The Windward Institute invites all new and returning READ listeners for a five-part Fall 2025 series, What we all can learn about reading, together. This series brings together 20 guests including researchers and educators. We’ll dive into reading research, practice, and  experience. This series is for everyone, whether you’re just starting to learn about reading education or you’ve been immersed in it for years. Episodes will dive into

• the reading brain and literacy skills develop over time.
• why some children struggle to read, dyslexia, and other language-based learning disabilities. 
• the power of early screening for reading difficulties, why it matters, and what it looks like in action.
• high quality reading instruction and intervention.
• implications for school systems and professional development.

You can also tune into this series at The Windward Institute's YouTube page or subscribe wherever your get your podcasts.

We invite you to share your top bookmarks from this episode by connecting with us on Instagram @thewindwardinstitute, or Facebook.  Subscribe to READ's newsletter for access to monthly episodes: Subscribe

Until next time READers! 

Kate Cain, PhD, joins the READ Podcast to explain the latest research on reading comprehension and shares practical, daily ways that teachers can promote critical literacy skills. Dr. Cain reflects on her research journey and expertise, exploring the multidimensional nature of reading comprehension and the role of oral language development in literacy. In this episode, you will learn about:

• Reading comprehension as an active, integrated process
• Critical markers of oral language and comprehension development from early childhood through adolescence
• Ways teachers can intentionally model and foster comprehension skills like comprehension monitoring, making inferences, and critical thinking
• Considerations for EdTech tools and apps that support planning and instruction

Dr. Cain offers concrete, feasible insights about comprehension and oral language that educators can apply across any grade or content area.

The Windward Institute invites you to share your top bookmarks from this episode by connecting with us on Instagram @thewindwardinstitute, or Facebook.  Subscribe to READ's newsletter for access to monthly episodes: Subscribe

Until next time, READers! 

This LEAD on READ episode features Dr. Amy Murdoch, Assistant Dean of Reading Science at Mount St. Joseph University. Starting her career as a school psychologist, Dr. Murdoch has been a leader in reading education, driving systemic change and empowering teachers through the science of reading. In this episode, Dr. Murdoch discusses

• adopting a systems-level perspective and fostering collaboration among all stakeholders to instill change.
• leveraging consistent data as a tool to inform instructional practices, monitor progress, and advocate for evidence-based approaches.
• empowering educators with a deep understanding of the science of reading to enhance student outcomes and increase teacher agency and growth.

Dr. Murdoch shares powerful insights for any teacher, school and district leader, administrator in higher education, and policymaker. 

The Windward Institute invites you to share your top bookmarks from this episode by connecting with us on Instagram @thewindwardinstitute, or Facebook.  Subscribe to READ's newsletter for access to monthly episodes: Subscribe

Until next time, READers! 

Dr. Stephanie Al Otaiba joins READ to share her expertise in literacy interventions, the impact of social-emotional development on learning, and the future of reading education research. A leading researcher and professor at Southern Methodist University, Dr. Al Otaiba has led and collaborated on key studies on literacy and learning disabilities. In this episode, she discusses

• a framework for applying interventions in schools.
• the role of social-emotional learning and growth mindset in reading development.
• an integrated approach to dialogic reading for building language, emotional, and reading skills.
• how teachers ensure fidelity in applying instructional practices, including managing classroom behaviors and discourse.
• current gaps in reading science and her hopes for its future.

This episode offers practical strategies for educators and emphasizes the importance of structured literacy, data-driven decision-making, and supporting teachers to improve literacy outcomes.

Learn more about "The Science of Intensive Reading Interventions" at The Windward Institute's Robert J. Schwartz Memorial Lecture, featuring Dr. Jeanne Wanzek.

The Windward Institute invites you to share your top bookmarks from this episode by connecting with us on Instagram @thewindwardinstitute, or Facebook.  Subscribe to READ's newsletter for access to monthly episodes: Subscribe

Until next time, READers! 

