The Reading Symphony

The Reading Symphony

por Katie Megrian
Paternidad
Don't Accept "They're doing fine" | Reading Assessments Every Parent Should Understand
📩 Join My Email List Get practical literacy tips, evidence-based reading resources, podcast updates, and exclusive insights delivered straight to your inbox. Join here: https://link.fgfunnels.com/widget/form/M03vMOX9hAn6YOt6J7HN Have you ever been told, "They're doing fine," even though you know your child is struggling to read? In this solo episode of The Reading Symphony Podcast, Katie Megrian explains how to understand your child's reading assessments, why vague reassurance isn't enough, and the questions every parent should ask before accepting that answer. Drawing on more than 20 years of experience as a teacher, principal, district literacy leader, and parent advocate, Katie shares four real stories from families whose instincts were right - and explains how understanding assessment data can completely change conversations with your child's school. You'll learn: • The difference between Screeners, Diagnostic Assessments, and Progress Monitoring Assessments • When it may be appropriate to request a formal evaluation • Which reading assessments are backed by research • What parents can do before the school year begins • The three questions every parent should ask when discussing their child's reading progress Whether you're concerned about dyslexia, reading intervention, or simply want to better understand your child's progress, this episode will help you become a more informed and confident advocate. Resources Mentioned: 📖 How to Decode Your Child's Reading Assessments https://katiemegrian.substack.com/p/how-to-decode-your-childs-reading?utm_source=notes-share-action&r=1mngde 📄 Quick Phonics Screener https://www.sfdr-cisd.org/media/cfxjl0hw/quick-phonics-screener.pdf 📄 CORE Phonics Survey https://cdnsm5-ss10.sharpschool.com/UserFiles/Servers/Server_19566293/File/Academics/Exceptional%20Children's%20Services/CORE%20Phonics%20Survey.pdf 📚 Reading Assessment Done Right By Dr. Stephanie Stollar & Kate Winn https://www.amazon.com/Reading-Assessment-Done-Right-Data-Driven/dp/B0FL6PB98P Chapters: 00:00 Welcome & Why Reading Assessments Matter 01:02 Four Stories That Changed Everything 05:16 The Four Types of Reading Assessments 05:51 1. Screeners 07:01 2. Diagnostic Assessments 08:28 3. Progress Monitoring Assessments 10:30 When Should You Request an Evaluation? 12:22 Which Reading Assessments Can You Trust? 13:08 What Parents Should Do Before School Starts 15:05 The Three Questions Every Parent Should Ask
E23
3 ago 2026
16:14
How to Build "Word Wealth" with Sean Morrisey
📩 Join My Email List Katie welcomes Sean Morrisey, creator of the Word Mapping Project, for an engaging conversation about vocabulary instruction, morphology, the Science of Reading, and why building "word wealth" is essential for every child's literacy development. Drawing on his experience as both a former school psychologist and a fifth-grade teacher, Sean explains why vocabulary should be taught explicitly, how spelling strengthens long-term word learning, and why students can learn far more sophisticated language than we often expect. Together, Katie and Sean explore orthographic mapping, morphology, structured literacy, dyslexia, developmental language disorder, reading fluency, and practical strategies that parents and teachers can use immediately to help children become confident readers and writers. They also discuss why vocabulary instruction shouldn't stop after the primary grades, how to create meaningful conversations around words, and why connecting sound, spelling, and meaning helps words become permanently stored in memory. This episode is for parents, educators, literacy specialists, reading interventionists, school leaders, homeschool families, and anyone interested in the Science of Reading, the Science of Learning, vocabulary development, and evidence-based literacy instruction. About Sean Morrisey Sean Morrisey is a fifth-grade teacher at Pinehurst Elementary School in the Frontier Central School District near Buffalo, New York. A former school psychologist, Sean is the creator of the Word Mapping Project, a morphology-rich curriculum grounded in the Science of Reading and the Science of Learning. His work helps educators teach vocabulary, spelling, morphology, and word study through practical, evidence-based instructional strategies that improve long-term literacy outcomes. Sean's Links Website Sean's Substack Word Mapping Project Webinar X (Twitter) Chapters 00:00 – Kids Can Learn Bigger Words Than We Think 00:49 – Meet Sean Morrisey 02:00 – From School Psychologist to Classroom Teacher 05:00 – Why Spelling Still Matters 06:10 – The Birth of the Word Mapping Project 09:00 – Teaching Big Words to Little Kids 13:00 – Bringing Vocabulary to Life 16:00 – Dyslexia, DLD, and Reading Difficulties 20:00 – What Is the Word Mapping Project? 21:00 – Sound, Spelling, Meaning & Morphology 24:00 – Supporting Struggling Readers 27:00 – Building Your Own Word Knowledge 28:00 – Teaching with Synonyms and Antonyms 29:30 – Practical Advice for Parents
