Steps Forward: MTSS for Early Reading Sat, 07 Mar 2026 05:53:38 -0500 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2363547 en-us © 2026 Steps Forward: MTSS for Early Reading yes 49ce8683-aa1f-5519-83ca-9f523baa6510 mazzariello1018@gmail.com Gina Mazzariello episodic false Welcome to "Steps Forward," the podcast where we dive deeply into a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) for early reading and the transformative power of Implementation Science. Join us as we explore how school districts can effectively implement MTSS frameworks to support the diverse early reading needs of students in our schools.

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Gina Mazzariello mazzariello1018@gmail.com https://storage.buzzsprout.com/b8wetoj5oi8vhuvq0pbxndg4hd62?.jpg Steps Forward: MTSS for Early Reading Episode 8: Strengthening Tier One: Implementing MTSS for Lasting Change Episode 8: Strengthening Tier One: Implementing MTSS for Lasting Change In this episode of Steps Forward, I speak with Jennie Rider, Supervisor of Curriculum, Instruction, and Intervention at Netcong School District. We discuss the importance of focusing on tier one instruction within a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework. Jennie shares her district's experience transitioning from the Response to Intervention model to MTSS, addressing the challenges of high caseloads in tiered intervention and the absence of a universal screener. Jennie shares practical insights into managing resistance to change and building a strong team to support high-quality instruction in small school districts.

Tune in for a thoughtful discussion on navigating curriculum challenges, using data-driven decision-making, and building systems that ensure all students receive the support they need. Regardless of your role in education, this episode is packed with strategies to implement MTSS effectively and build more robust instructional practices in schools.

]]> In this episode of Steps Forward, I speak with Jennie Rider, Supervisor of Curriculum, Instruction, and Intervention at Netcong School District. We discuss the importance of focusing on tier one instruction within a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework. Jennie shares her district's experience transitioning from the Response to Intervention model to MTSS, addressing the challenges of high caseloads in tiered intervention and the absence of a universal screener. Jennie shares practical insights into managing resistance to change and building a strong team to support high-quality instruction in small school districts.

Tune in for a thoughtful discussion on navigating curriculum challenges, using data-driven decision-making, and building systems that ensure all students receive the support they need. Regardless of your role in education, this episode is packed with strategies to implement MTSS effectively and build more robust instructional practices in schools.

]]> Gina Mazzariello Buzzsprout-15878925 Sun, 06 Oct 2024 19:00:00 -0400 3253 1 8 full false Episode 7: Advancing Literacy Through Tier 1 Core Instruction and Implementation Science Episode 7: Advancing Literacy Through Tier 1 Core Instruction and Implementation Science In this episode of Steps Forward, I speak with Dr. Michelle Duda and Deborah Lynam. Dr. Michelle Duda, founder and president of Implementation Scientists LLC, is a globally recognized expert in implementation science and MTSS. With over 20 years of experience and a track record of driving systemic change in schools and organizations, she’s known for turning research into practice with proven, sustainable results. Dr. Duda has led national and international initiatives, making her a trusted authority in the field. Deborah Lynam is a doctoral student in Childhood Studies at Rutgers University-Camden and a graduate assistant for the NJ Tiered System of Supports for Early Reading initiative. With over a decade of experience in the non-profit sector, she focuses on literacy, learning disabilities, and education policy. Deborah serves on the Family Engagement Advisory Board for the National Center on Improving Literacy. She has been appointed to various advisory roles, including the US Department of Education’s Regional Advisory Committee. She is a certified Orton-Gillingham teacher, founding member of Decoding Dyslexia - New Jersey, and board member of the International Multisensory Structured Language Education Council and The Reading Reading League-New Jersey. 

Join us as we explore the critical role of Tier 1 core instruction in advancing early literacy instruction. We explore the importance of defining effective practices within a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) for early reading. We delve into the challenges of implementing evidence-based literacy programs at scale, including the need for comprehensive system-level change and how implementation science can guide schools in sustaining these practices. We discuss the role of implementation teams, improvement cycles, and the importance of building resilient systems that can adapt to changes in staff and resources. Join us for an insightful discussion on leveraging implementation science to enhance literacy outcomes in schools.

