PODCAST · education
The Reading Instruction Show
by Dr. Andy Johnson
The Reading Instruction Show is a podcast about reading instruction (and other things) with a little bit of attitude. There is plenty here to inform and entertain all. And, by the way, I'm not trying to sell any books. I don't have any curriculum or programs to market. I don't accept speaking fees. And, I don't ever want to be a consultant.
Episodes
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Conversation with Kathy Brown, Master Educator
If you’re looking for accessible, research-based information that slices through the endless loads of overly worded baloney, I would encourage you to subscribe to my free Substack, The Reading Instruction Show. Substack: The Reading Instruction Show https://thereadinginstructionshow.substack.com/
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Reading Instruction, Word Confirmation, and Confirmation Bias
Purpose statement: The reader will become more effective in evaluating online sources related to reading instruction. Behavioral objective: Readers will be able to identify instances in which confirmation bias results in an over-use of quotations and a misrepresentation of authors’ original…
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Quiet, Piggy: A Trumpian Response to Science of Reading Critics
If you’re looking for accessible, research-based information that slices through the endless loads of overly worded baloney, I would encourage you to subscribe to my free Substack, The Reading Instruction Show. Substack: The Reading Instruction Show https://thereadinginstructionshow.substack.com/
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Recognizing Words, the Three-Cueing System, and Identifying Words
• Purpose: Readers will understand how the three cueing system is used to recognize words. • Behavioral objective: After reading this chapter, the reader will throw a pie in the face of any clown who suggests that the three-cueing system (a) is a strategy, (b) is an approach to reading…
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How NAEP Created a Perpetual Reading Crisis
The NAEP proficiency levels were arbitrarily defined (Bracey, 2008; Ravitch, 2012; Reinking, Hruby, & Risko, 2023). These levels should be interpreted with extreme caution (Vaulton, 2025). The National Center for Education Statistics website provides three reasons for this (NCES, 2025): 1....
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Reading and the Information Processing Model: Why Penguins Continue to Mishear What I Say
Reading is a thinking process, not a responding-to-stimuli process or a sounding-out-words process. And since cognitive psychology studies human thinking; it makes good sense to examine the reading process from a cognitive or thinking perspective using the information processing model. • Purpose...
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Little Timmy, Round-Robin Reading, and Kindly, Old Mrs. Peterson
Important Terms • Round-robin reading – going around the table or around the room and having each student in turn read a section of text out loud. This is a teaching strategy that should very rarely (if ever) be used. • Popcorn reading – a form of round-robin reading except that the teacher...
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Understanding Reading from a Neurological Perspective: The Basics
If you’re looking for accessible, research-based information that slices through the endless loads of overly worded baloney, I would encourage you to subscribe to my free Substack, The Reading Instruction Show. Substack: The Reading Instruction Show https://thereadinginstructionshow.substack.com/
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The Latest NCTQ Technical Report Does Not Meet Basic Academic Standards
The National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ) recently put out another technical report. This technical report graded 700 teacher preparation programs across the country (Ellis, et al., 2026). However, a critical evaluation shows why this report can’t be taken seriously. It contains an abundance...
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My MAGA Friends Tell Me Not to Judge Them
Matthew 7: 1-2. “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you.” My MAGA Christian friends tell me I’m not supposed to judge them. They quote Matthew 7: 1-2 as if it’s a get-out-of-jail card, then...
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Deconstructing Goldenberg's Science of Reading Propositions
If you’re looking for accessible, research-based information that slices through the endless loads of overly worded baloney, I would encourage you to subscribe to my free Substack, The Reading Instruction Show. Substack: The Reading Instruction Show https://thereadinginstructionshow.substack.com/
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National Reading Panel - Fluency
ntroduction to Reading Fluency This session focuses on fluency, one of the five core areas of reading defined by the National Reading Panel (following previous sessions on phonemic awareness and phonics/word work). Definition: Reading fluency is the ability to process text quickly. Target…
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Reading Instruction, Whole Language, and a Flux Capacitor
In 2026, the Minnesota Department of Education requires teachers to be toadies who follow approved teachers’ manuals with fidelity. All the love of reading has been stomped out of students. Reading, writing, listening, thinking, and critically evaluating information has been replaced by...
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Understanding Reading
If you’re looking for accessible, research-based information that slices through the endless loads of overly worded baloney, I would encourage you to subscribe to my free Substack, The Reading Instruction Show. Substack: The Reading Instruction Show https://thereadinginstructionshow.substack.com/
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Limitations of Brain Imaging Research for Reading Instruction
Just because a book, article, or presentation includes pictures of a brain or uses a whole bunch of big brain words, does not mean the information presented is always accurate or scientific. We must be responsible consumers of all information, and this includes brain imaging research for reading...
