SMARTER Literacy

Ascend SMARTER Intervention
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This is the SMARTER Literacy Podcast from Ascend SMARTER Intervention, hosted by Lindsey Buck and Corey Pollard. Join us as we simplify the Science of Reading and bring you the tools and strategies to help students of all ages succeed in reading and writing. In each episode, we’ll dive into proven, research-based strategies and break down complex concepts, share actionable tips, and explore the power of literacy for every learner. Whether you're just starting your literacy journey or looking for new tools to enhance your teaching, you’re in the right place. Listen to this podcast on Spotify, Apple, or Google Podcasts.

  1. Episode 20 - How to Gamify Reading Lessons

    DEC 15

    Episode 20 - How to Gamify Reading Lessons

    In this episode, Lindsey and Corey share simple, no-prep ways to bring games into your literacy lessons using simple materials like a whiteboard, a die, or a word list. Learn how to make reading practice more engaging, boost motivation, and hit multiple literacy skills, all without adding to your workload. Check out the games and additional training mentioned in this episode: 🎉 >>Literacy games that we love, including the War Games and Crazy Short Vowel mentioned in the show. 🔦 The Literacy Game Plan Spotlight On-Demand PD. Learn how to use games to target specific reading and language skills, while keeping students engaged. See how just one game can be adapted to meet different goals and walk away with ready-to-use templates and ideas for game-based activities.

    27 min
  2. Episode 19 - Why Games Work in Literacy Instruction

    DEC 1

    Episode 19 - Why Games Work in Literacy Instruction

    In this episode, Lindsey and Corey share why games aren’t just for fun. They’re one of the most effective ways to teach, review, and differentiate literacy skills. Learn how to use games strategically within your lessons to boost engagement, build confidence, and make reading instruction more enjoyable for students and teachers alike. 💡Learn more about using games in your literacy instruction in the 5CCL Spotlight Training: The Literacy Game Plan: Using Games to Teach, Engage, and Differentiatehttps://smarterintervention.com/ondemand-pd/game-plan

    28 min
  3. Episode 18 - What to do When Progress Monitoring Scores Aren't Moving

    NOV 17

    Episode 18 - What to do When Progress Monitoring Scores Aren't Moving

    In this episode, Lindsey and Corey tackle one of the toughest moments in intervention: when you’ve been faithfully tracking progress but the data just isn’t budging. We share how to recognize whether it’s a true trend or just an off day, and how to dig deeper when scores consistently stall. You’ll learn how to use the Simple View of Reading to diagnose whether the root issue is word recognition, language comprehension, or both, and practical strategies for adjusting instruction without losing momentum. We also discuss the importance of setting realistic, measurable goals and celebrating small wins to keep students motivated. Subscribe for more episodes, share this one with a colleague, and leave a rating or review—it helps other educators find the show!  ❇️ Resources mentioned in the show: Free Data Tracking Printable Progress Monitoring Made Simple Spotlight Traininghttps://smarterintervention.com/ondemand-pd/progress-monitoring-made-simple

    19 min
  4. Episode 17 - Tips & Tools for Progress Monitoring

    NOV 3

    Episode 17 - Tips & Tools for Progress Monitoring

    In this episode of the Smarter Literacy Podcast, Lindsey and Corey dive into progress monitoring - what it really is, why it matters, and how to make it part of everyday lessons without losing instructional time. We share practical strategies for tracking growth with simple tools like word lists and fluency passages, tips for writing clear goals, and ways to build data collection into your lesson flow. You’ll also hear common mistakes to avoid, from inconsistent tracking to waiting too long to review data, and how to use progress monitoring as a powerful guide for instruction. Subscribe for more strategies, share this episode with a colleague, and leave a rating or review to help others find the show! ❇️ Resources mentioned in the show: Free Data Tracking Printable Progress Monitoring Made Simple Spotlight Traininghttps://smarterintervention.com/ondemand-pd/progress-monitoring-made-simple

    24 min
  5. Episode 16 - A Guide to Accommodations and Modifications

    OCT 13

    Episode 16 - A Guide to Accommodations and Modifications

    In this episode of the Smarter Literacy Podcast, Lindsey and Corey break down the difference between accommodations and modifications, two terms often misunderstood in education. They discuss why these supports matter, how to choose the right ones, and what changes when they’re implemented well. You’ll hear practical examples tied to student needs, strategies for making supports part of everyday classroom routines, and clarity on why accommodations are not “cheating” but essential tools for equity and access. ✨Resources & Links: 📄 FREE Printable Accommodations & Modifications Guide 💡To continue your learning, check out the Spotlight PD: What Dyslexia Really Looks Like

    32 min
  6. Episode 15 - What Does Dyslexia Really Look Like?

    OCT 1

    Episode 15 - What Does Dyslexia Really Look Like?

    Lindsey and Corey kick off Dyslexia Awareness Month by breaking down what dyslexia is and clearing up the most common myths. They share how it shows up across grade levels, what signs teachers can watch for, and practical strategies and accommodations that help students thrive. ➡️ Grab the Dyslexia Symptoms Checklist mentioned in the podcast: https://smarterintervention.com/blog-highlights/dyslexia-symptoms-checklist

    25 min
  7. Episode 14 - The Assessments We Love (and kind of hate)

    SEP 15

    Episode 14 - The Assessments We Love (and kind of hate)

    In this episode, Lindsey and Corey take you behind the scenes to discuss the standardized assessments they rely on with students, from the WIAT and CTOP to the TOWRE and GORT. They share what each tool reveals about literacy skills, their strengths (and shortcomings), and how these assessments connect to the literacy processing triangle. You’ll also hear why no single test is enough, and how combining measures with curriculum-based assessments gives the clearest picture of student needs. 👉 Check out the 5CCL Learning Lab to continue your learning!

    20 min
  8. Episode 13 - Using Data to Drive Instruction

    SEP 1

    Episode 13 - Using Data to Drive Instruction

    Feeling overwhelmed by student data? In this episode, we walk through a simple 7-step process to move from numbers on a page to meaningful instructional decisions. You’ll learn how to: Use screeners as a starting point Add context with quick observations Identify whether challenges stem from word recognition or comprehension Pinpoint specific skill gaps Summarize data into a clear student story Group students and set measurable goals Monitor progress to keep instruction responsive By the end, you’ll have a roadmap for turning data into action that truly supports student growth. 👉 Want to go deeper? Explore our From Data to Decisions Spotlight PD, >>Here.https://smarterintervention.com/ondemand-pd/literacy-needs-screener

    25 min
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About

This is the SMARTER Literacy Podcast from Ascend SMARTER Intervention, hosted by Lindsey Buck and Corey Pollard. Join us as we simplify the Science of Reading and bring you the tools and strategies to help students of all ages succeed in reading and writing. In each episode, we’ll dive into proven, research-based strategies and break down complex concepts, share actionable tips, and explore the power of literacy for every learner. Whether you're just starting your literacy journey or looking for new tools to enhance your teaching, you’re in the right place. Listen to this podcast on Spotify, Apple, or Google Podcasts.

Information

  • Creator
    Ascend SMARTER Intervention
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    25
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Ascend SMARTER Intervention
  • Show Website
    SMARTER Literacy

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