Resources:

]]> In this episode of Steps Forward, I speak with Dr. Michelle Duda and Deborah Lynam. Dr. Michelle Duda, founder and president of Implementation Scientists LLC, is a globally recognized expert in implementation science and MTSS. With over 20 years of experience and a track record of driving systemic change in schools and organizations, she’s known for turning research into practice with proven, sustainable results. Dr. Duda has led national and international initiatives, making her a trusted authority in the field. Deborah Lynam is a doctoral student in Childhood Studies at Rutgers University-Camden and a graduate assistant for the NJ Tiered System of Supports for Early Reading initiative. With over a decade of experience in the non-profit sector, she focuses on literacy, learning disabilities, and education policy. Deborah serves on the Family Engagement Advisory Board for the National Center on Improving Literacy. She has been appointed to various advisory roles, including the US Department of Education’s Regional Advisory Committee. She is a certified Orton-Gillingham teacher, founding member of Decoding Dyslexia - New Jersey, and board member of the International Multisensory Structured Language Education Council and The Reading Reading League-New Jersey. 

Join us as we explore the critical role of Tier 1 core instruction in advancing early literacy instruction. We explore the importance of defining effective practices within a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) for early reading. We delve into the challenges of implementing evidence-based literacy programs at scale, including the need for comprehensive system-level change and how implementation science can guide schools in sustaining these practices. We discuss the role of implementation teams, improvement cycles, and the importance of building resilient systems that can adapt to changes in staff and resources. Join us for an insightful discussion on leveraging implementation science to enhance literacy outcomes in schools.

Resources:

]]> Gina Mazzariello Buzzsprout-15754949 Sun, 15 Sep 2024 11:00:00 -0400 5106 1 7 full false Episode 6: Optimizing Early Reading Assessments: A Leadership Journey in MTSS Implementation Episode 6: Optimizing Early Reading Assessments: A Leadership Journey in MTSS Implementation In this episode of Steps Forward, I speak with Jaime Doldan, Supervisor of Curriculum and Instruction at the Township of Franklin Public School District. Join us as we explore the journey of school-based leadership and the importance of assessments within an MTSS framework for early reading. Jaime delves into the assessments used by her district before implementing MTSS, highlighting the challenges faced without precise data. Learn how their leadership team was formed to enhance assessment practices, select reliable screening tools, and address both technical and adaptive challenges.



]]> In this episode of Steps Forward, I speak with Jaime Doldan, Supervisor of Curriculum and Instruction at the Township of Franklin Public School District. Join us as we explore the journey of school-based leadership and the importance of assessments within an MTSS framework for early reading. Jaime delves into the assessments used by her district before implementing MTSS, highlighting the challenges faced without precise data. Learn how their leadership team was formed to enhance assessment practices, select reliable screening tools, and address both technical and adaptive challenges.



]]> Gina Mazzariello Buzzsprout-15528566 Sun, 04 Aug 2024 15:00:00 -0400 2705 1 6 full false Episode 5: Unlocking Early Reading Success: The Power of Assessments in MTSS for Early Reading Episode 5: Unlocking Early Reading Success: The Power of Assessments in MTSS for Early Reading In this episode of Steps Forward, I speak with Dr. Adam Lekwa, Assistant Professor at Rutgers University, about the role of assessments within an MTSS framework for early reading. Dr. Lekwa discusses the different types of early reading assessments used in grades K-3, emphasizing the importance of universal screening. He explains the purpose of these assessments, the significance of predictive validity and reliability, and the consequences of using ineffective screeners. Dr. Lekwa also offers practical advice on how districts can analyze and improve their assessment practices to better support early reading outcomes. Join us as we explore the essential components of effective MTSS implementation for educational equity and student success.

Resources:

]]> In this episode of Steps Forward, I speak with Dr. Adam Lekwa, Assistant Professor at Rutgers University, about the role of assessments within an MTSS framework for early reading. Dr. Lekwa discusses the different types of early reading assessments used in grades K-3, emphasizing the importance of universal screening. He explains the purpose of these assessments, the significance of predictive validity and reliability, and the consequences of using ineffective screeners. Dr. Lekwa also offers practical advice on how districts can analyze and improve their assessment practices to better support early reading outcomes. Join us as we explore the essential components of effective MTSS implementation for educational equity and student success.