Ola Ozernov-Palchik, PhD, joins READ to discuss her work in dyslexia, neuroscience, and early literacy policy. She explores the paradox of dyslexia—why early identification is critical yet often delayed—and how neuroimaging research uncovers the brain's role in reading development and challenges. In this episode, you'll learn:

• What neuroscience studies reveal about reading acquisition and dyslexia
• How research informs universal screening and early literacy policies
• The successes and challenges of translating research into advocacy and practice

Dr. Ozernov-Palchik's work bridges research, education, and advocacy, offering insights into the future of reading science and education.

The Windward Institute invites you to share your top bookmarks from this episode by connecting with us on Instagram @thewindwardinstitute, or Facebook.  Subscribe to READ's newsletter for access to monthly episodes: Subscribe

Until next time, READers! 

The Windward Institute team joins READ Podcast host Danielle Gomez for an in-depth exploration of knowledge and reading comprehension. Colleen McGlynn, associate director of language arts, and Alison Leveque, content and implementation director, discuss the research supporting comprehension, the role of knowledge in reading, and how these insights translate into classroom practice. In this episode, the co-hosts share

• insights on translating research on knowledge and reading comprehension into practice.
• strategies and instructional practices for activating, building, and connecting knowledge.
• implications for supporting teachers through professional development.

Learn more about the complexities of synthesizing research and gain tangible takeaways for instruction and further professional learning

The Windward Institute invites you to share your top bookmarks from this episode by connecting with us on Twitter @TheWindwardInst, Instagram @thewindwardinstitute, or Facebook.  Subscribe to READ's newsletter for access to monthly episodes: Subscribe

Until next time, READers! 

This month on READ, we’re revisiting one of our most popular episodes featuring Dr. Sonia Cabell to highlight the vital role of knowledge in reading comprehension.

In this conversation from episode 50, Dr. Cabell and Danielle discuss the integrated nature of reading comprehension, knowledge and writing. You will learn about

• the reciprocal nature between background knowledge and comprehension.
• literacy and content-rich instruction.
• effective practices for integrated literacy and content instruction.

Read Dr. Cabell and colleagues' (2025) study of a content-rich reading curriculum on kindergartners' vocabulary, comprehension, and content knowledge.

Don't miss a special NEW episode in two weeks on powerful strategies to enhance knowledge and comprehension in the classroom. Subscribe to READ's newsletter for early access: Subscribe

The Windward Institute invites you to share your top bookmarks from this episode by connecting with us on Twitter @TheWindwardInst, Instagram @thewindwardinstitute, or Facebook.  

Until next time, READers! 

The READ Podcast celebrates its 5th anniversary in research, education, and advocacy with distinguished professor and researcher in literacy, Devin Kearns, PhD. A longtime friend and advisory board member of The Windward Institute, Dr. Kearns and host, Dr. Danielle Gomez, reflect on the evolution of the Science of Reading (SoR) and its impact on educational practices over the past five years. In this episode, you will learn about

• the key headlines in research around the Science of Reading.
• trends in the needs and questions about reading from educators.
• a focus on data-driven decision making to refine instructional approaches.
• an outlook for the future of the SoR in education.

At the end, Dr. Kearns emphasizes, "Stay the course. Check the data." This episode offers reflections and insights for the future of reading research and implementation across school settings for 2025 and beyond.

Join co-hosts Danielle Gomez and Jamie Williamson as they interview Kelly Carvajal Hagemen for an episode of LEAD on READ. Kelly Carvajal Hagemen shares the story of the Seaford School District as the district transformed its literacy outcomes from an underperforming "focus school" to one of the highest achieving districts in the state of Delaware. As the former Director of Instruction of Seaford, Kelly shares a behind the scenes case study of the district's turnaround. In this episode, you will learn about

• the district's commitment to intersect literacy, equity, and organizational change.
• principles of change management that informed buy-in, professional development, and community involvement.
• a partnership between the district and researchers that grounded their professional development work.

Kelly shares more about Seaford's story in The 74.

Do you want to learn more from this episode or past READ episodes? Visit readpodcast.org for host Danielle Gomez's bookmarks.