E22
4 jul 2026
34:23
"Do No Harm" with Phyllis Hakeem
📩 Join My Email List Katie hosts Phyllis Hakeem, Professor of Education at Bay Path University, for a thought-provoking conversation about the science of reading, neuroscience, structured literacy, and why educators must embrace the principle of "do no harm" when teaching children to read. PHYLISS'S LINKS LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phyllis-hakeem-a92b4838 Email:phakeem@baypath.edu Bay Path University: https://www.baypath.edu/ Faculty Profile: https://www.baypath.edu/academics/faculty-directory/biography/phyllis-hakeem/ Reading & Literacy Programs: https://www.baypath.edu/academics/graduate-programs/reading-literacy-instruction-msed-eds/ CHAPTERS 00:00 – Do No Harm: Why Reading Instruction Matters 01:43 – Meet Phyllis Hakeem 05:18 – From Neuroscience to Literacy Education 08:38 – Finding Joy in Literacy Work 11:03 – Why Phyllis Says "Do No Harm" 12:54 – Practice Makes Permanent in the Brain 15:13 – Understanding Reading Assessment and DIBELS Data 17:24 – Fluency Is More Than Reading Speed 19:18 – Marketed Misconceptions in Education 19:37 – Science of Reading and Marketing Claims 20:09 – Research-Based vs Evidence-Based 21:40 – How to Evaluate Literacy Research 24:18 – When Curriculum Isn't Enough 25:00 – Intellectual Humility and Lifelong Learning 25:25 – You'll Never Know It All 26:03 – Prior Knowledge vs Background Knowledge 27:33 – Building Better Literacy Systems 28:18 – Bay Path University's Literacy Program 31:00 – Preparing the Next Generation of Reading Teachers
E21
5 jun 2026
39:28
Rethinking Adolescent Literacy with Kate Crist
📩 Join My Email List Katie hosts Kate Crist, founder of Education 4500 and literacy consultant, to discuss one of the biggest challenges facing schools today: why so many students reach middle school and high school without being able to read grade-level texts fluently. Kate's Links: Website: https://www.education4500.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katecrist/ CHAPTERS 00:00 – Why So Many Students Still Can't Read 00:46 – Meet Kate Crist & Education 4500 03:25 – The Goal: Every Student Graduates Literate 05:00 – Literacy Outcomes Are Designed, Not Accidental 07:40 – Why High School Literacy Needs a Different Approach 09:00 – It's Not the Child's Fault 11:00 – The Role of Teachers vs. The Role of Systems 13:20 – Why Leadership Matters for Literacy Success 14:20 – The Type 10 Fluency Protocol Explained 16:00 – Why Students Need More Eyes on Text 18:00 – Fluency and Reading Comprehension: The Missing Link 19:00 – Why Grade-Level Fluency Matters 21:00 – What Happens When Students Struggle to Read 22:00 – Practical Fluency Routines for Older Readers 25:30 – How Schools Can Build Literacy at Scale 28:00 – What Gives Kate Hope About the Future of Literacy #scienceofreading #adolescentliteracy #readingcomprehension #structuredliteracy #strugglingreaders #literacyinstruction #education #middleschool #highschoolliteracy #readingintervention
E20
30 may 2026
47:28
The Importance of Teachers Supporting Teachers with Jaenine Cortazar Rodriguez
📩 Join My Email List Katie welcomes Jaenine Cortazar Rodriguez, literacy consultant, educator, and co-founder of Boston Literacy Ladies, for a conversation about teacher coaching, literacy instruction, educator burnout, and the support teachers need to help students thrive. Jaenine shares how she and her business partner built Boston Literacy Ladies to provide personalized coaching and practical support for educators navigating curriculum changes, literacy instruction, classroom management, scheduling, intervention planning, and professional growth. Together, Katie and Jaenine discuss the science of reading, teacher efficacy, family-school partnerships, professional development, dyslexia screening, instructional coaching, and why supporting teachers is one of the most effective ways to improve outcomes for students. This episode is for educators, school leaders, literacy coaches, parents, and anyone interested in strengthening literacy instruction and supporting teachers. Jaenine's Links: Website: https://www.bostonliteracyladies.