The trio dives into the insights and research of renowned neuroscientist Stanislas Dehaene on the cognitive science of reading. Dehaene's work has revolutionized our understanding of how the brain learns to read, from the development of the visual word form area to the neural markers of dyslexia. 

The hosts unpack Dehaene's explanations of the brain's recycling of pre-existing circuits for reading, the competition and collaboration between reading and facial recognition, and the different subtypes of reading challenges. Throughout the discussion, they highlight Dehaene's practical teaching recommendations grounded in the latest neuroscience, providing educators with a roadmap to foster reading proficiency in all learners.

SHOW NOTES
Literacy Leaders:

• Stanislas Dehaene
• Sally Shaywitz

Resources:

• Video—Stanislas Dehaene Summit 2024 Virtual Keynote
• How We Learn: Why Brains Learn Better Than Any Machine . . . for Now
• Video—Eyes on Reading: Dr. Stanislas Dehaene with Emily Hanford

Terms:

• The Matthew Effect: The Matthew effect of accumulated advantage, sometimes called the Matthew principle, is the tendency of individuals to accrue social or economic success in proportion to their initial level of popularity, friends, and wealth. It is sometimes summarized by the adage or platitude "the rich get richer and the poor get poorer".

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In this insightful conversation, Donell Pons sits down with Dr. Tim Odegard, a leading expert in dyslexia research. Odegard shares his personal journey as an individual with severe dyslexia and the challenges he faced with limited support and accommodations throughout his education. He also discusses his extensive professional background, including his training in cognitive sciences, neuroimaging, and dyslexia intervention. 

Odegard provides valuable insights into the legislative efforts in Tennessee and other states to improve reading instruction and support for students with dyslexia, emphasizing the importance of creating an enabling context for policy implementation. This episode offers a unique perspective on the complexities of dyslexia and the critical role of empathy, advocacy, and evidence-based practices in literacy education.

This is part four of the Literacy Talks miniseries Dyslexia Talks, hosted by Donell Pons.

SHOW NOTES
Literacy Leaders:

• Tim Odegard
• Reid Lyon
• Keith Stanovich
• Ameer Baraka
• Samuel Kirk

Resources:

• IDEA
• Tennessee Center for the Study and Treatment of Dyslexia
• AIM Institute for Learning & Research

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In this thoughtful episode of Literacy Talks, our hosts engage in a reflective discussion on insights and perspectives in the field of literacy education. The conversation explores the nuances and complexities involved in implementing evidence-based practices, honoring teacher expertise, and navigating the ever-evolving landscape of literacy instruction. 

Through constructive dialogue, the hosts share their professional ponderings, allowing listeners to consider alternative viewpoints and appreciate the care and dedication that goes into this vital work. Join a meaningful exploration of the literacy landscape, guided by seasoned educators committed to continuous growth and improvement.

SHOW NOTES
Literacy Leaders:

• Linnea Ehri
• Nancy Mather

Resources:

• Tests of Dyslexia (TOD)

Terms:

• virgule: a slash (/), often used to show pronunciation. For example the letters -igh spell the sound /ī/.
• Dunning–Kruger effect: a cognitive bias in which people wrongly overestimate their knowledge or ability in a specific area. This tends to occur because a lack of self-awareness prevents them from accurately assessing their own skills. (Psychology Today)

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In this insightful conversation, Dr. Jeffrey Conger, a professor at Montana State University, shares his personal journey with dyslexia and the inspiring work he is doing to spotlight the strengths of the dyslexic mind. He provides a unique perspective on navigating education and career paths while embracing one's learning differences. 

Jeff discusses the importance of developing strengths alongside addressing weaknesses and how the Dyslexia and Innovation Symposium creates a new narrative around successful individuals with dyslexia. From leveraging visual memory to distinguishing between eye-reading and ear-reading, Jeff offers valuable insights and advice for individuals, parents, and educators looking to empower those with dyslexia.

