Literacy Talks

We’ve spent years strengthening decoding instruction—but what if the next literacy shift begins at the sentence level? If we want true comprehension, we have to look beyond words and into syntax.
In this episode, we discuss:
Why syntax is the missing link in reading comprehension
How Cascade Reading uses linguistically-driven text formatting to support understanding
For decades, reading research and classroom instruction have focused heavily on decoding. But comprehension doesn’t happen after we finish reading a sentence—it happens word by word, as the brain processes syntax in real time. Dr. Julie Van Dyke explains why sentence structure plays a critical role in comprehension, how language networks in the brain differ from cognitive knowledge systems like background knowledge, and why strong decoding skills alone are not enough.
We also explore how Cascade Reading makes syntactic structure visible using artificial intelligence, helping students better understand phrasing, fluency, and meaning. Julie shares research findings, practical classroom implications, and why teachers should feel empowered—not intimidated—when bringing syntax into instruction. This conversation challenges us to rethink what comprehension truly requires and how we can better support all readers, especially those with language-based learning differences.
Guest: Dr. Julie Van Dyke, cognitive scientist, linguist, former senior scientist at Haskins Laboratories, and co-developer of Cascade Reading
Resources mentioned:
Cascade Reading – https://www.cascadereading.com
International Dyslexia Association Perspectives (Syntax Comes First series) – https://dyslexiaida.org
https://www.onlinedigeditions.com/publication/?i=843724&p=1&view=issueViewer
https://www.onlinedigeditions.com/publication/?i=847535&p=1&view=issueViewer

Syntax: Knowledge to Practice by Nancy Eberhardt & Margie Gillis – https://literacyhow.org
Speech to Print by Louisa Moats – https://products.brookespublishing.com/Speech-to-Print-P1167.aspx

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Coming Soon: Reading Horizons Ascend™
From Pre-K readiness to advanced fluency, Ascend™ offers a consistent, needs-based reading experience across every grade, tier, and model—so every student can build mastery, one skill at a time. Learn More.

Episode Summary:
What if libraries played a central role in transforming literacy instruction? In this Changemaker Voices episode, Jenny Emery Davidson shares how a rural community library became a hub for science-of-reading-aligned professional learning, teacher collaboration, and joyful literacy advocacy. This conversation will inspire educators and leaders to rethink how communities can help build a true social fabric of literacy.
Guest
Jenny Emery Davidson
Executive Director, The Community Library (Ketchum, Idaho)
Topics Discussed
Libraries as community-based literacy leaders
Supporting teachers through collaboration, not mandates
Professional learning grounded in the science of reading
Literacy access and equity in rural communities
Creating joyful, meaningful learning experiences for educators and students
Building a “social fabric of literacy” beyond schools
Organizations & Programs Mentioned
The Community Library (Ketchum, ID)
https://comlib.org
The Community Library Literacy Summit
A multi-day professional learning experience for Idaho educators focused on the science of reading and literacy instruction
https://comlib.org/literacy-summit
University of Idaho (Moscow, ID)
https://www.uidaho.edu
Scholars & Literacy Leaders Referenced
Dr. Louisa Moats https://www.louisamoats.com
Dr. Anita Archer https://explicitinstruction.org
Dr. Carol Tolman https://drcaroltolman.com/
Dr. Antonio Fierro https://readinguniverse.org/contributor/antonio-fierro-edd?page=1
Dr. Sally Brown (College of Idaho) https://collegeofidaho.edu/people/sally-brown/
Books & Resources Mentioned
Speech to Print – Louisa Moats https://products.brookespublishing.com/Speech-to-Print-P1167.aspx
Idaho Dyslexia Handbook
https://www.sde.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Idaho-Dyslexia-Handbook.pdf
Sold a Story (Podcast by Emily Hanford)
https://features.apmreports.org/sold-a-story
▶️ Watch the full conversation on YouTube. https://youtu.be/6GOksQx4vt4

If this episode resonates with you, share it with a colleague or community leader—and consider how your own community might help build a stronger social fabric of literacy.
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Do you teach Structured Literacy in a K–3 setting?
Sign up for a free license of Reading Horizons Discovery® LIVE and start teaching right away—no setup, no hassle. Sign-up Now.

