What does it really take to change reading outcomes at scale?

In this episode of Literacy Talks, Donell Pons, Stacy Hurst, and Lindsay Kemeny kick off a new conversation focused on changemakers in literacy. Together, they unpack commonly cited literacy data—especially NAEP scores—and explore what those numbers do (and don’t) tell us about reading achievement in the U.S.

The discussion moves beyond test scores to examine systems change: leadership, shared language, collaboration across classrooms and institutions, and the growing role of innovation and technology. From teacher leaders and researchers to curriculum developers and parent advocates, this episode highlights the many roles changemakers play in moving literacy work forward—and why lasting change requires collective impact, not quick fixes.

Literacy Talks Episode 110 Show Notes

Topics Covered

• What NAEP data does (and does not) tell us about reading proficiency
• Why systemic change is harder—and more important—than isolated success
• Mississippi’s literacy efforts and what we can learn from them
• AI and technology as tools, supports, and potential risks in literacy instruction
• The importance of shared language, collaboration, and leadership
• Teachers, parents, researchers, and curriculum providers as change makers
• Scaling impact through conferences, professional communities, and partnerships

Resources & References Mentioned

Books

• Frontiers in Social Innovation
• The Journey of Collective Impact (John Kania, Mark Kramer, & colleagues)

Assessments & Data

• National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP)

Organizations & Initiatives

• Project Read AI
• The Reading League
• Center for Literacy & Learning – Plain Talk Conference
• Big Sky Literacy Summit
• Transformative Reading Teacher Group

Research & Thought Leadership

Reid Lyon’s work on literacy, systems change, and shared language

Literacy Instruction & Research

Reading Horizons

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