Literacy in Color: A Science of Reading Aligned Podcast for Educators

How long should a child struggle before we recognize that the instruction they're receiving simply isn't enough? Also, why are so many students with dyslexia still caught in cycles of intervention without meaningful progress?
In this Dyslexia Awareness Month bonus episode, I'm joined by two returning guests, Dr. Brennan Chandler and Missy Purcell, who are joining forces through The Dyslexia Parent Project to help families and educators better understand how to advocate for effective literacy instruction.
We're moving beyond conversations about dyslexia characteristics and myths to examine what happens when children enter the school system and begin showing signs of reading difficulties. From universal screening and MTSS to special education evaluations and individualized instruction, we explore where students fall through the cracks, as well as what we can do to change that.
Brennan shares how schools can use curriculum-based measures, progress monitoring, and data-based decision-making to determine whether students are making meaningful progress. Missy brings her perspective as both a former educator and parent advocate, sharing real experiences of children spending years in intervention without receiving the support they need.
We also unpack why simply making progress isn't necessarily enough, why the name of an intervention program matters less than how instruction is individualized, and what it really means to turn up the "dials" of instructional intensity.
Key Takeaways
How universal screening and Tier 1 data can help schools identify students who need additional support
Why MTSS cannot be used to delay or deny an evaluation when a disability is suspected
The difference between making progress and making meaningful progress toward grade-level expectations
How curriculum-based measures (CBMs) can guide instructional decisions
Why specially designed instruction must be individualized, intensive, and responsive to student data
How educators can adjust instructional intensity when interventions aren't working
How The Dyslexia Parent Project aims to equip families and educators with accessible information and support

Dyslexia Parent Project
Website: dyslexiaparentproject.org

Connect with Brennan Chandler, PhD:
Website: brennanchandler.com
Instagram: @BrennanChandlerPhD
LinkedIn: Brennan Chandler, PhD
Brennan Chandler’s Speaking Engagements

Connect with Missy Purcell:
Website: https://misspurcell.com/
Instagram: @misspurcelladvocates
LinkedIn: Missy Purcell
Sold a Story - Episode 6: “The Reckoning” features Missy Purcell

Connect with Michelle:
Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com
Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy
Join our Facebook Community
Sign up for my Newsletter
Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom
For Phonics Resources, grab: The COLORFUL Phonics Toolkit

Want to Support the Podcast?
Make a Donation to Support Production

Interested in Learning More about Morphology?
Logos Literacy Academy with Michelle Sullivan & Sarah Paul
Join: Beyond Phonics Club - our Membership Community

Mentioned in this episode:
The Super Popular Suffix
Grab The Super Popular Suffix -s Book + Essie Plushie Bundle for 15% OFF!
🎉 Use code COLORFUL2 at checkout
⏰ Offer valid through November 10, 2026
https://phonicsreadalouds.com/products/suffix-s-book-and-plushie-bundle

Book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4yGBGGY
Reading Science Academy
Get your FREE grouping resource bundle here: https://www.stephaniestollarconsulting.com/groupingsheets?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show_notes&utm_campaign=podcast

Join The Reading Science Academy: https://www.stephaniestollarconsulting.com/register?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show-notes&utm_campaign=literacy-in-color
Beyond Phonics Club
Find out more about our membership community: https://beyond-phonics-club.circle.so/beyond-phonics-club

Are we scaffolding complex texts for students — or unintentionally lowering the intellectual demands of what we ask them to do?
Dr. Mitchell Brookins, author of Scaffolding Complex Texts joins the show to share how intentional planning and strategic scaffolding can help students navigate challenging texts, construct meaning, and engage in deeper intellectual work.
For years, educators have been encouraged to match students with “just-right” texts. When students spend most of their time reading texts that don't challenge their thinking, expand their vocabulary, or expose them to sophisticated language and ideas – are we really stretching them? The goal, after all, is to develop readers who can think critically, integrate knowledge, make connections, and construct deeper understanding – because complexity is worth it.
Key Takeaways:
What distinguishes complex texts from grade-level and “just-right” texts
Why relying too heavily on easier texts can limit opportunities for intellectual development
What research and classroom experience suggest about engaging readers with challenging texts
Why effective instructional planning begins with understanding the text, not filling out a lesson plan
How to identify the most important moments, vocabulary, sentences, and ideas within a text
How fluency, vocabulary, syntax, text structure, and writing work together to support comprehension

Resources Mentioned:
Book: Scaffolding Complex Texts: How to Plan and Teach for Deeper Comprehension in Grades 5-8 by Dr. Mitchell Brookins

This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the podcast!
Connect with Dr. Mitchell Brookins:
Website: https://brookinsconsulting.org/
Instagram: @mitchell_brookins
X: @MitchellBrookns
LinkedIn

