From FOMO to Front Row: A Deep Dive into the Reading League Summit
What happens when leading voices in literacy come together—not to lecture, but to listen, question, and grow? In this bonus episode, Donell Pons recaps her experience at the 2025 Reading League Summit, joined by co-hosts Stacy Hurst and Lindsay Kemeny and special guests Kari Kurto and Andrea Setmeyer of The Reading League. Together, they explore what made the summit so impactful—from thoughtfully curated panels and civil discourse among top researchers to the “just right” tone set by Andrea’s now-legendary Goldilocks metaphor. Whether you missed the summit or want to relive its most powerful moments, this episode brings you straight to the front row.Chat about this episode in The Science of Reading Collective.Explore the Reading Horizons Discovery® Product Suite.Access past show notes.Read the transcripts.
--------
50:00
Season Finale: Highlights, High Points, and Lessons in Structured Literacy
As we wrap up Season 7 of Literacy Talks, we reflect on a powerful journey through the lens of the 75th Anniversary Issue of the International Dyslexia Association. In this special finale, hosts Stacy Hurst, Donell Pons, and Lindsay Kemeny revisit the insights, standout moments, and expert voices that shaped a season devoted entirely to Structured Literacy. From defining integration to honoring teacher-researcher collaboration, we explore what’s evolved, what endures, and what’s next in the science of reading.Chat about this episode in The Science of Reading Collective.Explore the Reading Horizons Discovery® Product Suite.Access past show notes.Read the transcripts.
--------
32:39
What Dr. Elsa Cárdenas-Hagan Taught Us About Structured Literacy for Multilingual Learners
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Elsa Cárdenas-Hagan—renowned author, educator, and advocate for multilingual learners—to explore how Structured Literacy can empower every student. From bridging language and culture to practical classroom strategies, Dr. Cárdenas-Hagan shares inspiring insights and actionable tools for supporting English learners in meaningful, evidence-based ways. She dives into the importance of oral language, cross-linguistic connections, and how all teachers—regardless of background—can feel confident supporting linguistically diverse students.Note: The article starts on page 86 of the online version of IDA's 75th anniversary edition of "Perspectives on Language and Literacy".Chat about this episode in The Science of Reading Collective.Explore the Reading Horizons Discovery® Product Suite.Access past show notes.Read the transcripts.
--------
51:37
The Magical Intersection: Where Structured Literacy Meets Tiered Instruction
In this episode, the Literacy Talks team dives into Dr. Tim Odegard’s compelling article from Perspectives on Language and Literacy—“Structured Literacy: The Backbone of a Robust Literacy Ecosystem.” Join Stacy, Donell, and Lindsay as they explore what it really means to teach at the “magical intersection” of instruction and student engagement. From tiered systems of support (MTSS/RTI) to the practical realities of implementing Structured Literacy in the classroom, this episode offers both inspiration and actionable insights for educators at every level.Note: The article starts on page 80 of the online version of IDA's 75th anniversary edition of "Perspectives on Language and Literacy".Chat about this episode in The Science of Reading Collective.Explore the Reading Horizons Discovery® Product Suite.Access past show notes.Read the transcripts.
--------
52:35
Expert Insights with Dr. Louise Spear-Swerling: Prioritizing the "How" in Literacy Instruction
In this episode of Literacy Talks, we’re joined by the incomparable Dr. Louise Spear-Swerling—professor, researcher, and long-time advocate for evidence-based reading instruction. Building on her article in the 75th anniversary issue of Perspectives on Language and Literacy, Dr. Spear-Swerling dives into the how of Structured Literacy instruction and why it’s just as critical as the what.Together with hosts Stacy Hurst, Donell Pons, and Lindsay Kemeny, Dr. Spear-Swerling explores what it really means to teach reading systematically and explicitly, how to use assessments to target instruction, and how teacher preparation programs can better equip educators to meet the needs of diverse learners. With practical strategies, powerful anecdotes, and expert-level clarity, this episode is a must-listen for educators at every stage of their journey.Link to the article: https://www.flipsnack.com/B88EAE88B7A/perspectives-winter-2024/full-view.html?p=70 Chat about this episode in The Science of Reading Collective.Explore the Reading Horizons Discovery® Product Suite.Access past show notes.Read the transcripts.
Welcome to Literacy Talks, a podcast from Reading Horizons, where reading momentum begins. Each episode features our trio of literacy champions: Stacy Hurst, an assistant professor of reading at Southern Utah University and Chief Academic Advisor at Reading Horizons; Donell Pons, a dyslexia specialist, educator, presenter, and writer, who now works with adults with reading challenges; and Lindsay Kemeny, a dedicated elementary teacher who is a CERI-certified Structured Literacy Classroom Teacher and author of 7 Mighty Moves. Each episode is a conversation among friends with practical literacy strategies, powerful tips, and a real passion for teachers and students alike. Listen, laugh, and learn with Literacy Talks, brought to educators everywhere by Reading Horizons.
New Zealand