84. Reading Assessment Done Right with Dr. Stephanie Stollar and Kate Winn

Dr. Stephanie Stollar and Kate Winn, co-authors of Reading Assessment Done Right unpack one of the most misunderstood topics in literacy instruction: assessment. Rather than viewing assessment as something teachers must check off their to-do list, they explain how high-quality reading assessments can empower educators and transform instruction. When assessment data is used thoughtfully and linked directly to instruction, it becomes a powerful tool for identifying student needs, targeting support, and ultimately changing reading outcomes.This episode is a must-listen for teachers, literacy coaches, interventionists, and school leaders who want to better understand how to use assessment data to drive meaningful instructional change.Key Takeaways:How assessment data can transform classroom decision-makingCommon mistakes schools make when using assessment dataWhy schools must sometimes de-implement ineffective assessmentsThe four key types of reading assessment and how they work together: Universal Screening, Diagnostic Assessments, Progress Monitoring, Outcome AssessmentsHow teachers can interpret assessment data and trends over timeResources:Book: Reading Assessment Done Right by Stephanie Stollar & Kate WinnBook: MTSS for Reading Improvement by Stephanie Stollar & Sarah Brown from Solution Tree (or on Amazon)FREE Resource: The Reading MTSS Reflection Guide Previous Podcast Episode with Dr. Stollar: Episode 28. Clearing up Misconceptions around MTSSPrevious Podcast Episode with Dr. Stollar: Episode 80. MTSS for Reading ImprovementThis post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the podcast!Connect with Dr. Stephanie Stollar:Website: www.readingscienceacademy.com/Instagram: @ReadingScienceAcademyFacebook: Stephanie Stollar ConsultingLinkedIn: Stephanie StollarJoin Dr. Stollar’s Reading Science Academy MembershipThe MTSS CollectiveConnect with Kate Winn:Podcast: Reading Road Trip from IDA OntarioWebsite: http://thismomloves.ca/Instagram: @katethismomlovesThank you to Reading.com for supporting the production of this episode.Visit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today.Instagram: @_readingcomYouTube: ReadingComFacebook: Reading.comPinterest: Reading_comConnect with Michelle:Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.comFollow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademyJoin our Facebook CommunitySign up for my NewsletterShop on TPT: The Colorful ClassroomFor Phonics Resources, grab: The COLORFUL Phonics ToolkitWant to Support the Podcast?Make a Donation to Support ProductionInterested in Learning More about Morphology?Logos Literacy Academy with Michelle Sullivan & Sarah PaulJoin: Beyond Phonics Club - our Membership CommunityMentioned in this episode:SOR Fall Book Study Join us: https://colorful-classroom.mykajabi.com/sor-fall-book-study-2026Reading Science AcademyGet your FREE grouping resource bundle here: https://www.stephaniestollarconsulting.com/groupingsheets?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show_notes&utm_campaign=podcast Join The Reading Science Academy: https://www.stephaniestollarconsulting.com/register?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show-notes&utm_campaign=literacy-in-colorReading.comVisit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today!