Why the conversation about reading matters

There is a conversation about reading happening in our country right now, especially in the world of education—a conversation that is undeniably shifting what is happening in schools for teachers and students alike. What do we make of that “reading conversation,” particularly given the impact that it is having in so many directions? To answer that question, Jeffrey Austin, a literacy consultant and former award-winning teacher, joins today’s episode to reflect on what has taken place in recent years around reading inside and beyond the world education—and how we potentially can have a better conversation moving forward. To follow Jeffrey’s work, you can follow him on Bluesky or LinkedIn as well as his website, www.jeffreyaustin.org. Three other pieces referenced in this conversation are available here, too: * “The End of Reading Is Here” in The Atlantic by Rose Horowitch * “The Claims of Close Reading” in The Boston Review by Johanna Winant * The Rachael Reading Policy newsletter by Rachael Gabriel Thanks, as always, to Alberto Lugo, one of Jim’s former students, for writing and recording original intro music; and Tom Csatari for allowing us to use his band’s recording of “Woodstock” from their 2020 album, Garden. * Find Tom’s work at uncivilizedtom.com, and on Instagram @banduncivilized. * Find Alberto’s work at djsynchro.weebly.com, and on Instagram @djsynchro. You can email us here with feedback or any other questions as well: [email protected]. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thebrokencopier.substack.com