Do you have questions for future topics and speakers? E-mail us at info@readpodcast.org.

The Windward Institute invites you to share your top bookmarks from this episode by connecting with us on Twitter @TheWindwardInst, Instagram @thewindwardinstitute, or Facebook.  

Until next time, READers! 

Jan Hasbrouck, PhD, joins READ to discuss the complexities of fluency, including its components and misconceptions, and how it relates to word reading and comprehension. Dr. Hasbrouck emphasizes the importance of effective assessment, instruction, and intervention to support struggling readers at all grade levels.

In this episode, you will learn about

• the multifaceted nature of fluency.
• effective instruction that addresses the progression of skills necessary for fluency.
• implications for assessment to identify areas of need and provide targeted support.
• current research on supporting children with dyslexia.

This episode is packed with direct and immediate takeaways for instruction and deep insights on the complexities of nuances of reading.

Do you want to learn more from this episode or past READ episodes? Visit readpodcast.org for host Danielle Gomez's bookmarks.

Do you have questions for future topics and speakers? E-mail us at info@readpodcast.org.

The Windward Institute invites you to share your top bookmarks from this episode by connecting with us on Twitter @TheWindwardInst, Instagram @thewindwardinstitute, or Facebook.  

Until next time, READers! 

Kareem Weaver, a leading advocate for literacy equity and social justice, joins a special conversation of LEAD on READ to discuss critical issues and questions surrounding literacy, leadership, and education. Kareem's commitment to literacy for all is unwavering. In this episode, we discuss

• literacy as a fundamental civil right for all children across the United States.
• the consequences to illiteracy that impact all aspects of academic, civic, and personal life.
• insights on the systemic challenges hindering literacy outcomes for all students across the country.
• systems, structures, and strategies needed to drive meaningful change.

Kareem shares valuable experiences and insights toward scaling literacy change and building more equitable schools and communities across the country.

Do you want to learn more from this episode or past READ episodes? Visit readpodcast.org for host Danielle Gomez's bookmarks.

Do you have questions for future topics and speakers? E-mail us at info@readpodcast.org.

The Windward Institute invites you to share your top bookmarks from this episode by connecting with us on Twitter @TheWindwardInst, Instagram @thewindwardinstitute, or Facebook.  

Until next time, READers! 

Current research and insights in education examine a whole child approach to development. What does this mean in the context of literacy and social emotional learning?

 In this episode of READ, Dr. Rebecca Gotlieb explores the interconnectedness of literacy and social emotional learning and emphasizes the importance of viewing these two aspects of child development as coordinated and interdependent processes. In this episode, you will learn about the

• brain’s reading circuit and the multifaceted nature of reading, from decoding to deep comprehension and emotional engagement
• role of emotions on literacy and whole child development
• environmental factors that impact brain development and literacy outcomes, highlighting the importance of creating learning environments that support equity, diversity, and belonging.

Dr. Gotlieb offers implications for supporting children at home and in the classroom through an integrated, inclusive approach.

Do you want to learn more from this episode or past READ episodes? Visit readpodcast.org for host Danielle Gomez's bookmarks.

Do you have questions for future topics and speakers? E-mail us at info@readpodcast.org.

The Windward Institute invites you to share your top bookmarks from this episode by connecting with us on Twitter @TheWindwardInst, Instagram @thewindwardinstitute, or Facebook.  

Until next time, READers! 

How should teachers understand text comprehension, and what are effective practices to facilitate comprehension, particularly for adolescents across all content areas?

Letty Martinez, PhD discusses her research on supporting adolescents and multilingual students as they engage with and comprehend text. In this episode, you will learn about

• Comprehension through a multicomponent lens 
• Challenges and opportunities for adolescent learners
• Effective instructional approaches that facilitate comprehension and content literacy
• Implications for multilingual learners

This episode is a valuable resource for all educators, especially those working with adolescents, emergent bilingual and multilingual students, in order to make text more accessible and engaging and improve student comprehension.

