Episodes
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Jake is Accepting Two Doc Students – Come Work With Me to Support Upper Elementary Reading Comprehension!
Come join Project CLIMB (Comprehension through Layers of Integrated Meaning Building) and earn your PhD at Utah State! Applications due December 1st! Jake has funding for two Graduate Research Assistants. How to Apply: 1. Complete the Five Step Application Process:...
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E79|Do Early Readers Naturally Catch Up? Unpacking Literacy Trajectories from Kindergarten to First Grade with Dr. Ye Shen and Dr. Elizabeth Hadley
In this episode, host Jake Downs sits down with literacy researchers Dr. Ye Shen (Johns Hopkins University) and Dr. Elizabeth Hadley (University of South Florida) to unpack a massive longitudinal study tracking over 6,000 students from kindergarten entry through the spring of first grade. Moving...
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E78|Doing RTI vs. Knowing RTI: What Actually Builds Teacher Confidence with Dr. Willa Van Dijk
In Episode 78 of the Teaching Literacy Podcast, host Jake Downs sits down with Dr. Willa Van Dyke from Utah State University to unpack a recent study published in Reading & Writing Quarterly exploring how schoolwide systems impact teachers' confidence in data-based decision-making. Drawing on...
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E77|Long Words, Hard Texts; Scaffolding Upper Elementary Reading with Dr. Jake Downs
In Episode 77 of the Teaching Literacy Podcast, guest host Dr. Laura Tortorelli sits down with Dr. Jake Downs to unpack a recent grade 3 intervention study published in Reading Research Quarterly with co-authors Freddy Hiebert, Kristin Conradi Smith, and Katie Martz. Together, they explore the...
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Recap from the Society from the Scientific Study of Reading Conference 2026 with Lori Sappington and Dr. Blythe Anderson
It’s a special roundtable on the Teaching Literacy Podcast! Host Dr. Jake Downs, Lori Southington, and Blythe Anderson record live from the Society for the Scientific Study of Reading (SSSR) conference in Rotterdam to bridge the gap between emerging research and classroom practice. The trio…
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E76| How Vocabulary Supports Multisyllabic Word Reading in Upper Elementary with Dr. Laura Tortorelli and Dr. John Strong
In this episode of the Teaching Literacy Podcast, host Jake Downs sits down with Dr. Laura Tortorelli and Dr. John Strong to unpack how vocabulary and advanced decoding interact to help upper elementary students navigate complex academic texts. Discussing their recent study on multisyllabic...
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E75|Quality of Preschool Read Alouds on YouTube with Dr. Amanda Shimizu
In this episode, Jake sits down with Dr. Amanda Shimizu to discuss her research paper, A Multimodal Content Analysis of Popular Early Childhood Stories and Read-Alouds on YouTube, co-authored with Dr. Margaret Quinn. Together they analyzed the 50 most popular preschool read-aloud videos on…
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E74 | Robust Comprehension Using HQIM Featuring Dr. Dan Reynolds, Dr. Anna Jennerjohn, & Dr. Sara Rutherford-Quach
In this episode I sit down with the SRI Education research team—Dr. Dan Reynolds, Dr. Anna Jennerjohn, and Dr. Sara Rutherford-Quach—to unpack their learning brief, Beyond the Surface. This episode explores the gap between using high-quality instructional materials (HQIM) and achieving deep…
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Complex Text & Fluency with Dr. Jake Downs and Dr. Chase Young
This is a rebroadcast of Episode 245 from the Melissa and Lori Love Literacy Podcast – you can check out that episode here: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/read-like-us-building-fluency-through-repeated-reading/id1463219123?i=1000748503901 Make sure to check out the Literacy.io training on...
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E72|Pragmatic Differentiation for Reading Acceleration with Dr. Sharon Walpole
In this episode we welcome Dr. Sharon Walpole, a professor at the University of Delaware. We explore the challenges teachers face in addressing varying student needs, Dr. Walpole’s pragmatic approach to differentiation, and the developmental roadmap for reading proficiency. Dr. Walpole shares...
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E71|Evaluating Advanced Phonemic Awareness with Dr. Michael Coyne
In this episode of the Teaching Literacy Podcast, host Jake Downs discusses with Dr. Michael Coyne from the University of Connecticut the concept of advanced phonemic awareness and its implications for early reading proficiency. Dr. Coyne shares findings from his recent study that examines the...
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E70|Science of Reading for Multilingual Learners with Dr. Steve Amdendum
How can we best apply the Science of Reading to support multilingual learners? This episode tackles that critical question with Dr. Steven Amendum from the University of Delaware. We explore how evidence-based literacy instruction must leverage a student’s first language as a key asset, not a...