Resources:

]]> Gina Mazzariello Buzzsprout-15442201 Fri, 19 Jul 2024 16:00:00 -0400 4447 1 5 full false Episode 4: Navigating Early Literacy Challenges with Coaching and Collaboration Episode 4: Navigating Early Literacy Challenges with Coaching and Collaboration In this episode, Janice McDowell, Instructional Coach and Intervention Coordinator at Wayside Elementary School in the Township of Ocean School District discusses the critical role of instructional coaching in the implementation of a Multi-Tiered System of Supports for early reading, how instructional coaches support the integration of universal screening, and the important shifts in practice their district made to strengthen tier 1 core instruction to meet the majority of student’s early reading needs.

Key Takeaways:

  • MTSS for early reading is a collective effort where instructional coaches play an integral role in building competencies in data-based decision-making and early reading instruction.
  • Successful instructional coaching is strategic and systematic.
  • Analyzing tier 1 programs and implementation is a critical first step in strengthening tier 1 preventative instruction.
  • MTSS for early reading is a coordinated effort where educators can “do hard things” for the benefit of the students.
]]> In this episode, Janice McDowell, Instructional Coach and Intervention Coordinator at Wayside Elementary School in the Township of Ocean School District discusses the critical role of instructional coaching in the implementation of a Multi-Tiered System of Supports for early reading, how instructional coaches support the integration of universal screening, and the important shifts in practice their district made to strengthen tier 1 core instruction to meet the majority of student’s early reading needs.

Key Takeaways:

  • MTSS for early reading is a collective effort where instructional coaches play an integral role in building competencies in data-based decision-making and early reading instruction.
  • Successful instructional coaching is strategic and systematic.
  • Analyzing tier 1 programs and implementation is a critical first step in strengthening tier 1 preventative instruction.
  • MTSS for early reading is a coordinated effort where educators can “do hard things” for the benefit of the students.
]]> Gina Mazzariello Buzzsprout-15309031 Wed, 03 Jul 2024 06:00:00 -0400 3025 full false Episode 3: Enhancing Data-Based Decision-Making for Early Reading Through Instructional Coaching in an MTSS Framework Episode 3: Enhancing Data-Based Decision-Making for Early Reading Through Instructional Coaching in an MTSS Framework In this episode, Dr. Alexander Kurz, Associate Research Professor in the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College at Arizona State University, discusses instructional coaching as a valuable job-embedded professional development mechanism and how engaged leadership teams can leverage important implementation drivers critical for the successful implementation of an instructional coaching model to support MTSS for early reading. 

Key Takeaways:

  • MTSS for early reading is a significant systems change initiative that substantially changes practices and processes.
  • Teachers need opportunities to build competencies and confidence in MTSS implementation.
  • Instructional coaching is a key mechanism for providing high-quality professional development to build MTSS for early reading competencies.
  • The Data-Driven Instruction Coaching Model (DDICM) is a specific instructional coaching model well aligned to MTSS for early reading.
  • Collective transparency and commitment are critical for MTSS and the implementation of successful instructional coaching.

Resources:

]]> In this episode, Dr. Alexander Kurz, Associate Research Professor in the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College at Arizona State University, discusses instructional coaching as a valuable job-embedded professional development mechanism and how engaged leadership teams can leverage important implementation drivers critical for the successful implementation of an instructional coaching model to support MTSS for early reading. 

Key Takeaways:

  • MTSS for early reading is a significant systems change initiative that substantially changes practices and processes.
  • Teachers need opportunities to build competencies and confidence in MTSS implementation.
  • Instructional coaching is a key mechanism for providing high-quality professional development to build MTSS for early reading competencies.
  • The Data-Driven Instruction Coaching Model (DDICM) is a specific instructional coaching model well aligned to MTSS for early reading.
  • Collective transparency and commitment are critical for MTSS and the implementation of successful instructional coaching.

Resources:

]]> Gina Mazzariello Buzzsprout-15302145 Mon, 24 Jun 2024 10:00:00 -0400 4709 full false Episode 2: Leading the Way: The Critical Role of Leadership Teams in Implementing an MTSS for Early Reading Episode 2: Leading the Way: The Critical Role of Leadership Teams in Implementing an MTSS for Early Reading In this episode, Michelle Shappirio, Supervisor of English Language Arts, Intervention, & Instructional Coaching at the Township of Ocean School District, discusses the critical role the district and building leadership team has in supporting the implementation of a Multi-Tiered System of Supports for early reading, how universal screening changed the way their district addressed early reading, and other practical insights about navigating the real-world complexities of systems change in schools.

