How do you really know if what you’re teaching in reading is actually helping kids grow?

If you’ve ever finished a lesson wondering, “Is this even working?” — this episode is for you. We're diving into how to use student data to take the guesswork out of reading instruction and make sure every moment you teach counts.

In this episode, we'll talk about:

• The 3 types of assessments that show you what’s working (and what’s not).
• How to use student data to plan smarter, faster reading lessons.
• Why guessing is the #1 time-waster in reading instruction.
• How to group students without 25 different lesson plans.
• What to do when your curriculum isn’t delivering results.

Show Links

Assessment Pack
Progress Monitoring Tool
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When a family receives a new dyslexia diagnosis, emotions run high—and teachers are often the first person they turn to for answers. But what should you say? In this episode, dyslexia therapist Rebecca Bush gives teachers practical guidance on how to talk to families with clarity, empathy, and confidence.

In this episode, we'll talk about:

• What to say (and what not to say) after a dyslexia diagnosis.
• How to support families emotionally and practically.
• The role of the teacher in early intervention and next steps.
• How to build trust even without formal dyslexia training.
• Free resources and organizations every teacher should know.

Show Links

Rebecca Bush Website / Instagram / LinkedIn
"Dyslexia and Your Newly Diagnosed Child" by Rebecca Bush
International Dyslexia Association
Decoding Dyslexia
Neuhaus Training
Wilson Training
ALTA Academic Language Therapy Association
Take Flight Dyslexia Training

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If you loved this episode, please take a minute to rate and review my show! That helps the podcast world know that this show is worth sharing with other educators just like you.

Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review". Then let me know what you loved most about the episode!

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What if the word “does” isn’t irregular at all?

Most teachers were taught to memorize tricky words like does, there, or really—but today’s guest says that’s exactly the problem. In this episode, Dr. Peter Bowers introduces us to Structured Word Inquiry (SWI)—a powerful, meaning-based approach to spelling that helps students (and teachers!) understand how English truly works.

If you've ever wondered why certain words are spelled the way they are—or struggled to explain them to students—this episode will blow your mind in the best way.

In this episode, we'll talk about:

• Why “irregular” words like does and really actually follow logic.
• How to teach irregular words with meaning, not memorization.
• What Structured Word Inquiry looks like in real K-2 classrooms.
• How this approach supports dyslexic learners—and every learner.
• The #1 shift that helps students become curious, confident spellers.

Show Links

Peter's Website
Beneath the Surface of Words by Sue Hegland
Marie Foley's Website
Spelling Toolbox
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If you loved this episode, please take a minute to rate and review my show! That helps the podcast world know that this show is worth sharing with other educators just like you.

Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review". Then let me know what you loved most about the episode!

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Why do some students decode perfectly but never seem to retain the words? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. David Kilpatrick to uncover the most misunderstood skill in reading instruction—and why phonics alone isn’t enough.

In this episode, we'll talk about:

• The hidden skill struggling readers must master to build fluency.
• Why phonemic awareness can’t be replaced by phonics.
• The difference between decoding and remembering words.
• What orthographic mapping really is—and how to strengthen it.
• How to avoid the biggest myths circulating on social media.

Show Links

Equipped for Reading Success by David Kilpatrick
Essentials for Assessing, Preventing, and Overcoming Reading Difficulties by David Kilpatrick
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If you loved this episode, please take a minute to rate and review my show! That helps the podcast world know that this show is worth sharing with other educators just like you.

Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review". Then let me know what you loved most about the episode!

While you're there, be sure to follow the podcast. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and I don't want you to miss out!

He was called stupid. Beaten for not being able to read. And it wasn’t until prison that Ameer Baraka learned the truth—he was dyslexic.

In this gripping episode, Ameer shares how a compassionate teacher, a late diagnosis, and sheer determination transformed his life—from a struggling student to a scriptwriter for Tyler Perry.

If you teach reading, this is the kind of story that will stay with you.

