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In this episode of Literacy at the Center, host Dr. Melissa Hickey sits down with Dr. Kymyona Burke, former State Literacy Director for Mississippi and current Senior Policy Fellow at ExcelinEd, to explore the national landscape of literacy reform.

Dr. Burke shares insights from leading the implementation of Mississippi’s Literacy-Based Promotion Act and supporting states across the country. The conversation dives into what separates strong literacy laws from successful literacy outcomes—funding, high-quality instructional materials, coaching models, accountability, and sustained implementation support.

Listeners will also hear what may be next in literacy reform, including the growing focus on adolescent literacy and the importance of bold, coordinated action at the state level. This episode offers valuable perspective for educators, literacy leaders, and policymakers working to move reading reform from legislation to measurable impact in classrooms.