Do you want to learn more from this episode or past READ episodes? Visit readpodcast.org and the Episode #59 homepage for host Danielle Gomez's top bookmarks and resources.

Do you have questions for future topics and speakers? E-mail us at info@readpodcast.org.

The Windward Institute invites you to share your top bookmarks from this episode by connecting with us on Twitter @TheWindwardInst, Instagram @thewindwardinstitute, or Facebook.  

Until next time, READers! 

This episode marks a special LEAD on READ episode with Dr. Jacqueline Rodriguez, CEO of the National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD). Dr. Rodriguez reflects on her leadership in education and advocacy, highlighting a lifelong learning journey. She shares NCLD’s vision to scale and expand advocacy efforts for people with learning disabilities in schools, professional spaces, and communities throughout their lives and across the world. In this episode, we discuss the following leadership insights:

• Maintaining curiosity and courage to deepen your growth and learning as a leader
• Encouraging openness to change for personal and organizational transformation
• Ensuring that spaces are inclusive and equitable for all people to thrive personally and professionally

This episode offers valuable leadership lessons and dives into the future of NCLD’s advocacy work for all people with learning disabilities on a global scale.

 Do you want to learn more from this episode or past READ episodes? Visit readpodcast.org and the Episode #58 homepage for host Danielle Gomez's top bookmarks and resources.

Do you have questions for future topics and speakers? E-mail us at info@readpodcast.org.

The Windward Institute invites you to share your top bookmarks from this episode by connecting with us on Twitter @TheWindwardInst, Instagram @thewindwardinstitute, or Facebook.  

Until next time, READers! 

Dr. Steve Graham, renowned expert in writing instruction, joins READ for a timely discussion on effective writing instruction, the reading-writing connection, and the role of technology and AI on writing education. In this episode, you will learn about

• approaches to reading and writing instruction through an integrated lens.
• considerations for instructional planning across content areas.
• multiple strategies for effective writing instruction.
• implications for assessing writing.
• expert insights on the role of technology and AI.

This episode is filled with knowledge and practical applications for any educator, leader, and caregiver on building your child’s writing success.

 Do you want to learn more from this episode or past READ episodes? Visit readpodcast.org and the Episode #57 homepage for host Danielle Gomez's top bookmarks and resources.

Do you have questions for future topics and speakers? E-mail us at info@readpodcast.org.

The Windward Institute invites you to share your top bookmarks from this episode by connecting with us on Twitter @TheWindwardInst, Instagram @thewindwardinstitute, or Facebook.  

Until next time, READers! 

Sara Hart, PhD, joins READ to discuss the role of genes and the environment on reading development and disabilities. Throughout her career, Dr. Hart has investigated child development through an interdisciplinary lens. In this episode, you will learn about Dr. Hart’s

•  studies with twins to understand individual development in reading and math with the goal to inform approaches to education and equity.
• role as co-PI of The Learning Disabilities Translational Science Collective, focused on translating research, scaling up scientific studies, bringing more stakeholders into the research process, and expanding data sharing practices.
• commitment to elevating other researchers, citing POWER, an organization dedicated to advocating for researchers who identify as women and non-binary in education and child development.

This episode is packed with research, insights, and entertaining stories that will resonate with educators, researchers, and advocates everywhere!

Do you want to learn more from this episode or past READ episodes? Visit readpodcast.org and the Episode #56 homepage for host Danielle Gomez's top bookmarks and resources.

Do you have questions for future topics and speakers? E-mail us at info@readpodcast.org.

The Windward Institute invites you to share your top bookmarks from this episode by connecting with us on Twitter @TheWindwardInst, Instagram @thewindwardinstitute, or Facebook.  

Until next time, READers!

Dr. Sarah Woulfin, an expert on leadership and school reform, joins the READ Podcast for a LEAD on READ conversation, co-hosted by Dr. Danielle Gomez and Jamie Williamson. Dr. Woulfin outlines effective actions of leaders to enact school reform and shares her expertise on how to sustain change in education.