In this episode, we'll talk about:

• How undiagnosed dyslexia shaped Ameer’s childhood and led to early trauma.
• The emotional toll of being misunderstood in school.
• What prison taught him about reading—and about himself.
• The life-changing power of one teacher’s belief.
• Why he now tells every dyslexic child: You are a winner—if you choose to be.

Show Links

Find Ameer on Instagram / LinkedIn
Undiagnosed: The Ugly Side of Dyslexia by Ameer Baraka
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Become a Science of Reading Formula member!

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If you loved this episode, please take a minute to rate and review my show! That helps the podcast world know that this show is worth sharing with other educators just like you.

Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review". Then let me know what you loved most about the episode!

While you're there, be sure to follow the podcast. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and I don't want you to miss out!

What if your students could finally retain what you teach—and you could stop second-guessing every phonics lesson?

In this episode, veteran first grade teacher Rose shares how she went from overwhelmed and unsure… to confident and clear—thanks to her first step inside The Science of Reading Formula: our four-week bootcamp called The Reading Roadmap.

If you’re tired of piecing together your reading instruction, this conversation is the encouragement and direction you’ve been looking for.

In this episode, we’ll talk about:

• Why so many teachers feel stuck teaching reading—and how to break free.
• The very first step Rose took to start seeing real student growth.
• How the Reading Roadmap gives you just what you need (without the overwhelm).
• What changed in her confidence, planning time, and student results.
• How to know if you’re ready to join The Science of Reading Formula.

Show Links

Preview the Vault of Tools & Trainings
Join Malia on Instagram.
Become a Science of Reading Formula member!

Rate, Review, and Follow

If you loved this episode, please take a minute to rate and review my show! That helps the podcast world know that this show is worth sharing with other educators just like you.

Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review". Then let me know what you loved most about the episode!

While you're there, be sure to follow the podcast. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and I don't want you to miss out!

You know the science of reading works—you’ve seen the difference in your classroom. But what happens when your administrator isn’t on board, or doesn’t fully understand why this shift matters?

In this episode, we’ll walk through how to have these conversations with confidence and care.

You’ll learn how to share your classroom data, connect it to the bigger picture, and offer solutions that make it easier for your admin to say yes. Most importantly, you’ll be reminded that administrators are humans too—and when you lead with clarity and collaboration, you can open doors for real change.

In this episode, we'll talk about:

• Why many administrators hesitate about the science of reading.
• How to use your own student data to make a powerful case.
• What state and national reading scores reveal about the need for change.
• Low-cost, high-impact solutions you can suggest right away.
• The language that builds trust and keeps the conversation positive.

By the end, you’ll feel ready to walk into that meeting prepared, brave, and focused on what matters most: helping every student become a confident reader.

Show Links

Science of Reading Formula Admin Flyer
Report Card Data by State / National
International Dyslexia Association Fact Sheet
The Reading League
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Rate, Review, and Follow

If you loved this episode, please take a minute to rate and review my show! That helps the podcast world know that this show is worth sharing with other educators just like you.

Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review". Then let me know what you loved most about the episode!

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Teaching phonics can feel overwhelming, but having a clear, step-by-step sequence makes all the difference! In this episode, we’ll break down the best order to teach phonics skills, so your students build strong reading foundations with confidence. Whether you're a seasoned educator or new to the science of reading, this progression will help you support every learner at their own pace.

In this episode, we’ll talk about:

• The first phonics skills students need to master.
• How to move students up the “phonics ladder” step by step.
• The importance of word families, digraphs, blends, and more.
• Practical strategies for teaching each skill effectively.

Show Links

Phonics Cheat Sheet
Printable Step by Step Phonics Lesson Plans
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Rate, Review, and Follow

If you loved this episode, please take a minute to rate and review my show! That helps the podcast world know that this show is worth sharing with other educators just like you.

Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review". Then let me know what you loved most about the episode!

While you're there, be sure to follow the podcast. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and I don't want you to miss out!