RAR Podcast #237: The 3 types of assessment teachers need for data-based decision making In this quick solo episode, we take a look at the three types of assessment teachers use within MTSS for data-based decision making. You’ll learn the key questions each one answers, how they work together, and why they’re essential for making informed instructional decisions. I’m also sharing my phonemic awareness and ... Read More
Important lessons from the history of RTI and MTSS – with Dr. Heidi Beverine-Curry
RAR Podcast #236: Important lessons from the history of RTI and MTSS - with Dr. Heidi Beverine-Curry We're continuing our assessment series with Dr. Heidi Beverine-Curry, who walks us through the history of RTI and MTSS—from the "wait to fail" model to today's data-based approaches. Learn why strong Tier 1 instruction must be the foundation, what went wrong with RTI implementation, and how to get it right in ... Read More
How to use etymology to help students spell high frequency words – with Fiona Hamilton and Rebecca Loveless
TRT Podcast #235: How to use etymology to help students spell high frequency words - with Fiona Hamilton and Rebecca Loveless Did you know that teaching students about the history of specific words can actually reduce cognitive load and help students better remember the spellings? Fiona Hamilton and Rebecca Loveless, authors of The High Frequency Word Project, show us how to do just that. Listen ... Read More
How to scaffold complex text reading – even in the early grades! with Dr. Jennifer Throndsen
TRT Podcast #234: How to scaffold complex text reading - even in the early grades! with Dr. Jennifer Throndsen All students need access to rich, challenging text to grow as readers. But how do we support them? Dr. Jennifer Throndsen shares the why and HOW of scaffolding complex texts. This episode is for you no matter what grade you teach. Listen to the episode here Full episode ... Read More
How to teach phonics to English learners – with Alison Ryan
TRT Podcast #233: How to teach phonics to English learners - with Alison Ryan If you've ever wondered how to give extra support to English learners during phonics lessons, this episode is for you. You'll learn strategies for supporting students in decoding, vocabulary, and comprehension - all within the phonics lesson. Listen to the episode here Full episode transcript Learn more from ... Read More
Quick tips for teaching morphology in the primary grades – with Sarah Paul
TRT Podcast #232: Quick tips for teaching morphology in the primary grades - with Sarah Paul If you've ever wondered what morphology has to do with K-2, this is the episode for you! Sarah Paul shares fun and simple ways to incorporate morphology into your instruction in the primary grades. A must-listen! Listen to the episode here Full episode transcript Resources mentioned in ... Read More
A powerful and practical routine for teaching with decodable text – with Brianna Guild
TRT Podcast #231: A powerful and practical routine for teaching with decodable text – with Brianna Guild Discover how SLP Brianna Guild makes decodable books the heart of her literacy intervention sessions—while naturally weaving in vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension! Listen to the episode here Full episode transcript Resources mentioned in this episode Connect with Brianna Guild ... Read More
How to teach students to use set for variability – with Jen Yagid and Wendy Darasz
TRT Podcast #230: How to teach students to use set for variability - with Jen Yagid and Wendy Darasz Jen and Wendy, reading specialists and dyslexia practitioners, explain what set for variability is and why it's a skill even beginning readers need. Listen to the episode here Full episode transcript Offers for our listeners Connect with Jen & Wendy Research studies on ... Read More
Simple writing activities that boost reading comprehension – with Sara Marye
TRT Podcast #229: Simple writing activities that boost reading comprehension - with Sara Marye Sara Marye walks us through writing activities that are easy to implement, yet make a big difference when it comes to improving reading comprehension. Listen to the episode here Full episode transcript Resources mentioned in this episode ... Read More
Tips for teaching high frequency words – with Christina Winter
TRT Podcast #228: Tips for teaching high frequency words - with Christina Winter Christina Winter and I discuss misconceptions we used to have about teaching "sight words" and what teachers should keep in mind when teaching high frequency words. Listen to the episode here Full episode transcript Resources mentioned in this episode ... Read More









