Diagnostic Reading Tools Every Teacher Needs Before Summer

What if the biggest obstacle to student success isn't summer, it's what teachers stop doing after the standardized test? In Part 1 of my S5E40 Schoolutions conversation with Dr. Katherine (Kay) Stahl, literacy consultant, clinician, and former director of the NYU Literacy Clinic, she shares what 25+ years in classrooms taught her about reading, assessment, and what actually works. Learn about effective methods for teaching reading and supporting learning to read, ensuring summer reading is a time of continued progress. This conversation offers practical education tips for teachers, emphasizing the importance of phonics and ongoing teaching, especially after standardized testing concludes.🎯 In this episode, you'll also learn about:• The constrained vs. unconstrained skills framework every teacher needs to understand• Why diagnostic assessment has fallen by the wayside and how to bring it back• What fluency really means beyond reading speed (hint: it's about comprehension)• The case for morphology instruction in 3rd grade and beyond• How to turn end-of-year data into something useful for families and next year's teacher• Paired reading: the research-backed strategy parents can use at home this summerSome resources mentioned:Assessment for Reading InstructionParis, S. (2005). "Reinterpreting the Development of Reading Skills." Reading Research QuarterlyStahl, K. (2011). "Applying New Visions of Reading Development in Today's Classroom." The Reading TeacherKeith Topping, paired reading research and methodologyKay's website — specifically a parent-facing section on diagnostic assessment with 12 questions parents should ask their child's teacherKay's five co-authored books Chapters:0:00 Introduction ➡️Dr. Kay Stahl1:45 Who is Kay? Background & NYU Literacy Clinic2:45 Constrained vs. unconstrained skills (Scott Paris research)5:30 The biggest mistake teachers make at year-end8:30 Turning data into action ➡️ end-of-year assessment tables11:00 Why diagnostic assessment has fallen by the wayside13:00 Science of reading & Assessment for Reading Instruction13:45 Morphology ➡️what it is and why it matters15:40 Fluency beyond reading speed ➡️accuracy, prosody & comprehension18:00 The speedometer➡️teaching kids to match reading rate to purpose20:30 Paired reading ➡️ the research-backed family strategy22:30 Lightning round ➡️summer tips, myths & quick wins25:30 Wrap-up & what's coming in Part 2Part 2 drops Friday: covering summer reading plans, what counts as reading, and a comprehension finding that changes everything.Join our community of educators committed to cultivating student success, inspired teaching, and creating inclusive classrooms with a pro-kid mindset focused on the whole child.🎧 New episodes every Monday & Friday with bite-sized Wednesday reel bonus content.📧 Book a coaching session with me here, if you’d like a thought partner to help you cultivate curious learners who advocate for what they believe in.🎵 Music: Benjamin WahlDon't forget to 🔔SUBSCRIBE for more teaching tips, and 💬SHARE! #Schoolutions #SchoolutionsPodcast #ForeverGettingBetter  #CuriosityDriven #EvidenceBased #ClassroomReadyStrategies #ScienceOfReading #LiteracyInstruction #ReadingFluency #TeachingTips #InstructionalCoaching #StudentEngagement #StudentMotivation #EffectiveTeaching #SummerReading #ParentInvolvement #HomeSchoolConnection #FamilyLiteracy #WholeChild #ProKidMindset #EmpoweredEducators #Morphology #DiagnosticAssessment #ProfessionalLearning #TeacherLifeWhen teachers, coaches, administrators, and families grow together, they create schools where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged, supported, and ready to thrive.