This podcast is brought to you by Reading Science Academy, where our friend Stephanie Stollar is giving Literacy in Color listeners an exclusive, free grouping resource bundle designed to help you spend less time figuring out what to do with screening data and move more quickly into purposeful, skill-based groups.
Get your FREE grouping resource bundle here.
Or, become a member of Reading Science Academy to learn in community and receive research-backed support alongside over 1,600 literacy educators.
Connect with Michelle:
Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com
Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy
Join our Facebook Community
Sign up for my Newsletter
Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom
For Phonics Resources, grab: The COLORFUL Phonics Toolkit

Want to Support the Podcast?
Make a Donation to Support Production

Interested in Learning More about Morphology?
Logos Literacy Academy with Michelle Sullivan & Sarah Paul
Join: Beyond Phonics Club - our Membership Community

Mentioned in this episode:
The Super Popular Suffix
Grab The Super Popular Suffix -s Book + Essie Plushie Bundle for 15% OFF!
🎉 Use code COLORFUL2 at checkout
⏰ Offer valid through November 10, 2026
https://phonicsreadalouds.com/products/suffix-s-book-and-plushie-bundle

Book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4yGBGGY
Beyond Phonics Club
Find out more about our membership community: https://beyond-phonics-club.circle.so/beyond-phonics-club
Reading Science Academy
Get your FREE grouping resource bundle here: https://www.stephaniestollarconsulting.com/groupingsheets?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show_notes&utm_campaign=podcast

Join The Reading Science Academy: https://www.stephaniestollarconsulting.com/register?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show-notes&utm_campaign=literacy-in-color

What happens when parents start fighting for every child's right to learn to read?
I'm joined by Brett Tingley, President of Parents for Reading Justice, for a powerful conversation about parent advocacy, dyslexia, and the role families can play in transforming literacy instruction across the country.
Brett's journey began as a mom searching for answers when her own child struggled to read. What started as an individual fight for appropriate instruction grew into a movement for systemic change — first within her local school district, then across Ohio, and now through a national network of parent advocates.
We explore why Brett calls parents an "untapped lever" in literacy reform, how organized parent groups can influence school districts, legislation, and even teacher preparation programs, and why parent advocacy doesn't have to mean working against educators. In fact, parents and teachers can become some of each other's strongest allies.
We also discuss the far-reaching consequences of reading difficulties, the importance of early dyslexia identification and intervention, and how families can move from awareness to meaningful action.
Key Takeaways:
How parents have unique power to influence literacy instruction and systemic reform
The importance of holding teacher preparation programs accountable for evidence-aligned reading instruction
How parents and educators can work together while keeping children's needs at the center
Why dyslexia advocacy can help improve reading instruction for all students
Practical ways parents can get involved, organize, and advocate for change in their own communities
Free resources from Parents for Reading Justice, including Our Dyslexic Children, parent advocacy training, and opportunities to connect with other families

Resources Mentioned:
Documentary: Our Dyslexic Children
Podcast: Literacy Now
Masterclass
Resources on LinkTree
Parent Group Registry

Connect with Brett Tingley and Parents for Reading Justice:
Website: https://parentsforreadingjustice.org/
Instagram: @parentsforreadingjustice
YouTube: @parentsforreadingjustice
TikTok: @parentsforreadingjustice
LinkedIn: Brett Tingley

Connect with Michelle:
Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com
Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy
Join our Facebook Community
Sign up for my Newsletter
Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom
For Phonics Resources, grab: The COLORFUL Phonics Toolkit

Want to Support the Podcast?
Make a Donation to Support Production

Interested in Learning More about Morphology?
Logos Literacy Academy with Michelle Sullivan & Sarah Paul
Join: Beyond Phonics Club - our Membership Community

Mentioned in this episode:
Beyond Phonics Club
Find out more about our membership community: https://beyond-phonics-club.circle.so/beyond-phonics-club
The Super Popular Suffix
Grab The Super Popular Suffix -s Book + Essie Plushie Bundle for 15% OFF!
🎉 Use code COLORFUL2 at checkout
⏰ Offer valid through November 10, 2026
https://phonicsreadalouds.com/products/suffix-s-book-and-plushie-bundle

Book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4yGBGGY
Reading Science Academy
Get your FREE grouping resource bundle here: https://www.stephaniestollarconsulting.com/groupingsheets?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show_notes&utm_campaign=podcast

Join The Reading Science Academy: https://www.stephaniestollarconsulting.com/register?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show-notes&utm_campaign=literacy-in-color