 In this episode, you will learn about

• curriculum coherence, capacity building, and conditions for effective change.
• key actions of leaders that facilitate support for educational initiatives.
• the infrastructural pillars needed to sustain reform.
• considerations for processes of data collection and analysis.

This episode provides insights for leaders at any level of an educational organization.

Do you want to learn more from this episode or past READ episodes? Visit readpodcast.organd the Episode #55 homepage for host Danielle Gomez's top bookmarks and resources.

Do you have questions for future topics and speakers? E-mail us at info@readpodcast.org.

The Windward Institute invites you to share your top bookmarks from this episode by connecting with us on Twitter @TheWindwardInst, Instagram @thewindwardinstitute, or Facebook.  

Until next time, READers!

Colby Hall, PhD, shares her research on reading and language from kindergarten through adolescence. Dr. Hall, an assistant professor at University of Virginia, discusses her vast research collaborations spanning across areas of literacy, age groups, and language, providing a window into the research process and offering implications for classroom practice. In this episode, you will learn about

• the findings from a pilot study involving an integrated reading, writing, and language intervention for kindergarteners
• a current study that integrates professional development, technology, and literacy instruction for emergent bilingual students 
• an effective instructional approach developed to support adolescent literacy in content areas

Dr. Hall shares tangible insights and resources for classroom application for children at any age and ignites curiosity for further learning.

Do you want to learn more from this episode or past READ episodes? Visit readpodcast.organd the Episode #54 homepage for host Danielle Gomez's top bookmarks and resources.

Do you have questions for future topics and speakers? E-mail us at info@readpodcast.org.

The Windward Institute invites you to share your top bookmarks from this episode by connecting with us on Twitter @TheWindwardInst, Instagram @thewindwardinstitute, or Facebook.  

Until next time, READers!

Neena Saha, PhD, joins READ for an illuminating and entrepreneurial discussion about translating research to practice. In this episode, Dr. Saha offers insights on 

• shifting how educators interface with research through an entrepreneurial lens.
• integrating and broadening the role of technology in sharing research.
• developing a systematic and explicit approach to the translation of research to practice.

Dr. Saha discusses opportunities and challenges for disseminating research more effectively and efficiently to teachers in all classrooms.

Do you want to learn more from this episode or past READ episodes? Visit readpodcast.org and the Episode #53 homepage for host Danielle Gomez's top bookmarks and resources.

Do you have questions for future topics and speakers? E-mail us at info@readpodcast.org.

The Windward Institute invites you to share your top bookmarks from this episode by connecting with us on Twitter @TheWindwardInst, Instagram @thewindwardinstitute, or Facebook.  

Until next time, READers!

Join READ host Dr. Danielle Gomez as she offers a perspective on reading research from translation to implementation. She synthesizes key insights from READ guests in 2023, highlights current research from the broader community, and forecasts opportunities and challenges for the future of implementation of research in practice. In this episode, you will learn about

• the benefits of translating research in education.
• current frameworks that seek to broaden and deepen our understanding of reading development and difficulties through an equity lens.
• insights on implementing and scaling reading reform.

This episode is timely as we look ahead to both the translation and implementation of reading research and reform to benefit all learners.

Do you want to learn more from this episode or past READ episodes? Visit readpodcast.org and the Episode #52 homepage for host Danielle Gomez's top bookmarks and resources.

Do you have questions for future topics and speakers? E-mail us at info@readpodcast.org.

The Windward Institute invites you to share your top bookmarks from this episode by connecting with us on Twitter @TheWindwardInst, Instagram @thewindwardinstitute, or Facebook.  

Until next time, READers!

Amy Elleman, PhD, joins the READ Podcast to discuss the evidence supporting reading comprehension development and implications for effective instruction. This episode builds upon previous READ conversations in conceptualizing comprehension as an integration of skills. In this episode, you will learn about

• the components and processes of reading comprehension.
• research frameworks applicable for educators of students at any age.
• evidence-based practices to promote comprehension.
• interventions for students who experience comprehension breakdowns.

Dr. Elleman offers feasible and applicable insights for further learning and classroom implementation for any educator.