This is part three of the Literacy Talks miniseries Dyslexia Talks, hosted by Donell Pons. 

SHOW NOTES
Literacy Leaders:

• Dr. Jeffrey Conger
• Dr. Sarah Pennington
• Dr. Waded Cruzado
• Lynsey Dyer
• Cliff Weitzman
• Linda Siegel
• David Flink

Resources:

• Dyslexia & Innovation Symposium
• Speechify
• Grammarly
• Not Stupid, Not Lazy: Understanding Dyslexia and Other Learning Disabilities
• Thinking Differently: An Inspiring Guide for Parents of Children with Learning Disabilities

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In this special episode of Literacy Talks, our hosts—Stacy Hurst, Donell Pons, and Lindsay Kemeny—take listeners on a journey through The Reading League National Conference 2024. Beginning the conversation live from the event, they share key takeaways from Zaretta Hammond's inspiring keynote address and highlights from sessions covering topics like fluency instruction, comprehension strategies, and the importance of inclusive literacy practices. 

The hosts also discuss the vibrant conference atmosphere, the value of teacher-focused professional development, and their excitement for upcoming sessions. Listeners will gain insights into the latest trends and practical strategies in the field of literacy, all while experiencing the energy and camaraderie of The Reading League community.

SHOW NOTES
Literacy Leaders:

• Zaretta Hammond
• Melissa Orkin
• Elizabeth Norton
• Molly Ness
• Ryan Lee-James
• Carolyn Strom
• Kausalai (Kay) Wijekumar
• Elsa Cárdenas-Hagan
• Dale Webster
• Wes Hoover
• Jamey Peavler
• Alex Shelton
• Stephanie Stollar
• Margaret Goldberg 
• Sharon Vaughn
• Linnea Ehri
• Barbara Foorman
• Mitchell Brookins
• Pam Kastner

Resources:

• What Classroom Observations Reveal about Reading Comprehension Instruction (Durkin, 1979)
• Literacy.IO

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In this insightful conversation, Donell Pons sits down with Christine Anderson, director of the Center for Disability and Access at the University of Utah. Christine shares her personal and professional experiences working with individuals with disabilities, providing a unique perspective on the challenges students face when transitioning from high school to higher education. 

They discuss the shift from the entitlement-based K-12 system to eligibility-based adult services, the importance of updated documentation, and the need for self-advocacy skills. Christine also highlights the Center's efforts to create a welcoming environment, build collaborative campus partnerships, and launch new initiatives like a peer mentorship program to support students with disabilities in reaching their full potential.

This is part two of the Literacy Talks miniseries Dyslexia Talks, hosted by Donell Pons.

Show Notes
Literacy Leaders:

• Christine Anderson

Resources:

• Center for Disability & Access - University of Utah
• IDEA (The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act)
• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

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In this powerful and personal episode, Donell Pons introduces her husband, Curtis, and his lifelong challenges with dyslexia. Through their candid conversation, listeners take an emotional journey, from the honeymoon revelation of Curtis's reading difficulties to his decision to leave college despite academic success. Curtis shares his experiences navigating careers and finding support, while Donell reflects on the challenges of identifying and addressing dyslexia, both for their family and in the broader education system. 

This episode illuminates the profound impact of reading difficulties, the importance of early intervention, and the transformative power of advocacy and perseverance. Curtis's story of overcoming the odds and Donell's unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of those with dyslexia and in education is truly inspiring.

This is part one of the Literacy Talks miniseries Dyslexia Talks, hosted by Donell Pons.

Show Notes
Resources:

• Foundational Literacy for Adult Education—Reading Horizons Elevate®
• Foundational Literacy for Dyslexia—Reading Horizons

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Our hosts have a chat with Michael Atkinson, a recent high school graduate and youth advocate with Decoding Dyslexia Utah. Michael shares his personal journey with dyslexia, from his early diagnosis in first grade to the strategies and accommodations that have helped him succeed academically. Listeners will gain invaluable insights into a student's experiences with dyslexia as Michael candidly discusses the challenges he has faced, the importance of self-advocacy, and the unique strengths often associated with dyslexia. 

