Science of Reading Leadership Just Right Reader

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.

“Prioritize and focus on [accelerating reading achievement]. If our kids can’t read, they can’t access anything. If you’re not making it a priority, you’re doing a disservice to kids.” - Dr. Jermall Wright, Superintendent of Little Rock School District 
On this episode of the Science of Reading Leadership, Dr. Jermall Wright, Superintendent of Little Rock School District, joins us to highlight the district's significant achievements in implementing the Science of Reading research.
We explore
the district’s commitment to early literacyhow an innovative partnership to provide personalized tutoring transforms elementary students’ reading achievementchallenges of leading literacy initiativesthe importance of professional development for teachers
Don't miss Dr. Wright's biggest piece of advice for accelerating reading achievement — it may seem straightforward, but its effect is profound.

In this episode:
00:00 Historic Little Rock District and the Science of Reading
01:37 Partnership with Ignite Reading to provide one-on-one tutors for students
03:10 Preparing teachers to teach reading with high-quality instructional materials
04:25 Supporting district leaders to lead literacy 
06:17 Challenges and importance of prioritizing literacy initiatives
Connect with Dr. Wright
Website
Twitter
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 one with Dr. Sarah Lupo next.