Last week, I had the great opportunity to attend the Summit on Early Literacy hosted by the Thompson Center on Public Leadership at UW-Madison. The session featured four fantastic speakers – including author Emily Hanford – who has publised the “Sold a Story” podcast.
Her talk was fantastic – but for me, the standouts were Dr. Kymyona Burk and Dr. Mark Seidenberg.
Dr Burk focused on what we can do from a policy perspective to increase reading proficiency in our respective states. Much of the time revolved around how Mississippi has codified certain elements of the Science of Reading into statute – and the impact that is having on their state. (Moving from last in the nation in reading proficiency to 21st).
Dr. Seidenberg focused on the Science of Reading itself – but through a “Science of Learning” lens. He talked about how sometimes we focus on the wrong things – in an effort to get things right. His advice was for educators to learn more about how kids learn – which will ultimately lead to greater success in kids learning to read.
I’ve posted the video below – it’s 3 1/2 hours. BUT – it’s 3 1/2 hours that I think will be informative and valuable for you!
Enjoy