Do you want to learn more from this episode or past READ episodes? Visit readpodcast.org and the Episode #51 homepage for host Danielle Scorrano's top bookmarks and resources.

Do you have questions for future topics and speakers? E-mail us at info@readpodcast.org.

The Windward Institute invites you to share your top bookmarks from this episode by connecting with us on Twitter @TheWindwardInst, Instagram @thewindwardinstitute, or Facebook.  

Until next time, READers!

Sonia Cabell, PhD, joins the READ Podcast for the 50th episode! In this conversation, Dr. Cabell and Danielle discuss the integrated and interdependent nature of reading, oral language, background knowledge, and writing. Dr. Cabell cites her research on content-rich instruction and offers numerous effective practices for classroom instruction. Educators, bring a pen and your plan book as Dr. Cabell offers insights and resources for immediate classroom application.

Do you want to learn more from this episode or past READ episodes? Visit readpodcast.organd the Episode #50 homepage for host Danielle Scorrano's top bookmarks and resources.

Do you have questions for future topics and speakers? E-mail us at info@readpodcast.org.

The Windward Institute invites you to share your top bookmarks from this episode by connecting with us on Twitter @TheWindwardInst, Instagram @thewindwardinstitute, or Facebook.  

Until next time, READers!

The Windward Institute and The Windward School are putting "Dyslexia in Focus" in recognition of Dyslexia Awareness Month. This month on READ, you will hear from four past READ experts on insights specific to dyslexia and topics related to screening and identification, education and intervention, and advocacy. 

This "Dyslexia in Focus" READ bookmark features Dr. Devin Kearns from Episode 5. In this bookmark, you will learn more about:

• pervasive myths about dyslexia
• facts about the signs and markers of dyslexia
• examples of effective evidence-based reading practices that are necessary for students with dyslexia and benefit all learners

You can listen to the full conversation with Dr. Kearns,  on Episode 5, "Back to the Classroom with Devin Kearns, PhD."

Stay up to date with the READ Podcast and "Dyslexia in Focus" during Dyslexia Awareness Month on YouTube, Twitter @TheWindwardInst, Instagram @thewindwardinstitute, or Facebook.  

Do you have questions for future topics and speakers? E-mail us at info@readpodcast.org.

Until next time, READers!

The Windward Institute and The Windward School are putting "Dyslexia in Focus" in recognition of Dyslexia Awareness Month. This month on READ, you will hear from four past READ experts on insights specific to dyslexia and topics related to screening and identification, education and intervention, and advocacy. 

This "Dyslexia in Focus" READ bookmark features Dr. Hugh Catts from Episode 18. In this bookmark, you will learn more about:

• markers of dyslexia
• current research examining the risks of reading disabilities
• implications for screening and intervention

You can listen to the full conversation with Dr. Catts,  on Episode 18, "Early Identification and Intervention of Reading Disabilities."

Stay up to date with the READ Podcast and "Dyslexia in Focus" during Dyslexia Awareness Month on YouTube, Twitter @TheWindwardInst, Instagram @thewindwardinstitute, or Facebook.  

Do you have questions for future topics and speakers? E-mail us at info@readpodcast.org.

Until next time, READers!

The Windward Institute and The Windward School are putting "Dyslexia in Focus" in recognition of Dyslexia Awareness Month. This month on READ, you will hear from four past READ experts on insights specific to dyslexia and topics related to screening and identification, education and intervention, and advocacy. 

This "Dyslexia in Focus" READ bookmark features Dr. Carolyn Strom from Episode34. In this bookmark, you will learn about:

• the brain's neuroplasticity
• the reading process in the brain

You can listen to the full conversation with Dr. Strom,  on Episode 34, "What Every Educator and Family Should Know about the Reading Brain."

Stay up to date with the READ Podcast and "Dyslexia in Focus" during Dyslexia Awareness Month on YouTube, Twitter @TheWindwardInst, Instagram @thewindwardinstitute, or Facebook.  

Do you have questions for future topics and speakers? E-mail us at info@readpodcast.org.

Until next time, READers!