Coming Soon: Reading Horizons Ascend™
From Pre-K readiness to advanced fluency, Ascend™ offers a consistent, needs-based reading experience across every grade, tier, and model—so every student can build mastery, one skill at a time. Learn More.

What does it really take to change reading outcomes at scale?
In this episode of Literacy Talks, Donell Pons, Stacy Hurst, and Lindsay Kemeny kick off a new conversation focused on changemakers in literacy. Together, they unpack commonly cited literacy data—especially NAEP scores—and explore what those numbers do (and don’t) tell us about reading achievement in the U.S.
The discussion moves beyond test scores to examine systems change: leadership, shared language, collaboration across classrooms and institutions, and the growing role of innovation and technology. From teacher leaders and researchers to curriculum developers and parent advocates, this episode highlights the many roles changemakers play in moving literacy work forward—and why lasting change requires collective impact, not quick fixes.
Literacy Talks Episode 110 Show Notes
Topics Covered
What NAEP data does (and does not) tell us about reading proficiency
Why systemic change is harder—and more important—than isolated success
Mississippi’s literacy efforts and what we can learn from them
AI and technology as tools, supports, and potential risks in literacy instruction
The importance of shared language, collaboration, and leadership
Teachers, parents, researchers, and curriculum providers as change makers
Scaling impact through conferences, professional communities, and partnerships
Resources & References Mentioned
Books
Frontiers in Social Innovation
The Journey of Collective Impact (John Kania, Mark Kramer, & colleagues)
Assessments & Data
National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP)
Organizations & Initiatives
Project Read AI
The Reading League
Center for Literacy & Learning – Plain Talk Conference
Big Sky Literacy Summit
Transformative Reading Teacher Group
Research & Thought Leadership
Reid Lyon’s work on literacy, systems change, and shared language
Literacy Instruction & Research
Reading Horizons
💬 Want more insights like this?
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Do you teach Structured Literacy in a K–3 setting?
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Coming Soon: Reading Horizons Ascend™
From Pre-K readiness to advanced fluency, Ascend™ offers a consistent, needs-based reading experience across every grade, tier, and model—so every student can build mastery, one skill at a time. Learn More.

As 2025 draws to a close, the Literacy Talks trio—Stacy, Donell, and Lindsay—gather for a spirited season finale filled with highlights, reflections, and bold predictions. From progress in the science of reading to the growing spotlight on writing, integration, and instructional clarity, this episode captures the momentum and milestones of the past year. They also look ahead to 2026 with insights, hopes, and a few wishes for the future of literacy instruction. Join the conversation that celebrates growth, questions assumptions, and champions the evolving landscape of teaching and learning.
💬 Want more insights like this?
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Do you teach Structured Literacy in a K–3 setting?
Sign up for a free license of Reading Horizons Discovery® LIVE and start teaching right away—no setup, no hassle. Sign-up Now.

Coming Soon: Reading Horizons Ascend™
From Pre-K readiness to advanced fluency, Ascend™ offers a consistent, needs-based reading experience across every grade, tier, and model—so every student can build mastery, one skill at a time. Learn More.

Ever hear something in a meeting, online, or even at a conference that made you do a double take? In this episode, the hosts of Literacy Talks share surprising, questionable, and even cringe-worthy things they’ve heard about literacy—and why they wish they weren’t true. From conversations that raise eyebrows to persistent myths that refuse to fade, it’s all on the table. Tune in for thoughtful reactions, a little laughter, and a lot of clarity.
💬 Want more insights like this?
Subscribe to the Literacy Talks Podcast Digest for episode recaps, resources, and teaching takeaways delivered straight to your inbox!
Do you teach Structured Literacy in a K–3 setting?
Sign up for a free license of Reading Horizons Discovery® LIVE and start teaching right away—no setup, no hassle. Sign-up Now.

Coming Soon: Reading Horizons Ascend™
From Pre-K readiness to advanced fluency, Ascend™ offers a consistent, needs-based reading experience across every grade, tier, and model—so every student can build mastery, one skill at a time. Learn More.