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bostonliteracyladies/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bostonliteracyladies TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@boston.literacy.ladies Chapters 00:00 – Introduction to Jaenine Cortazar Rodriguez 00:45 – Stop the Summer Slide Workshop Announcement 02:00 – Why Boston Literacy Ladies Was Created 04:20 – The Isolation Many Teachers Experience 05:15 – The Biggest Challenges Teachers Face Today 06:50 – Coaching Teachers Across Grade Levels 08:10 – Family Partnerships & Building Trust 10:00 – Why Parent Workshops Often Struggle 11:45 – Reaching Families Who Need Support Most 13:00 – Helping Families Understand Reading Data 15:40 – Dyslexia Screening & Early Intervention 19:00 – What Effective Teacher Support Looks Like 20:15 – Teacher Burnout & Low Teacher Efficacy 21:45 – Curriculum Overload & Initiative Fatigue 23:30 – Why Teachers Shouldn't Have to Write Curriculum 24:45 – Supporting Teachers Through Change 27:00 – Improving Family Communication 28:00 – What Gives Jaenine Hope About Literacy Education
E19
24 may 2026
31:10
Setting The Record Straight On How We Learn with Holly Korbey
📩 Join My Email List Katie hosts education journalist and author Holly Korbey to discuss the science of learning and what parents and educators should understand about how children actually learn. Holly explains concepts like cognitive load, explicit instruction, retrieval practice, background knowledge, and why step-by-step teaching matters more than many people realize. Katie and Holly discuss study habits, flashcards, the science of reading, writing instruction, and how evidence-based teaching practices can help more students succeed. Holly Korbey writes The Bell Ringer newsletter focused on the science of learning. Holly’s links: Newsletter: https://thebellringer.substack.com/ Website: https://hollykorbey.com/ X/Twitter: https://x.com/hollykorbey LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-korbey-21617331/ Chapters: 00:00 – Why the Public Needs to Understand How Learning Works 00:43 – Meet Holly Korbey: Education Journalist & Author 05:00 – Why Holly Asked to Speak on Podcasts About Education 06:00 – “We Need to Understand How Humans Learn” 07:20 – Science of Reading vs. Science of Learning 10:40 – What Cognitive Load Theory Actually Means 15:00 – Homework, Apps & Cognitive Overload 17:00 – Why Explicit Instruction Matters 19:30 – Creative Thinking Is the Goal, Not the Starting Point 21:00 – Sports, Music & How the Brain Learns Skills 24:00 – Why Flashcards Are a Miracle for Learning 26:00 – Effective Study Habits & Spaced Retrieval 28:00 – What Gives Holly Hope About Education
E18
16 may 2026
33:01
Trust Your Gut and Raise Your Voice with Missy Purcell
📩 Join My Email List Katie Megrian hosts Missy Purcell, a literacy and inclusion advocate, educator, and parent, to discuss what parents can do when they know something is wrong but the school data says their child is “fine.” Missy shares how advocating for her dyslexic son’s right to read led her into parent advocacy, structured literacy work, and state-level dyslexia reform. She explains why grades can hide serious reading struggles, how dyslexic children often compensate, and why parents should trust their gut when reading, spelling, writing, or school avoidance feels off. Katie and Missy discuss dyslexia, reading intervention, evidence-based instruction, Orton-Gillingham style support, IEP meetings, school pushback, dyslexia screening, and how to support children after a long, exhausting school day. This episode is for parents of struggling readers, educators, and advocates who want to better understand dyslexia, the science of reading, structured literacy, and how to support children who learn differently. Missy is the co-founder of Gwinnett Advocates for Dyslexia and serves as Education Chair with Decoding Dyslexia Georgia. Missy’s links: Website: https://misspurcell.com/ Instagram: @misspurcelladvocates Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/misspurcelladvocates/ X / Twitter: @MissyPurcell LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/missy-purcell-84061b143/ 📩 Join My Email List Get practical literacy tips, resources, podcast updates, and insights to help every child become a confident reader. Join here: https://link.fgfunnels.com/widget/form/M03vMOX9hAn6YOt6J7HN Chapters: 00:00 – Opening: “I Shouldn’t Be the Most Knowledgeable Person in the Room” 01:18 – Meet Missy Purcell: Dyslexia Advocate & Educator 03:10 – Fighting the School System to Get Her Son Help 09:40 – When Good Grades Hide Reading Struggles 15:20 – How Parents Can Spot Dyslexia Early and Push for Support 33:59 – What Effective Reading Intervention Looks Like 36:20 – Why Dyslexia Laws Need Real Accountability 43:50 – How Parents Can Advocate With School Boards 50:20 – Being Brave When Your Child Is Being Failed 01:03:00 – Helping Dyslexic Kids Decompress After School #dyslexia #scienceofreading #structuredliteracy #strugglingreaders #parentadvocacy
E17
9 may 2026