Phonics is foundational — but it's not the finish line!
You've learned about phonemic awareness, phonics, and decodable text — but what happens when words get longer? When spelling gets more complex and sound alone doesn't tell the whole story? When students can read a word but don't fully understand how it works?
There's a bigger picture of literacy to explore, and we want to help you connect the pieces!
Introducing Beyond Phonics Club! 🎉
Sarah Paul and I created Beyond Phonics Club, our membership community for K-5 educators who want to deepen their understanding of the full picture of the Science of Reading so their students can become stronger readers, spellers, and word learners.
Why a membership?
When Sarah and I first launched Logos Literacy Academy, we created our Mastering Morphology course and our K–2 Morphology Course & Curriculum to help educators build their linguistic knowledge and bring meaningful morphology instruction into their classrooms.
We quickly realized we wanted to offer something more than standalone courses.
We wanted a place where professional learning didn't end when the video did. Where educators could ask questions, collaborate, share ideas, and continue growing alongside one another. And where the knowledge gained through professional learning was paired with practical lessons, routines, and resources that made classroom application easier.
So, we've reimagined our platform and transitioned to a membership model!
Beyond Phonics Club brings together our asynchronous course content, ready-to-use instructional resources, ongoing professional learning, live community calls, and collaborative support — all in one place.
Inside the Club, we're exploring how morphology, oral language, decoding, spelling, vocabulary, grammar, syntax, and more work together to strengthen literacy instruction.
The best part: This isn't about adding one more thing to your plate. It's about enhancing the instruction you're already doing by making meaningful connections across literacy.
We believe educators deserve more than information. They deserve the tools, confidence, and community to put that information into practice.
We'd love for you to be part of it!
👉 Explore Beyond Phonics Club & Join the Community
Let's keep learning, growing, and connecting the pieces of literacy — together!
-Michelle & Sarah
Founders of Logos Literacy Academy
Connect with Michelle:
Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com
Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy
Join our Facebook Community
Sign up for my Newsletter
Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom
For Phonics Resources, grab: The COLORFUL Phonics Toolkit

Want to Support the Podcast?
Make a Donation to Support Production

Interested in Learning More about Morphology?
Logos Literacy Academy with Michelle Sullivan & Sarah Paul
Join: Beyond Phonics Club - our Membership Community

What if the English spelling system isn't nearly as irregular as we've been led to believe? What if the letters we sometimes call “silent” are actually telling us something important about a word's structure, identity, or history?
Sue Scibetta Hegland, author of Beneath the Surface of Words: What English Spelling Reveals and Why It Matters joins the show for a fascinating conversation about what lies beneath the surface of English spelling.
Sue shares how her son's experience with dyslexia sparked her journey into understanding the English spelling system and why learning to read and learning to spell don't always develop in the same way.
We explore three foundational concepts: English spelling is structural, spelling reveals the identity of words, and written and spoken language are deeply connected yet distinct systems. Through examples like says, does, been, comfortable, and even leopard, Sue reveals how morphology, phonology, and etymology work together to make English spelling more understandable.
We also discuss why graphemes don't always represent phonemes, the different roles of graphemic markers, and how Sue's thinking has evolved as she works on the second edition of her book.
Plus, Sue shares insights from her conversations with renowned reading researcher Dr. Linnea Ehri, including the role of morphology in orthographic mapping and why morphological instruction doesn't need to wait until students are older.
Key Takeaways:
Morphology provides a structural framework for understanding English spelling
Spelling preserves word identity, even when pronunciation changes
Graphemes can serve purposes beyond representing phonemes
Why phonology and morphology should be taught in parallel from the beginning
Why teaching the English spelling system doesn't have to mean overwhelming young learners with complexity.

Resources Mentioned:
Book: Beneath the Surface of Words: What English Spelling Reveals and Why It Matters by Sue Scibetta Hegland (A 2nd edition is coming in 2027!)
Book: The American Way of Spelling: The Structure and Origins of American English Orthography by Richard Venetzky
Book: The Oxford Reference Guide to English Morphology
International Dyslexia Association (IDA)

This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the podcast!
Connect with Sue Scibetta Hegland:
Website: https://learningaboutspelling.com/
Resources & Linked Presentations on Sue’s Website

This podcast is brought to you by Reading Science Academy, where our friend Stephanie Stollar is giving Literacy in Color listeners an exclusive, free grouping resource bundle designed to help you spend less time figuring out what to do with screening data and move more quickly into purposeful, skill-based groups.
Get your FREE grouping resource bundle here.
Or, become a member of Reading Science Academy to learn in community and receive research-backed support alongside over 1,600 literacy educators.
Connect with Michelle:
Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com
Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy
Join our Facebook Community
Sign up for my Newsletter
Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom
For Phonics Resources, grab: The COLORFUL Phonics Toolkit

Want to Support the Podcast?
Make a Donation to Support Production

Interested in Learning More about Morphology?
Logos Literacy Academy with Michelle Sullivan & Sarah Paul
Join: Beyond Phonics Club - our Membership Community

Mentioned in this episode:
Reading Science Academy
Get your FREE grouping resource bundle here: https://www.stephaniestollarconsulting.com/groupingsheets?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show_notes&utm_campaign=podcast

Join The Reading Science Academy: https://www.stephaniestollarconsulting.com/register?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show-notes&utm_campaign=literacy-in-color
Beyond Phonics Club
Find out more about our membership community: https://beyond-phonics-club.circle.so/beyond-phonics-club
The Super Popular Suffix
Grab The Super Popular Suffix -s Book + Essie Plushie Bundle for 15% OFF!
🎉 Use code COLORFUL2 at checkout
⏰ Offer valid through November 10, 2026
https://phonicsreadalouds.com/products/suffix-s-book-and-plushie-bundle

Book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4yGBGGY