Key Takeaways:

  • Leadership teams with a shared vision and understanding of MTSS are critical for successful implementation
  • Universal screening data changes the way districts address early reading, moving from a reactive to a proactive approach
  • MTSS for early reading starts with strengthening tier 1 instruction 
  • MTSS for early reading is a coordinated effort where students are seen as “our students,” not “my students”


]]> In this episode, Michelle Shappirio, Supervisor of English Language Arts, Intervention, & Instructional Coaching at the Township of Ocean School District, discusses the critical role the district and building leadership team has in supporting the implementation of a Multi-Tiered System of Supports for early reading, how universal screening changed the way their district addressed early reading, and other practical insights about navigating the real-world complexities of systems change in schools.

Key Takeaways:

  • Leadership teams with a shared vision and understanding of MTSS are critical for successful implementation
  • Universal screening data changes the way districts address early reading, moving from a reactive to a proactive approach
  • MTSS for early reading starts with strengthening tier 1 instruction 
  • MTSS for early reading is a coordinated effort where students are seen as “our students,” not “my students”


]]> Gina Mazzariello Buzzsprout-15172424 Fri, 31 May 2024 17:00:00 -0400 3188 full false Episode 1: Getting Started: MTSS for Early Reading Episode 1: Getting Started: MTSS for Early Reading In this episode, Dr. Todd Glover discusses a Multi-Tiered System of Supports framework for addressing early reading, practical strategies for implementing this framework in schools, and the critical role of data in guiding instructional decisions. 

Key Takeaways:

  • MTSS is an antidote to the traditional "wait to fail" model
  • MTSS starts with ensuring tier 1 instruction is sufficiently meeting the needs of students
  • Local leadership teams are the foundational driver of implementation success
  • Data are used to center the student in instructional planning in all tiers of instruction
Resources:

  • AIR Center on Multi-Tiered System of Supports https://mtss4success.org/
  • AIR National Center on Intensive Intervention https://www.air.org/centers/national-center-intensive-intervention 
  • USDOE Institute of Education Sciences Practice Guides https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc/PracticeGuides
  • New Jersey Tiered System of Supports for Early Reading  https://www.njtss-earlyreading.org/
]]> In this episode, Dr. Todd Glover discusses a Multi-Tiered System of Supports framework for addressing early reading, practical strategies for implementing this framework in schools, and the critical role of data in guiding instructional decisions. 

Key Takeaways:

  • MTSS is an antidote to the traditional "wait to fail" model
  • MTSS starts with ensuring tier 1 instruction is sufficiently meeting the needs of students
  • Local leadership teams are the foundational driver of implementation success
  • Data are used to center the student in instructional planning in all tiers of instruction
Resources:

  • AIR Center on Multi-Tiered System of Supports https://mtss4success.org/
  • AIR National Center on Intensive Intervention https://www.air.org/centers/national-center-intensive-intervention 
  • USDOE Institute of Education Sciences Practice Guides https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc/PracticeGuides
  • New Jersey Tiered System of Supports for Early Reading  https://www.njtss-earlyreading.org/
]]> Gina Mazzariello Buzzsprout-15087958 Fri, 17 May 2024 14:00:00 -0400 2177 1 1 full false Steps Forward Trailer Steps Forward Trailer Welcome to "Steps Forward," the podcast where we explore the transformative power of a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) for early reading and Implementation Science. Hosted by Gina Mazzariello, an experienced literacy coach, reading specialist, and consultant, this show delves into how school districts can engage in systemic change to support our youngest readers. Tune in for insightful discussions with experts, sharing practical strategies and evidence-based practices for effective MTSS implementation in early reading. Join us as we take a step forward toward educational equity and student success in every episode!



]]> Welcome to "Steps Forward," the podcast where we explore the transformative power of a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) for early reading and Implementation Science. Hosted by Gina Mazzariello, an experienced literacy coach, reading specialist, and consultant, this show delves into how school districts can engage in systemic change to support our youngest readers. Tune in for insightful discussions with experts, sharing practical strategies and evidence-based practices for effective MTSS implementation in early reading. Join us as we take a step forward toward educational equity and student success in every episode!



]]> Gina Mazzariello Buzzsprout-15047613 Fri, 10 May 2024 16:00:00 -0400 107 1 1 full false