1:11:13
From Confusion to Confidence. Navigating Dyslexia & Empowering Parents with Michelle Henderson
Katie Megrian hosts Michelle Henderson, a literacy and dyslexia specialist and creator of the Parent Blueprint, to discuss how reading develops and how parents can advocate for struggling readers. Michelle shares that her son’s reading struggles led her to study the science of reading and focus on equipping parents, noting many children fall through cracks due to gaps in training, not lack of care. They explain why “just read more at home” is insufficient, contrasting structured literacy (explicit, systematic, evidence-based) with balanced literacy, and connect NAEP results to the need for better instruction. Michelle outlines early dyslexia signs, stresses early action, and describes her $47 Parent Blueprint course and free parent-teacher conference guide at michellehendersonliteracy.com. They address older students whose grades mask deficits, the value of OG-style individualized intervention, graphic novels and movies for access and motivation, continuing read-alouds, and supporting children’s self-esteem and self-advocacy. 00:00 Podcast Welcome 00:30 Meet Michelle Henderson 01:15 Why Advocacy Matters 03:13 Reading Symphony Analogy 04:43 Read Aloud Is Not Enough 07:46 Basics of Reading Skills 08:52 Structured Literacy Training 10:09 Balanced Literacy Debate 14:08 Why Dyslexia Name Matters 19:19 Kindergarten Wake Up Call 24:34 Early Signs of Dyslexia 27:17 Parent Blueprint Course 29:20 Tools Modules And PDFs 32:16 Pricing Giveaway And Free Guide 33:40 Teen Dyslexia Hidden Struggles 37:43 Orton Gillingham For Older Readers 43:20 Movies Graphic Novels And Joy 46:51 Read Alouds And Audio Access 49:55 Handling Discouragement And Hope 51:29 Final Thanks And Podcast Outro Michelle's Website Michelle's course
E16
7 may 2026
53:30
From Struggling to Successful: Teaching Reading with Linda Farrell and Michael Hunter
Linda Farrell and Michael Hunter are founding partners at Readsters in Alexandria, VA. They work in schools all over the country to help educators provide assessment and instruction that ensures all students learn to read. Teachers tell Linda and Michael that they appreciate the practicality of their consulting and their presentations. The reason they can provide practical solutions for helping struggling readers is that they have taught struggling readers from ages 4½ to 81 to read. They also learn from the hundreds of teachers they have worked with in the classroom who work their magic every day with students. Linda and Michael have presented workshops about effective instruction for beginning and struggling readers for more than 20 years. They participated in reviewing required early reading courses in all colleges and universities in two states. They have coauthored curricula for struggling readers and diagnostic assessments to pinpoint decoding difficulties. Linda is the instructor in Looking at Reading Interventions on the Reading Rockets website. Michael is featured in videos used to demonstrate effective teaching techniques in LETRS modules. Episode Summary Katie sits down with two titans of literacy intervention — Michael Hunter and Linda Farrell — whose unconventional paths from investment banking and concrete construction led them to become nationally recognized reading specialists. Together, they unpack the most common reasons children struggle to read, how to identify exactly where a student is stuck, and the powerful (and often overlooked) practice strategies that make the difference between a child who can read and a child who reads fluently and automatically. https://www.readsters.com/ https://www.decodingdyslexia.net/
E15
1 abr 2026
29:20
Babies, Books, and Brilliance with Salley King Edwards
🎧 Episode Summary In this episode of the Reading Symphony Podcast, I sit down with early childhood educator Salley King Edwards, whose 25+ year career spans classrooms, coaching, and national literacy work through Cox Campus. We explore how language, knowledge, and everyday interactions lay the foundation for reading long before formal instruction begins. Salley shares her personal journey as both an educator and a parent navigating reading challenges, including the early signs she noticed, what she missed, and what she wishes more families understood. This conversation is both deeply practical and incredibly reassuring: reading development doesn’t start in kindergarten—it starts from birth. And there is so much families can do, in simple and meaningful ways, to support it. 🔗 Resources Mentioned Cox Campus (free courses for families and educators) Brilliance of Babies (Salley’s book series and resources) "How Knowledge Helps" (Willingham)
E14
24 mar 2026
24:00
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