RAR Podcast #250: How to improve literacy outcomes for secondary students - with Jeanne Schopf What happens when students reach middle or high school without strong reading skills? In this episode, Jeanne Schopf shares why it’s never too late to help struggling readers—and what schools can do to improve literacy outcomes for secondary students. Listen to the episode here Full episode ... Read More

Welcome to the Podcast!
Ready to help every student become a proficient reader? Join me for practical conversations about teaching reading well.
I'll bring you real talk about implementing the science of reading in your classroom, breaking down the research into steps you can take right away, and helping you build the confidence to reach all your readers. Whether you're navigating your own shift from balanced literacy or looking for strategies that work for diverse learners, you'll find support here.
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What to do when students can’t write complete sentences – with Dr. Shawn Datchuk
RAR Podcast #249: What to do when students can't write complete sentences - with Dr. Shawn Datchuk If your students struggle to write complete sentences, this episode is for you. Dr. Shawn Datchuk breaks down why sentence writing is so challenging—and shares practical, research-based strategies you can use right away to help students write strong, clear sentences. Listen to the episode here Full ... Read More
The problem with the “just right text level” theory – and what to do instead – with Dr. Tim Shanahan
RAR Podcast #248: The problem with the "just right text level" theory - and what to do instead Is leveled reading helping, or is it holding students back? In this episode, Tim Shanahan joins us to unpack the history and research around grade-level text. You’ll gain a fresh perspective on how to better support all readers. Listen to the episode here Full episode transcript Learn more from ... Read More
Does consistency matter more than fidelity? – with John Bennetts
RAR Podcast #247: Does consistency matter more than fidelity? What happens when students hear different routines in Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3? In this episode, John Bennetts shares why consistency across tiers is critical for student success and how schools can align routines without overhauling their programs. Listen to the episode here Full episode transcript Resources mentioned in this ... Read More
The biggest mistake to avoid when building comprehension
RAR Podcast #246: The biggest mistake to avoid when building comprehension What’s the biggest mistake teachers make when building comprehension? In this episode, we explore why saving questions until the end of reading can leave comprehension gaps, and how using instructional questioning during reading can guide understanding, build meaning, and empower students as thinkers. Listen to the episode ... Read More
Is comprehension even teachable?
RAR Podcast #245: Is comprehension even teachable? Is comprehension something we actually teach, or does it naturally develop once students can decode? In this episode, we unpack what comprehension really is, why it’s far more complex than a single “skill,” and where it fits within the science of reading. Listen to the episode here Full episode transcript View my workshop, Building ... Read More