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E69|Transforming Comprehension: Main Ideas, Text Structures, and Teaching Techniques with Dr. Kay Wijekumar
In episode 69 of the Teaching Literacy Podcast, host Jake Downs speaks with Dr. Kay Wijekumar, Houston Endowed Chair in the Department of Teaching and Learning and Culture at Texas A&M University. They discuss the importance of teaching students to generate rather than find the main idea in…
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E68|Strategic Assessment Systems with Dr. Adrea Truckenmiller and Dr. Eunsoo Cho
Dr. Adrea Truckenmiller and Dr. Eunsoo Cho discuss building a strategic assessment system in literacy education. They cover how to use data to inform reading instruction, the difference between screeners, diagnostics, curriculum based measures, and computer adaptive tests, and the importance of...
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Practices of Effective K-2 Teacher Teams with Dr. Jake Downs
Guest host Dr. Kristin Conradi Smith interviews Dr. Jake Downs about the ‘secret soup’ of highly effective K-2 teacher teams. Link to Jake’s Study: https://www.mdpi.com/2227-7102/15/2/259 Downs, J., Martz, K., & Mohr, K. (2025). Exploring the Instructional Effectiveness of High-Growth K-2 Teacher...
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Jake Talks Paired Oral Reading with Melissa and Lori
Melissa and Lori invited Jake to discuss Synchronous Paired Oral Reading Techniques (SPORT) — Listen to the episode here! Please write a short impact statement for Jake’s USU review packet (and thank you!): https://forms.gle/QcUs8ciMcAy2yG6L6
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E66|Linking Automaticity, Vocabulary, and Text With Dr. Freddy Hiebert
Please write a short impact statement for Jake’s USU review packet (and thank you!): https://forms.gle/QcUs8ciMcAy2yG6L6 In this episode, host Jake Downs welcomes guest Dr. Freddy Hebert, a renowned literacy researcher, CEO/Founder of TextProject. The conversation covers topics such as the...
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E64|AI and the Future of Writing Instruction with Dr. Steve Graham
Jake interviews Dr. Steve Graham of the Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation at Arizona State University Please write a short impact statement for Jake’s USU review packet (and thank you!): https://forms.gle/QcUs8ciMcAy2yG6L6
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EP63| Is Comprehension Instruction Getting Better? with Dr. Phil Capin
Dr. Phil Capin joins the show to discuss 40 years of reading comprehension instruction. References: Capin, P., Dahl-Leonard, K., Hall, C., Yoon, N. Y., Cho, E., Chatzoglou, E., Reiley, S., Walker, M., Shanahan, E., Andress, T., & Vaughn, S. (2024). Reading Comprehension Instruction: Evaluating…
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E62|Stopping the Summer Slide with Dr. Blythe Anderson and Dr. John Strong
Jake Downs talks with Dr. Blythe Anderson and Dr. John Strong about effective summer tutoring programs to prevent the summer slide in elementary reading. They discuss strategies such as small-group tutoring, differentiated instruction, and interactive read-alouds, based on multi-year research…
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E61| Does Science of Reading Legislation Improve Reading Outcomes with Dr. Katherine O’Donnell
Host Dr. Jake Downs is joined by Dr. Katherine O’Donnell, an Assistant Professor of Educational Psychology at the University of Utah, to discuss her research on student outcomes in states following the implementation of science of reading legislation. 03:02 Historical Context: Reading First...
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EP60| Morphology Instruction with Dr. Danielle Colenbrander
Dr. Danielle Colenbrander joins the show to discuss the benefits of morphology instruction with students. Reference:Colenbrander, D., Von Hagen, A., Kohnen, S., Wegener, S., Ko, K., Beyersmann, E., Behzadnia, A., Parrila, R., & Castles, A. (2024). The Effects of Morphological Instruction on...
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E59 | Informational Writing and Academic Language with Dr. Cherish Sarmiento
Dr. Cherish Sarmiento joins the show to talk about how fifth and eighth grade students use academic language in their writing. Importantly, we learn that words with seven or more letters may be one way to quickly identify academic words. Reference: Sarmiento, C. M., Truckenmiller, A. J., Cho, E.…
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EP58| Vocabulary Instruction with Dr. Blythe Anderson
In this episode, Jake is joined by Dr. Blythe Anderson to discuss her research with vocabulary instruction strategies. References: Anderson, B. E. (2024). Vocabulary Talk Moves: Using Language to Promote Word Learning. The Reading Teacher, 77(4), 439–452. https://doi.org/10.1002/trtr.2263…
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EP57|Inferences with Dr. Marianne Rice
In this episode, Dr. Marianne Rice joins Jake to discuss the different types of inferences and how teachers can support their students in generating inferences to enhance comprehension. For more information, be sure to check out literacy.io References:
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SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Upper Elementary Reading Fluency and Comprehension Sessions for Utah Educators
Utah Educators — let’s talk about fluency and comprehension!October 1 – Brigham CityOctober 7 – Salt Lake CityOctober 22 – St. George Make sure to sign up for both sessionsFluency: https://usbe.midaseducation.com/professional-development/courses/course/64621Comprehension:...
