So the latest Sold A Story Podcast episode is out The link to the episode is on Tweet 2 of 2. Thanks @ehanford - for how you continue to move the ball forward around effective reading instruction. Here are my main takeaways: -"Movements sometimes gloss over details and when it comes to reading the details are essential."-(We must proceed with caution). -Meeting students' primary needs with compassion is an important element to consider when addressing the literacy crisis. (Kids don't care how much we know unless they know we care.) -When working with a population with many needs building staff capacity is essential to closing the reading gap. -Success is NOT determined by socioeconomic status. Poverty is no excuse for reading failure. -Teachers can be empowered enough to say: " I have never met a child who I can't teach how to read or that I don't know what to do. (What a dream!!) -The "letter names first" or "letter sounds first" debate has not been settled yet. But what is clear is that children will need to learn both to become literate. -To close the reading gap kids will need extended opportunities for reading practice. -Reading and writing instruction needs to be taught via direct/explicit instruction and in an evidence-based way. -From preschool, it is important to expect kids to speak in full sentences -The early years are essential to reading development and closing the gap. (Preschool) -School attendance needs a proactive approach. (students who are not in school can't learn). -One must consider that every teacher can be a teacher of reading…including gym teachers… which leads to every tier 1 reading group being a small group. (Imagine the impact of that). -Data-driven instruction and grouping kids based on needs/skills can propel everyone forward. (This benefits all kids in the learning continuum spectrum). -Reading instruction based on students' level/skills regardless of grade level. (Needs-based instruction) -Early intervention is essential. Every first grader has a reading tutoring( 1 to 1 instruction). Those who are behind get additional reading time every day ( parents, teachers, older students, and college students are all enrolled and trained to provide students with this type of support) -Consistency in instruction is often an unsung hero. (unsurprisingly, at Steubenville they have a laser-like focus on growing proficient readers (The number of initiatives that many school districts embark on all at once is often dizzying). -Empowered teachers help grow empowered and confident readers.