Episode 122: From Awareness to Action: Lessons from Literacy Changemakers

As another school year comes to a close, Stacy Hurst, Donell Pons, and Lindsay Kemeny reflect on the moments, challenges, and lessons that shaped their year in literacy education. From advocating for students and navigating legislative pressures to celebrating reading breakthroughs and planning for growth, this candid conversation explores the very human side of teaching reading.The hosts discuss the realities educators face beyond academics, the importance of literacy advocacy, what students truly need to become successful readers, and how they hope to reset and recharge over the summer months.This episode is a reminder that the work of literacy changes lives — and that educators are never carrying the work alone.Show NotesIn this episode, we discuss:Reflections on a year of literacy leadership and advocacyWhy literacy instruction is deeply human workStudent moments that stayed with us all yearThe growing need for writing instruction in teacher preparationBalancing research-based practices with real classroom time constraintsVocabulary instruction, small groups, and instructional flexibilityLegislative challenges impacting literacy educationSummer reset ideas, reading lists, and personal growth goalsResources MentionedReading Horizons Literacy Talks PodcastReading Horizons Ascend MasteryCascade Reading & Julie VanDykeLindsay Kemeny — Rock Your Literacy BlockYoung-Suk Kim — Integrating Reading and Writing InstructionStewart Brand — Whole Earth Catalog💬 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 conference rewind episode of Literacy Talks, Stacy Hurst and Lindsay Kemeny are joined by Reading League leader, Andrea Setmeyer, to unpack the biggest assessment insights from the Reading League Summit. From classroom data and progress monitoring to district systems and policy, this conversation highlights the practical literacy assessment practices educators can apply right away as they reflect on the current school year and prepare for the next one.The conversation explores how assessment can drive stronger instruction, the importance of actionable data, the difference between screening and diagnosis, myths around popular assessment tools, and what educators at every level can do to improve outcomes for students.This episode offers meaningful takeaways to help you turn assessment into action.Show NotesResources & Links Mentioned in This EpisodeThe Reading LeagueTRL Facilitation Guide for PLCs on Reading AssessmentReading League JournalReading Horizons Literacy Talks PodcastReading Assessment Done Right by Stephanie Stollar & Kate WinnNational Center on Intensive Intervention (NCII) Tools ChartsFlorida Center for Reading Research (FCRR)Margaret Goldberg’s “Right to Read” ProjectPALS Reading Fluency ResourcesAnita Archer Instruction ResourcesSpecial thanks to Andrea Setmeyer and the Reading League for sharing additional assessment resources and professional learning tools with Literacy Talks listeners.YouTube Video Link: https://youtu.be/s0BB2ur4AHM💬 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.

A recent article questioning the “cost of overteaching phonics” sparked major discussion across the literacy world—and in this episode, Stacy Hurst, Donell Pons, and Lindsay Kemeny unpack it all.Are schools really overteaching phonics? What does the research actually say? And how do teachers balance explicit instruction, reading practice, spelling, assessment, and student engagement without swinging too far in either direction?The conversation explores the nuance behind phonics instruction, the dangers of clickbait headlines, the importance of teacher knowledge, and why struggling readers still need intentional, explicit teaching. The hosts also discuss phonemic awareness, spelling instruction, scaffolds, differentiation, and the critical role of meaningful reading practice.Show NotesReferenced ArticleThe Cost of Overteaching Phonics by Liana Loewus (Education Next)Researchers & Experts MentionedDr. Mark SeidenbergDr. Louisa MoatsDr. Devin KearnsDr. David KilpatrickTim ShanahanResources MentionedDevin Kearns’ PHINDER ToolLanguage at the Speed of Sight by Mark Seidenberg💬 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 improve literacy outcomes? In this wrap-up to the Changemakers series, Stacy Hurst, Donell Pons, and Lindsay Kemeny explore the systems, support, instructional practices, and leadership moves behind Mississippi’s widely discussed reading gains. From structured literacy and coaching to accountability and long-term implementation, this episode connects big-picture reform to practical classroom impact. Listeners will walk away with insights into how lasting literacy change happens—and what educators at every level can do to support it.Show NotesIn this episode, we discuss:The national conversation around the “Mississippi Miracle”Why literacy improvement requires systems, support, and sustained effortThe role of structured literacy and the science of readingAccountability paired with coaching and professional learningWhy implementation matters more than quick fixesClassroom-level takeaways for raising expectations and supporting readersResources MentionedThe Daily podcast episode: “The Miracle Unfolding in Mississippi Schools” (The New York Times)Reading Horizons: Literacy Talks PodcastNAEP (National Assessment of Educational Progress)The Reading League💬 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 powerful conversation, Kareem Weaver—literacy advocate, educator, and featured voice in The Right to Read—challenges us to rethink what’s at stake when students don’t learn to read.From personal stories to system-wide solutions, Kareem makes a compelling case: literacy isn’t just an educational issue—it’s a matter of opportunity, equity, and responsibility. This episode moves beyond awareness and into action, exploring what it really takes for schools, leaders, and communities to ensure every child has a genuine chance to read.If you’ve ever wondered what it will take to truly change literacy outcomes, this conversation is a must-listen.Show NotesKareem Weaver’s journey into literacy advocacy and educationWhy literacy is more than instruction—it’s access to opportunityThe concept of “civil wrongs” in educationWhat’s holding schools back from improving reading outcomesThe critical role of leadership, policy, and teacher preparationWhat successful literacy systems have in commonWhy adult collaboration (or lack of it) is the biggest barrierA vision for schools where all students learn to readResources MentionedThe Right to Read documentary (featuring Kareem Weaver)Fulcrum Literacy (Kareem Weaver, Co-Founder & Executive Director)Left Behind documentary (NAACP-nominated film on dyslexia)Landmark College (school supporting students with dyslexia)EdTrust – Extraordinary Districts seriesLeverage Leadership and Driven by Data (books by Paul Bambrick-Santoyo)💬 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.