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E56|Strive-for-Five with Drs. Tricia Zucker and Sonia Cabell
In this episode, Drs. Tricia Zucker and Sonia Cabell join Jake to discuss their “Strive-for-Five Conversations” strategy for promoting oral language development through simple, serve and return style conversations in the classroom. References: Strive-for-Five Conversations, by Tricia Zucker &…
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E55|Synchronous Paired Oral Reading Techniques with Dr. Jake Downs
In this episode Dr. Jake Downs joins us to talk about his research on Synchronous Paired Oral Reading techniques. Guest hosted by Dr. Chase Young. Reference: Downs, J., & Mohr, K. A. J. (2024). A Multilevel Meta-Analysis of Synchronous Paired Oral Reading Techniques in Elementary Classrooms....
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E54|The Literacy 50 with Melissa and Lori
Melissa Loftus and Lori Sappington join us on the show to discuss their recent book entitled “The Literacy 50: Real-World Answers to Questions About Reading That Keep You Up at Night” available through Scholastic. In this episode we discuss Melissa and Lori’s experiences in the classroom, what…
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E53|Encouraging Reading Motivation with Dr. Margaret Vaughn and Dr. Dixie Massey
My guests for this episode are here to discuss the role of dispositions, motivation, and agency within the classroom. Their names are Dr. Margaret Vaughn and Dr. Dixie Massey. Dr. Margaret Vaughn is a professor in the Department of Teaching and Learning at Washington State University and Dr.…
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E52|Reading Profiles with Dr. Louise Spear-Swerling
My guest today is here to talk to use about reading profiles and how to use them in your classroom. Her name is Dr. Louise Spear-Swerling and she is a Professor Emerita in the Department of Special Education at the Southern Connecticut State University. In this episode we talk about her recent…
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E51|Syntax: From Epilinguistic to Metalinguistic Awareness with Dr. Rachel Knecht and Dr. Dianna Townsend
You’ve probably heard about syntax. Maybe you’ve seen a slide in a presentation that showed a strand of rope labeled as syntax. Or perhaps you learned about sentence structure in school and completed assignments where you had to diagram sentences. But do we really know what syntax is, why it...
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E50 | Text Comprehension in the Classroom with Dr. Kristin Conradi Smith, Tamara Williams, and Ellen Frackelton
Teaching reading comprehension is a challenging task. There are many different aspects to teaching reading comprehension and doing it well is a feat. My guests for this episode are here to help us teach reading comprehension better. Their names are Kristin Conradi Smith, Tamara Williams, and…
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E49 | Teacher Knowledge, Self-Efficacy, and Practice with Dr. Karen Kehoe
What is the relationship between teachers’ knowledge, belief, self-efficacy, and instructional practice? My guest today studied 34 rural teachers to learn more. Her name is Dr. Karen Kehoe and she is the Director of Dyslexia Services at the Tennessee Center for the Study and Treatment of Dyslexia...
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E48| Phonemic Awareness: Unpacking Recent Meta-Analysis Findings with Dr. Florina Erbeli and Dr. Marianne Rice
The last few years, it seems everyone’s been talking about phonemic awareness – what works best, how to teach it right, and even how much of it students really need. Today, I’ve got two experts with me, Dr. Florina Erbeli and Dr. Marianne Rice, and they’ve been digging deep into these questions…
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E47|Cost & Accuracy of Third Grade Reading Screeners with Dr. Adrea Truckenmiller and Dr. Courtenay Barrett
Welcome to another episode of TLP! In this episode, we discuss assessments— their cost, time, and accuracy. Two guests, Dr. Courtenay Barrett and Dr. Adrea Truckenmiller, partnered with a school to explore these questions. Dr. Barrett is an assistant professor in the school psychology program at...
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Resolution 2024: Think Like a Scientist
2023 was a great year here at TLP. I am looking forward to an even better 2024. To kick things off I’ve prepared a special episode where I discuss my New Year’s resolution–thinking like a scientist. In this episode I describe what thinking like a scientist means, why it matters, and the three…
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E46 | What was Hot in 2023? With Dr. Evan Ortlieb
Dr. Evan Ortlieb joins us to discuss the 2023 edition of the What’s Hot in Literacy survey. This survey was started by Dr. Jack Cassidy in 1997 and is now conducted by Dr. Ortlieb and Dr. Stephanie Grote-Garcia. In this episode we discuss what was hot, what is recieving increased interest, and...
