Literacy Talks

A recent article questioning the “cost of overteaching phonics” sparked major discussion across the literacy world—and in this episode, Stacy Hurst, Donell Pons, and Lindsay Kemeny unpack it all.
Are schools really overteaching phonics? What does the research actually say? And how do teachers balance explicit instruction, reading practice, spelling, assessment, and student engagement without swinging too far in either direction?
The conversation explores the nuance behind phonics instruction, the dangers of clickbait headlines, the importance of teacher knowledge, and why struggling readers still need intentional, explicit teaching. The hosts also discuss phonemic awareness, spelling instruction, scaffolds, differentiation, and the critical role of meaningful reading practice.
Show Notes
Referenced Article
The Cost of Overteaching Phonics by Liana Loewus (Education Next)
Researchers & Experts Mentioned
Dr. Mark Seidenberg
Dr. Louisa Moats
Dr. Devin Kearns
Dr. David Kilpatrick
Tim Shanahan
Resources Mentioned
Devin Kearns’ PHINDER Tool
Language at the Speed of Sight by Mark Seidenberg
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What does it really take to improve literacy outcomes? In this wrap-up to the Changemakers series, Stacy Hurst, Donell Pons, and Lindsay Kemeny explore the systems, support, instructional practices, and leadership moves behind Mississippi’s widely discussed reading gains. From structured literacy and coaching to accountability and long-term implementation, this episode connects big-picture reform to practical classroom impact. Listeners will walk away with insights into how lasting literacy change happens—and what educators at every level can do to support it.
Show Notes
In this episode, we discuss:
The national conversation around the “Mississippi Miracle”
Why literacy improvement requires systems, support, and sustained effort
The role of structured literacy and the science of reading
Accountability paired with coaching and professional learning
Why implementation matters more than quick fixes
Classroom-level takeaways for raising expectations and supporting readers
Resources Mentioned
The Daily podcast episode: “The Miracle Unfolding in Mississippi Schools” (The New York Times)
Reading Horizons: Literacy Talks Podcast
NAEP (National Assessment of Educational Progress)
The Reading League

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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.

In this powerful conversation, Kareem Weaver—literacy advocate, educator, and featured voice in The Right to Read—challenges us to rethink what’s at stake when students don’t learn to read.
From personal stories to system-wide solutions, Kareem makes a compelling case: literacy isn’t just an educational issue—it’s a matter of opportunity, equity, and responsibility. This episode moves beyond awareness and into action, exploring what it really takes for schools, leaders, and communities to ensure every child has a genuine chance to read.
If you’ve ever wondered what it will take to truly change literacy outcomes, this conversation is a must-listen.
Show Notes
Kareem Weaver’s journey into literacy advocacy and education
Why literacy is more than instruction—it’s access to opportunity
The concept of “civil wrongs” in education
What’s holding schools back from improving reading outcomes
The critical role of leadership, policy, and teacher preparation
What successful literacy systems have in common
Why adult collaboration (or lack of it) is the biggest barrier
A vision for schools where all students learn to read
Resources Mentioned
The Right to Read documentary (featuring Kareem Weaver)
Fulcrum Literacy (Kareem Weaver, Co-Founder & Executive Director)
Left Behind documentary (NAACP-nominated film on dyslexia)
Landmark College (school supporting students with dyslexia)
EdTrust – Extraordinary Districts series
Leverage Leadership and Driven by Data (books by Paul Bambrick-Santoyo)
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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.

Are you spending too much time on assessments without getting the clarity you need? In this episode, we break down which reading assessments actually matter, which ones may be wasting your time, and how to make smarter, more efficient decisions about the data you collect.
Show Notes
Guests in this Episode:
Andrea Setmeyer – National Chapter Director at The Reading League and former school psychologist. Andrea works with literacy leaders and educators across the country to support evidence-aligned assessment and instruction.
Dr. Adrea Truckenmiller – Associate Professor at Michigan State University and a school psychologist. Her research focuses on assessment, writing development, and improving how educators use data to inform instruction. She is the principal investigator of the federally funded Writing Architect project.
Resources & References Mentioned:
The Reading League Journal (Jan/Feb 2026 issue) Subscribe.
Article: “Balancing Cost and Accuracy: How to Select Reading Assessments for Universal Screening”
Intervention in School and Clinic (Special Issue on Assessment)
Guest edited by Adrea Truckenmiller & Jessica Toste
Writing Architect Project
(Assessment tool for identifying key writing components to support student progress)
Book: Reading Assessment Done Right by Stephanie Stollar & Kate Winn
Common Assessment Tools Referenced:DIBELS: Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills
Acadience Reading Assessments
FastBridge
easyCBM
MAP Growth
Amira

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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.

Show Notes
Early reading screening is one of the most powerful tools educators have—but only if it’s used well. In this episode of Literacy Talks, we unpack what screening actually measures, why timing matters, and how to use data to support students before small gaps become major challenges.
We explore the difference between screening and diagnosis, why “wait and see” can be harmful, and how early data should drive immediate, targeted instruction. You’ll also hear how screening results can reveal more than individual student needs—they can highlight strengths and gaps in your core instruction and overall system.
This conversation is especially timely as schools and states continue to emphasize dyslexia screening and early literacy outcomes. The key takeaway: screening is just the starting point—what you do next makes the difference.
Key Topics Discussed
What reading screening measures across grade levels
Why screening is not the same as diagnosis
How screening connects to MTSS and Tier 1 instruction
The role of persistence in identifying dyslexia risk
Why early intervention matters more than waiting
How to interpret and act on screening data

Resources Mentioned
The Reading League Journal (Subscribe)
Learn more about Dr. Patrick Kennedy

💬 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?
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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.