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The Story of the International Literacy Educators Coalition (ILEC)
By Dr. Andy Johnson, Executive Director, ILEC Push back against top-down SoR mandates that disempower teachers. Get involved with the International Literacy Educators Coalition (ILEC). It’s free....
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Dr. Johnson is Vulgard, Common, and Shameful
Warning: The academic aristrocacy do not want you to listen to this podcast.
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Dr. Johnson is Not Very Smart
Push back against top-down SoR mandates that disempower teacher. Get involved with ILEC. Sign up at this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd-nZ_vlQu1b-TfDLj3Ryk01lVfJuRWTTMeuyIaEdAKKMiWBQ/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=104234491744726588097
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George Hruby presents After the Flood: Reading Instruction Post SoR
Feeling deluged by SOR media, materials, and mandates? Science of Reading’s murky waters have crested, says Dr. Hruby. Our classrooms are ours to reclaim if we strategize now. Join Dr. Hruby in a conversation about why SOR may be on the outs, the backstories behind it, and how we can take back...
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Minnesota, Reading Legislation, and Tarot Cards
In Minnesota our special reading law called The Read Act. The Read Act makes certain kinds of reading instruction mandatory and other kinds illegal. I will confess that during the last two years at Minnesota State University, Mankato, I’ve been teaching illegal reading instruction. Every day I...
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Living Your Values, MAGA, and Christianity
Prince of Peace. How’s that working out for you? How’s that peace thing going? I have to be honest, I don’t see a lot of peace coming out of my Jesus-loving MAGA friends. I see anger, hatred, retribution, violence, and lies. Peace on earth, goodwill toward men (and women and children and animal...
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Trained Seals, Reading Instruction, and Educational Overlords
Effective teachers are reflective teachers (Sternberg & Williams, 2010; Zeichner & Liston, 2010). They think about what they’re doing, what they did, and what they’re going to do. There are two levels of reflection: surface level and deep meaning. Both are necessary. But one without the other is...
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The Rich Man, Brother Lazarus, and Donald J. Trump
The bible is quite clear on this point: To hell with you who support the Rich Man while Brother Lazarus is sick and starving. To hell with you. To hell with you who turn your back on the poor, the sick, and the strangers among us. To hell with those of you who protect the people who raped and...
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God Exists
Videos, articles, and much more at my free Substack: Transpersonal Christianity https://dr731.substack.com/
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The Importance of Argument in Reading Instruction
The argumentation process is the foundation of academic discourse within the academy. It’s worked well for centuries, enabling our various academic fields to continually evolve. These arguments usually take place in academic journals, academic conferences, and various other academic presentations.
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Teaching Reading at Home: Tips for Parents
This podcast describes simple, pragmatic, research-based tips for parents to help their child with reading at home and over the summer.
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God Has a Plan
Videos, articles, and much more at my free Substack: Transpersonal Christianity https://dr731.substack.com/
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The National Reading Panel: Phonics and Word Work
Research-based strategies to addres phonics and word work.
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The National Reading Panel: Comprehension
This podcast reviews and applies the research related to Comprehension.
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Introduction to Systemic Racism
This is a good time to revist systemic racism. Trump posted a racist tweet, showing the heads of Barak and Michelle Obama on Monkeys. He won’t apologize for this. Many Trump Republican supporters refused to call him out for this.
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Twisted Scripture
Somebody accused me of twisting scripture to fit my political perspective. I didn’t know that wanting to stop the bullying, beating, imprisonment, and killing was a political perspective. I didn’t know that wanting to feed the hungry, attend to the sick and poor was a political perspective. In…
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A Journalist is NOT a Literacy Scholar
Jurnalists should not get a free pass on ignorance. This podcast describes the difference between journalists and literacy scholars.
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Conference Presentation: LETRS - Behind the Pretty Words
Just because it says it’s ‘research-based’ or ‘scientifically based’ doesn’t mean that it is. Dr. Louisa Moats’ website states that, “Moats developed the landmark professional development program LETRS for teachers and reading specialists and the scientifically based LANGUAGE!” This presentation...
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What is Evidence and Research?
Evidence and research are at the heart of current SoR mandates. Yet little time and few resources are provided to enable teachers to understand exactly what these terms mean. Worse, it is assumed that teachers must allow the “experts” to read and explain “the research” for them. This patronizing...
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Sunday Sermon: Bat Shit Crazy Ramblings
There are travelers who have been beaten, robbed, and left on the side of the road. Why are you walking by? Stop the abuse. Stop ICE. Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Matthew 9:17 - Nor do people put new wine into old wineskins; otherwise the wineskins burst…
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Sunday Sermon: People of Faith or People of Belief?
James 1:19 says, “My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry, for a man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.” Matthew 23: 27 “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are...
