States have passed the science of reading laws. Teachers have completed training. So why aren't literacy scores improving? The answer lies in a growing gap between policy and classroom practice that few are talking about openly.

In this episode, Juliette Reid, Director of Market Research at Reading Horizons, shares insights from tracking literacy legislation and district trends across all 50 states. Drawing on nearly a decade as a classroom teacher, literacy interventionist, and instructional coach, Juliette explains why many well-intentioned reforms are falling short. She discusses the looming upper grades crisis (those pandemic-impacted students are now in middle school), why "product stacking" is undermining progress, and what parents should know as districts face shrinking budgets and growing pressure to show results.

Whether you're a parent wondering why things haven't improved despite all the headlines about reading reform, or you simply want to understand what's really happening in literacy education, this episode offers a clear-eyed look at where we are and where we're headed.

Reading scores are falling, and parents are drowning in conflicting advice about how to help their struggling readers. But here's the empowering truth most families don't hear: you can meaningfully support your child's reading journey without spending a single dollar—even if you struggle with reading yourself.

In this episode, Stacy Hurst, Chief Academic Advisor at Reading Horizons and Assistant Professor of Elementary Education at Southern Utah University, shares five zero-cost strategies that work for every family, regardless of income or education level. From building vocabulary through everyday conversation to knowing when to trust your instincts about reading difficulties, Stacy cuts through the noise with practical, research-backed advice that busy parents can implement today.

Whether you're worried about your child's progress or just want to reinforce what they're learning at school, this episode offers reassurance and actionable steps. Because strong readers are built little by little—and parents have more power than they think.

Sitting still isn’t the secret to learning—movement is! In this episode, author and educator Stefanie Hohl reveals how getting kids moving helps them read, focus, and thrive. Discover how even simple motions can boost memory, attention, and literacy skills. Whether you’re a parent or teacher, you’ll walk away with fun, simple ways to get kids moving while they learn at home or school.

Willie Spears, critically acclaimed author, highly sought-after speaker, and educator, explores the critical importance of mental health for teachers, addressing the unique stressors and emotional demands of the profession. Listeners will gain insights into recognizing signs of burnout, managing workplace stress, and cultivating resilience. Practical tools and evidence-based strategies will be shared to promote self-care, foster a supportive school environment, and enhance overall well-being.

Willie Spears is a critically acclaimed author, highly sought-after speaker, and educator. He spent twenty years in education as an administrator, teacher, and coach, and has written twenty books, including a book on the topic of mental health. He graduated from Northwestern Oklahoma State University as a student athlete with a degree in communications and from Troy University with a master's in education. Mr. Spears has taken the country by storm, delivering over 20 presentations a month across multiple states, and he shares a glimpse into education today with us!

Code Ninjas is the world's largest and fastest-growing kids' coding franchise offering STEM-focused summer camps and after school programs for kids aged 5-14. Its game-based curriculum fuels creativity, and critical thinking skills, and prepares children for success and fun in the tech-driven world.

With hundreds of locations in the United States. Each location offers different camps, including ones that focus on AI, Video Game and App Design, Lego Robotics, 3D Printing, Roblox, Minecraft.

Code Ninjas’ programs are designed to equip children with essential skills for future career planning in our tech-driven world. They teach coding and problem-solving through a game-based curriculum, fostering technical proficiency, critical thinking, and creativity. These skills, along with soft skills like teamwork, creativity, and communication, are cultivated to prepare children for various careers in an increasingly digital landscape. Their approach ensures that children are not just consumers of technology but are empowered to be creators and innovators, making them well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the future workplace.

Code Ninjas locations here: https://www.codeninjas.com/locations-list/us

Scarlett Lewis founded the nonprofit Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement after her son was murdered during the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy in December 2012. After her son Jesse's death, Scarlett became part of the solution to the issues that we're seeing in our society -- and that also caused the tragedy.

In this episode of 'Raw and Ready', Tisha Shipley and Stephanie Heald explore the authentic side of teaching, discussing the challenges educators face, including financial constraints, the importance of self-care, and the need for authenticity in the classroom. They emphasize the significance of being present, setting personal goals, and maintaining a growth mindset while navigating the complexities of the education profession.