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E45 | Explicit Instruction with Dr. Dana Robertson
Dr. Dana Robertson joins us to discuss his chapter “Explicit Instruction” in the book “Principles of Effective Literacy Instruction.” We discuss his evolution of thought around explicit instruction, how to balance engagement and being explicit, and discuss the how explicit instruction relates to...
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E44|Read Alouds for All with Dr. Molly Ness
Dr. Molly Ness joins us to discuss her recent book ‘Read Alouds for All Learners: A Comprehensive Plan for Every Subject, Every Day, Grades PreK–8.’ In this episode we discuss the benefits, common misconceptions, steps for conducting a read aloud in your classroom and much more. Reference: Ness…
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E43|Accelerating Literacy Learning with Dr. Margaret Vaughn and Dr. Seth Parsons
Dr. Margaret Vaughn and Dr. Seth Parsons join us to discuss their recent book “Accelerating Learning Recovery for All Students: Core Principles for Getting Literacy Growth Back on Track.” We discuss a range of topics including schoolwide action teams, MTSS, partnering with communities, and much...
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State of the Podcast 2023 | Welcome Back to School
Welcome to a new school year! I hope your summer was fantastic. In this episode I share what I’ve been up to, a bit of history about the podcast, and where the show is going. Be sure to check it out!
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E42 | From Simplicity to Complexity: The Direct and Indirect Effects Model of Reading With Dr. Young-Suk Grace Kim
Dr. Young-Suk Grace Kim joins us on this episode to discuss the Direct and Indirect Effects Model of Reading (DIER). DIER builds on and adds to other models of reading (i.e., SVR or Scarborough’s Rope). It encompasses a wide range of factors, including morphological awareness, text reading…
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E41 | Alphabet Instruction with Dr. Shayne Piasta
In this episode of TLP, I am thrilled to have Dr. Shayne Piasta on the show. Dr. Piasta is a listener-favorite from Episode 37 and is joining us to discuss alphabet instruction. Our conversation comes from an excellent chapter she wrote in the newly-released Handbook on the Science of Early...
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E40 | Comprehension Instruction Recommendations from the New IES Practice Guide with Drs. Deborah Reed, Jade Wexler, Kimberly St. Martin, and Joe Dimino
Welcome to the show! In March 2022, the IES released a practice guide for teachers entitled “Providing Reading Interventions for Students in Grades 4-9” In this episode, I interview four of the panelists who wrote this guide–Dr. Deborah Reed, Dr. Jade Wexler, Dr. Kimberly St. Martin, and Dr. Joe...
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E39 | Early Writing Standards in the Common Core Era with Dr. Laura Tortorelli
Thanks for a great 2022! Looking forward to TLP in 2023! In this episode, I talk about alignment between preschool writing standards and early elementary writing standards in state that adopted the Common Core. My guest is Laura Tortorelli who is an assistant professor in the Department of…
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E38 | Irregular Words with Dr. Danielle Colenbrander
Welcome to another episode of TLP! This is a fantastic episode where Dr. Danielle Colenbrander breaks down for us irregular words and what we know about these words from research. Dr. Colenbrander is a post-doctoral research fellow at Macquarie University and the lead author of two recent…
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E37 | Teacher Content Knowledge and Early Literacy Instruction with Dr. Shayne Piasta and Dr. Alida Hudson
This is a great interview that covers a lot of ground. We discuss teacher content/pedagogical knowledge, phonological awareness instruction, and phonics instruction, why it all matters, and what it means for instruction. My guests are Dr. Shayne Piasta from the Ohio State University and Dr. Alida...
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E36 | Knowledge and Literacy Instruction with Dr. Courtney Hattan and Dr. Sarah Lupo
Welcome to a new school year! This is a fantastic interview to kick things off. In this episode I am talking with Dr. Courtney Hattan and Dr. Sarah Lupo about knowledge, what it means for reading comprehension, and how to think about leveraging knowledge in the classroom. I am also excited to...
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E35 | Reviewing Kindergarten Phonological Awareness Materials with Dr. Kathleen Brown
Welcome to this episode of TLP! My guest is Dr. Kathleen Brown who directs the reading clinic in the college of education at the University of Utah. Her work focuses on beginning reading instruction, word recognition, instruction, comprehension, instruction, intervention models for at-risk and...
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Bridging literacy research and practice. Hosted by Jake Downs.
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Jake Downs
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