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Sunday Sermon: The Lord Detests These Things
“There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: (a) haughty eyes, (b) a lying tongue, (c) hands that shed innocent blood, (d) a heart that devises wicked schemes, (e) feet that are quick to rush into evil, (f) a false witness who pours out lies, and (g) a man who stirs up...
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8 Commonly Misunderstood Terms in Reading Instruction
Below are eight commonly misunderstood terms related to reading instruction. • Reading. • Word recognition. • Word identification • Decoding • Strategy. • Skill • Systematic phonics instruction. • A balanced approach.
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8 Comonly Misunderstoond Terms in Reading Instruction
This podcast explains eight commonly misunderstood terms related to reading instruction. • Reading. • Word recognition. • Word identification • Decoding • Strategy. • Skill • Systematic phonics instruction. • A balanced approach.
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The Importance of Academic Journals: John Stossel Doesn't Know What they Are
Below are seven big ideas that you should take from this chapter. 1. Having a body of knowledge is important in any field. 2. Disagreement followed by academic discourse enables a field to evolve. 3. Silencing opposing views results in cognitive inbreeding. 4. Academic journals are essential for...
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Dyslexia Summits, Disinvitations, and Reading Camps
Let’s review. A couple of months ago, I recorded an online interview for a dyslexia summit. I also put together and recorded a short video presentation. These were both to be shown at a dyslexia summit. I was to then attend the online summit for a live question-and-answer session. On the day of…
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John Stossel: My Adventure in Television – Part I
It is very hard to have a serious and substantive discussion about a topic like reading instruction with somebody whose knowledge base is shallow and disjointed. You end up in a teaching role.
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Dyslexia Summits, Disinvitations, and Abrasiveness
The abrasiveness of a writing tone is determined largely by the cognitive framework held by the reader. A cognitive framework is the mentally constructed structures that guide individuals in interpreting the world. It becomes the lens through which the world is viewed. Much like a theory, a...
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Academic Buzzwords, Weasel Words, and Propagating Lexiconic Locution: Claude Goldenberg, and the International Dyslexia Association
This podcast describes the following: Words - sound groups that represent things in the real world. Buzzwords - are words used to elicit an emotional response rather than accurately transmitting information. Propagating lexiconic locution – an overuse of academic buzzwords. Weasel words - words…
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Academic Buzzwords, Weasel Words, and Propagating Lexiconic Locution: Claude Goldenberg, and the International Dyslexia Association
This podcast defines the following: Words - sound groups that represent things in the real world. Buzzwords - are words used to elicit an emotional response rather than accurately transmitting information. Propagating lexiconic locution – an overuse of academic buzzwords. Weasel words - words are...
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Selective Umbrage: Emily Hanford is an Alexa App
In a recent show, I referred to Emily Hanford as the Alexa App of reading instruction. This was a metaphor, a common literary device in which one makes a comparison without using the words ‘like’ or ‘as’. It creates an image. When we say America is a melting pot, we don’t literally mean there’s a...
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Show Me "The Research'
If somebody makes the claim that research says something, one has an obligation to have read a research article at least once in their life. And if somebody says, “Show me the research,” that person should know what research is and how to read and interpret it.
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Legitimate Professional Development for Reading Teachers
Legitimate professional development for teachers is necessary. I used the term ‘legitimate’ to exclude programs and services that are profit-based. These are usually little more than infomercials disguised as professional development. Here, there is no check and balance. There is no blind peer...
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Toadys, Transaction, and Reading Instruction
Toadys sometimes call themselves “consultants”. They promote methods and say things that just happen to coincide with the products and services being sold by Big Publishing. Quite a coincidence, yes? Right and wrong are not determined based on what’s right and wrong; rather, by what will sell.
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The Ideology of Reading
Despite having the word “science” in their title, the proposals put forth by the SoR are not grounded in science at all, but in pseudo-science, I-think-isms, and anecdotal evidence. In fact, they are promoting an ideology. Real science. Real science puts forth conclusions and recommendations…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
The Reading Instruction Show is a podcast about reading instruction (and other things) with a little bit of attitude. There is plenty here to inform and entertain all. And, by the way, I'm not trying to sell any books. I don't have any curriculum or programs to market. I don't accept speaking fees. And, I don't ever want to be a consultant.
HOSTED BY
Dr. Andy Johnson
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Reading Instruction Show have?
The Reading Instruction Show currently has 339 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Reading Instruction Show about?
The Reading Instruction Show is a podcast about reading instruction (and other things) with a little bit of attitude. There is plenty here to inform and entertain all. And, by the way, I'm not trying to sell any books. I don't have any curriculum or programs to market. I don't accept speaking fees....
How often does The Reading Instruction Show release new episodes?
The Reading Instruction Show publishes regularly with 339 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to The Reading Instruction Show?
You can listen to The Reading Instruction Show on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Reading Instruction Show?
The Reading Instruction Show is created and hosted by Dr. Andy Johnson.
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