The Literacy View

These ladies, through their podcast, help me learn and advocate for my son. Because of their hard work, passion and honesty, they bring research (often directly from the researchers mouths), teachers, and parents together, to have real talk, and help everyone improve supporting all students.

As a principal with seven years of experience in a high-needs elementary school, I have spent countless hours trying to sift through the noise when it comes to reading instruction. The pressure to raise reading scores is real. I’ve attended countless PD sessions, subscribed to journals, and spoken with curriculum reps and other administrators and teachers, yet I often walked away feeling more frustrated than confident. Aside from being a really fun and oftentimes funny listen while I’m driving or running, what sets The Literacy View apart is its honesty and focus on what actually works in classrooms. The hosts, Faith and Judy, are really credible because they are working educators with decades of real-life experience in reading instruction, who don’t always agree, but always stay razor-focused on current research and trends. They share knowledge, challenge assumptions (even by highly regarded “experts” who are frequent guests), and really help educators make sense of reading science and practice. It just feels like they care deeply about what is right, and I appreciate how they make complex “science” more relatable to the point where I am trying to bring them in as consultants. I highly recommend The Literacy View podcast.

Do the hosts land on the side of research? Most often, yes. Thank goodness. However, their “Devil’s Advocacy” is often worrisome, as it sends mixed messages to teachers who have not had coaching on structured literacy. I also question the hosts’ dedication to knowing their guests’ and understanding their guests’ perspectives prior to interviews. Is the goal to roast their guests? Not cool. The facilitation sounds unrehearsed and the production quality is poor, often echoed and tinny. Finally, and I say this with my whole heart, as educators, we tier SUPPORTS and not kids! Using language like “Tier 3 kids” promotes a flawed thinking about MTSS and that’s dangerous when you are a teacher-leader with a growing platform. It supports deficits-based thinking and practice, which is harmful to kids.

Well-spoken and knowledgeable hosts who provide valuable perspectives on key literacy issues. A must-listen for both parents and educators.