What does it really take to improve literacy outcomes? In this wrap-up to the Changemakers series, Stacy Hurst, Donell Pons, and Lindsay Kemeny explore the systems, support, instructional practices, and leadership moves behind Mississippi’s widely discussed reading gains. From structured literacy and coaching to accountability and long-term implementation, this episode connects big-picture reform to practical classroom impact. Listeners will walk away with insights into how lasting literacy change happens—and what educators at every level can do to support it.

Show Notes

In this episode, we discuss:

• The national conversation around the “Mississippi Miracle”
• Why literacy improvement requires systems, support, and sustained effort
• The role of structured literacy and the science of reading
• Accountability paired with coaching and professional learning
• Why implementation matters more than quick fixes
• Classroom-level takeaways for raising expectations and supporting readers

Resources Mentioned

The Daily podcast episode: “The Miracle Unfolding in Mississippi Schools” (The New York Times)

Reading Horizons: Literacy Talks Podcast

NAEP (National Assessment of Educational Progress)

The Reading League

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