Through Michael's inspiring story, we learn how educators can foster an environment of high expectations and support for students with learning differences, empowering them to reach their full potential. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding and supporting individuals with dyslexia.

Show Notes
Literacy Leaders:

• Michael Atkinson, Youth Advocate with Decoding Dyslexia Utah
• Karee Atkinson

Resources:

• Decoding Dyslexia Utah Youth Advocates

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In this episode of Literacy Talks, the terrific trio discusses the importance of teaching reading and writing in tandem. They explore teachers' challenges in prioritizing writing instruction, from lack of confidence to limited time and resources. The conversation highlights effective strategies for embedding writing throughout the day, building student identity as authors, and providing explicit instruction in writing skills and processes. 

The hosts emphasize the need for a balanced, intentional approach that celebrates the joy of self-expression as growing readers develop their writing abilities. Tune in to gain valuable insights and practical tips to elevate the role of writing in your literacy programs.

Show Notes
Resources:

• How Does Writing Fit Into the ‘Science of Reading’?—EdWeek
• Writing as a cognitive process—Cambridge
• On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft—Stephen King
• Invisible Ink: Building Stories from the Inside Out—Brian McDonald
• think SRSD

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This episode of Literacy Talks explores the persistent challenge of bridging the research-to-practice gap in literacy education. Hosts Stacy Hurst, Donell Pons, and Lindsay Kemeny examine the complexities of translating research findings into effective classroom practices, highlighting the crucial role of implementation science and the need for collaborative partnerships between researchers and practitioners. 

The discussion emphasizes the importance of systemic support, empowering teachers with the knowledge and resources to apply research-based strategies, and leveraging technology and AI to facilitate the research-to-practice pipeline. Throughout the conversation, the hosts offer practical insights and strategies for educators to navigate this divide and ensure that the latest literacy research positively impacts student outcomes.

Show Notes

Literacy Leaders:

• Margaret Goldberg
• Julie Washington
• David Kilpatrick
• Tiffany Hogan
• Barbara Wilson
• Stanislas Dehaene
• Stephanie Stollar
• Linda Diamond
• Mark Seidenberg

Resources:

• Doubt Crept In: Questioning My Faith in Reading Research by Margaret Goldberg
• Report of the National Reading Panel: Teaching Children to Read

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This episode of Literacy Talks delves into the unique strengths and needs of multilingual learners (MLLs). Hosts Stacy Hurst, Donell Pons, and Lindsay Kemeny share valuable insights and practical strategies for effectively teaching phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, and reading comprehension to MLLs. They emphasize the importance of honoring students' home languages, building on their existing linguistic knowledge, and creating a welcoming, celebratory environment that empowers all students. 

Listeners will appreciate the cognitive advantages of learning multiple languages and come away with concrete ideas for supporting the literacy development of this rapidly growing student population. Whether you're a classroom teacher, literacy specialist, or administrator, this episode offers essential guidance for ensuring multilingual learners thrive.

Show Notes
Literacy Leaders:

• Stanislas Dehaene

Resources:

• What’s the Difference Between ESL, EFL, ESOL, ELL, MLL, and ESP?—Reading Horizons Blog
• English Learners in Public Schools—NCES
• What Languages Do We Speak in the United States?—US Census Bureau
• Mylanguages.org
• Colorin Colorado
• Acadience
• Wordsmyth
• Stanislas Dehaene Summit 2024 Virtual Keynote
• The Syntax Project

Terms:

• ELL: English Language Learners
• ESL: English as a Second Language
• ESOL: English for Speakers of Other Languages
• ML/MLL: Multilingual Learners
• BIC: Basic Interpersonal Communication
• Text engineering: a strategy that modifies grade-level texts to help students understand them better. The goal is to make the text more accessible without simplifying it or lowering its complexity.

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