no hassle. Sign-up Now. Coming Soon: Reading Horizons Ascend™ From Pre-K readiness to advanced fluency, Ascend™ offers a consistent, needs-based reading experience across every grade, tier, and model—so every student can build mastery, one skill at a time. Learn More.

Ever hear something in a meeting, online, or even at a conference that made you do a double take? In this episode, the hosts of Literacy Talks share surprising, questionable, and even cringe-worthy things they’ve heard about literacy—and why they wish they weren’t true. From conversations that raise eyebrows to persistent myths that refuse to fade, it’s all on the table. Tune in for thoughtful reactions, a little laughter, and a lot of clarity.💬 Want more insights like this? Subscribe to the Literacy Talks Podcast Digest for episode recaps, resources, and teaching takeaways delivered straight to your inbox! Do you teach Structured Literacy in a K–3 setting? Sign up for a free license of Reading Horizons Discovery® LIVE and start teaching right away—no setup, no hassle. Sign-up Now. Coming Soon: Reading Horizons Ascend™ From Pre-K readiness to advanced fluency, Ascend™ offers a consistent, needs-based reading experience across every grade, tier, and model—so every student can build mastery, one skill at a time. Learn More.

In this episode of Literacy Talks, we sit down with Viv Ramakrishnan, founder of Project Read AI, to explore the intersection of artificial intelligence, pedagogy, and equity in literacy instruction. Viv shares his journey from teacher to tech innovator, the surprising limits of AI in decoding language, and how real-time, research-based tools are being designed with teachers—and students—at the center.SHOW NOTESResources Mentioned in This EpisodeProject Read AI Viv Ramakrishnan’s platform offering AI-powered tools for literacy instruction. Tools include:Decodable Text Generator – Generates decodable stories aligned to various phonics scope and sequences.Fluency Passage Generator – Creates passages by grade level, aligned to readability research.Comprehension Question Generator – Builds questions aligned to Common Core or Florida B.E.S.T. standards.Decodable Games Generator – Generates literacy-based games like bingo and rolling reads.Assessment Planning Portal – Streamlines data collection and lesson planning based on encoding assessments.Student Tutor Tool – Provides real-time decoding and fluency practice based on individualized needs.The Reading League Conference: Where Viv presented key insights into AI and literacy.SPACHE Readability Study – Used to align fluency passages with grade-level readability.💬 Want more insights like this? Subscribe to the Literacy Talks Podcast Digest for episode recaps, resources, and teaching takeaways delivered straight to your inbox! Do you teach Structured Literacy in a K–3 setting? Sign up for a free license of Reading Horizons Discovery® LIVE and start teaching right away—no setup, no hassle. Sign-up Now. Coming Soon: Reading Horizons Ascend™ From Pre-K readiness to advanced fluency, Ascend™ offers a consistent, needs-based reading experience across every grade, tier, and model—so every student can build mastery, one skill at a time. Learn More.

In this special recap episode, Stacy Hurst and Donell Pons share key takeaways from the 2025 International Dyslexia Association Conference. While Lindsay Kemeny wasn’t able to attend, she joins the conversation to reflect on the insights and themes that emerged — including the newly revised definition of dyslexia, the critical role of literacy leadership, and the power of early, high-quality instruction. Whether you attended or not, this episode offers a practical and reflective look at what truly matters in literacy education today.💬 Want more insights like this? Subscribe to the Literacy Talks Podcast Digest for episode recaps, resources, and teaching takeaways delivered straight to your inbox! Do you teach Structured Literacy in a K–3 setting? Sign up for a free license of Reading Horizons Discovery® LIVE and start teaching right away—no setup, no hassle. Sign-up Now. Coming Soon: Reading Horizons Ascend™ From Pre-K readiness to advanced fluency, Ascend™ offers a consistent, needs-based reading experience across every grade, tier, and model—so every student can build mastery, one skill at a time. Learn More.

In this deeply personal episode of Literacy Talks, host Donell Pons sits down with her son Bridger for a heartfelt conversation about growing up—and parenting—through the lens of dyslexia. From early signs and school struggles to moments of breakthrough and discovery, their dialogue offers a rare, honest look at how learning differences affect families, relationships, and self-perception.Bridger shares what it was like to navigate a world that didn’t seem built for how his brain works, how storytelling became both a refuge and a strength, and why the right kind of support can make all the difference. Together, they explore the emotional complexity of being misunderstood, the power of resilience, and what it truly means to be seen.This episode invites listeners to look beyond labels—and to listen more closely to stories that often go unheard.💬 Want more insights like this? Subscribe to the Literacy Talks Podcast Digest for episode recaps, resources, and teaching takeaways delivered straight to your inbox! Do you teach Structured Literacy in a K–3 setting? Sign up for a free license of Reading Horizons Discovery® LIVE and start teaching right away—no setup, no hassle. Sign-up Now. Coming Soon: Reading Horizons Ascend™ From Pre-K readiness to advanced fluency, Ascend™ offers a consistent, needs-based reading experience across every grade, tier, and model—so every student can build mastery, one skill at a time. Learn More.