Are you spending too much time on assessments without getting the clarity you need? In this episode, we break down which reading assessments actually matter, which ones may be wasting your time, and how to make smarter, more efficient decisions about the data you collect.Show NotesGuests in this Episode:Andrea Setmeyer – National Chapter Director at The Reading League and former school psychologist. Andrea works with literacy leaders and educators across the country to support evidence-aligned assessment and instruction.Dr. Adrea Truckenmiller – Associate Professor at Michigan State University and a school psychologist. Her research focuses on assessment, writing development, and improving how educators use data to inform instruction. She is the principal investigator of the federally funded Writing Architect project.Resources & References Mentioned:The Reading League Journal (Jan/Feb 2026 issue) Subscribe. Article: “Balancing Cost and Accuracy: How to Select Reading Assessments for Universal Screening”Intervention in School and Clinic (Special Issue on Assessment) Guest edited by Adrea Truckenmiller & Jessica TosteWriting Architect Project (Assessment tool for identifying key writing components to support student progress)Book: Reading Assessment Done Right by Stephanie Stollar & Kate WinnCommon Assessment Tools Referenced:DIBELS: Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy SkillsAcadience Reading AssessmentsFastBridgeeasyCBMMAP GrowthAmira💬 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.

Show NotesEarly reading screening is one of the most powerful tools educators have—but only if it’s used well. In this episode of Literacy Talks, we unpack what screening actually measures, why timing matters, and how to use data to support students before small gaps become major challenges.We explore the difference between screening and diagnosis, why “wait and see” can be harmful, and how early data should drive immediate, targeted instruction. You’ll also hear how screening results can reveal more than individual student needs—they can highlight strengths and gaps in your core instruction and overall system.This conversation is especially timely as schools and states continue to emphasize dyslexia screening and early literacy outcomes. The key takeaway: screening is just the starting point—what you do next makes the difference.Key Topics DiscussedWhat reading screening measures across grade levelsWhy screening is not the same as diagnosisHow screening connects to MTSS and Tier 1 instructionThe role of persistence in identifying dyslexia riskWhy early intervention matters more than waitingHow to interpret and act on screening dataResources MentionedThe Reading League Journal (Subscribe)Learn more about Dr. Patrick Kennedy💬 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.

If you’ve ever looked at your students’ reading data and wondered, “What am I actually supposed to do with this?”—this episode is for you.In this episode, we discuss:Why reading data often feels more like compliance than instructionHow to actually use assessment data to guide day-to-day teaching decisionsAssessment is a constant in education—but too often, it’s disconnected from what happens in the classroom. In this conversation, we unpack one of the biggest misconceptions about reading data. As our guests explain, different types of assessments (screening, diagnostic, progress monitoring) are designed to answer different questions—and when we misunderstand that, instruction suffers.We also explore what effective data-based decision making really looks like in practice. From thinking of instruction as a hypothesis to understanding why progress monitoring is one of the most underused tools in literacy, this episode offers a clearer, more actionable way to connect data to instruction. The goal isn’t more data—it’s better use of the data you already have.Guests:Dr. Jessica Toste, Associate Professor at the University of Texas at Austin and Editor of The Reading League JournalAndrea Setmeyer, School Psychologist and Chapter Director at The Reading LeagueShow NotesResources mentioned:The Reading League JournalMeasuring What Matters (Open Access Article)💬 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 if the data you’re collecting could actually make your teaching easier—not more overwhelming? In this episode, we unpack what reading assessment is really telling you and how to use it with clarity and purpose.In this episode, we discuss:The true purpose of different types of reading assessmentsHow to move from data collection to meaningful instructional decisionsAssessment can feel like one more thing on a teacher’s already full plate—but when used well, it becomes one of the most powerful tools for improving student outcomes. In this conversation, we explore common misconceptions about assessment, including the belief that one test can tell the whole story, and why understanding the why behind assessment matters just as much as the data itself.Our guests share practical insights on how assessment should function within a larger system—supporting both classroom instruction and schoolwide decision-making. From listening to students read aloud to interpreting screening and diagnostic data, this episode highlights what it looks like when assessment and instruction truly work together.Guests:Andrea Setmeyer, School Psychologist & Professional Learning Director (and now Vice President of Marketing), The Reading LeagueElisabeth Lamoureaux, Professional Learning Director (Leadership & Implementation), The Reading LeagueShow Notes Learn more about The Reading League Summit and resources on assessment:The Reading League Summit💬 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 happens when you bring together thousands of literacy educators for one powerful conference? In this episode, we break down the biggest takeaways you can actually use in your classroom tomorrow.In this episode, we discuss:Key insights from the Plain Talk About Literacy and Learning ConferencePractical strategies for spelling, syntax, writing, and student engagementShow NotesIn this conference rewind episode, Lindsay reports back from Plain Talk, sharing standout moments from keynotes and sessions—including ideas around academic risk-taking, meaningful task design, and the importance of intentional family engagement. The conversation highlights how creating safe conditions for learning can empower students to take risks and build confidence.You’ll also hear practical, classroom-ready strategies for improving syntax and writing instruction, along with fresh thinking on spelling and language development. Plus, the team reflects on how to evaluate instructional practices (and even conference ideas) with a critical eye—always grounding decisions in what truly leads to student learning.Whether you attended Plain Talk or not, this episode brings you actionable insights and thought-provoking takeaways to strengthen your literacy instruction.Resources mentioned:Plain Talk About Literacy and Learning ConferenceLiteracy Talks Episode with Dr. Grant Rivera💬 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.