RewirED: Dyslexia and Reading Disabilities Wed, 03 Jun 2026 12:23:41 -0400 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2546984 en-us © 2026 RewirED: Dyslexia and Reading Disabilities yes 0dfeee10-71ad-59c0-8ca8-fbfa7ae65066 CT State Dept. of Education episodic false Conversations on Dyslexia and Reading Disabilities hosted by the Connecticut State Department of Education

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) CT State Dept. of Education https://storage.buzzsprout.com/2x01kpi5aa2t5oy9u0e8urrukdo7?.jpg RewirED: Dyslexia and Reading Disabilities How Libraries Expand Literacy Access for Families How Libraries Expand Literacy Access for Families In this episode of ODRD RewirED, host Kristin Allen talks with representatives from the Connecticut State Library about a statewide effort to expand access to dyslexia and literacy resources in all 191 public libraries across Connecticut.

Together, they explore how libraries serve as trusted community hubs, connecting families, educators, and students with high-quality literacy supports, curated dyslexia resources, and services through the Connecticut Library for Accessible Books (CT LAB). The conversation highlights the power of collaboration between schools, families, libraries, and state agencies in ensuring that literacy resources are accessible to all learners.

Listeners will also learn about statewide literacy initiatives, professional learning opportunities for librarians, and the role libraries play in supporting literacy development from early childhood through adulthood. This episode offers valuable insights for educators, families, librarians, and community leaders working to create more equitable access to literacy across Connecticut. 

]]> In this episode of ODRD RewirED, host Kristin Allen talks with representatives from the Connecticut State Library about a statewide effort to expand access to dyslexia and literacy resources in all 191 public libraries across Connecticut.

Together, they explore how libraries serve as trusted community hubs, connecting families, educators, and students with high-quality literacy supports, curated dyslexia resources, and services through the Connecticut Library for Accessible Books (CT LAB). The conversation highlights the power of collaboration between schools, families, libraries, and state agencies in ensuring that literacy resources are accessible to all learners.

Listeners will also learn about statewide literacy initiatives, professional learning opportunities for librarians, and the role libraries play in supporting literacy development from early childhood through adulthood. This episode offers valuable insights for educators, families, librarians, and community leaders working to create more equitable access to literacy across Connecticut. 

]]> CSDE Buzzsprout-19288713 Fri, 15 May 2026 11:00:00 -0400 1236 literacy, dyslexia, dyslexia awareness, structured literacy, science of reading, literacy education, Connecticut education, Connecticut State Library, public libraries, literacy access, family literacy, reading support, reading disabilities, accessible bo full false This Icy Experience Makes Reading More Meaningful This Icy Experience Makes Reading More Meaningful In this episode of RewirED, the Connecticut State Department of Education’s Office of Dyslexia and Reading Disabilities explores how community partnerships can extend literacy beyond the classroom. Featuring a conversation with John Jones of the Springfield Thunderbirds, the episode highlights how initiatives like Dyslexia Awareness Night and the Stick to Reading program create meaningful, engaging opportunities for students and families.

Together, they discuss how connecting reading to real-world experiences—through sports, community events, and shared celebration—can motivate students, build confidence, and reinforce the message that all learners belong. The episode underscores the importance of collaboration across schools, families, and community organizations in creating inclusive environments where students can see themselves as capable, confident readers.

This conversation offers practical insight for educators, families, and community leaders working to make literacy more accessible, engaging, and connected to students’ lives. 

]]> In this episode of RewirED, the Connecticut State Department of Education’s Office of Dyslexia and Reading Disabilities explores how community partnerships can extend literacy beyond the classroom. Featuring a conversation with John Jones of the Springfield Thunderbirds, the episode highlights how initiatives like Dyslexia Awareness Night and the Stick to Reading program create meaningful, engaging opportunities for students and families.

Together, they discuss how connecting reading to real-world experiences—through sports, community events, and shared celebration—can motivate students, build confidence, and reinforce the message that all learners belong. The episode underscores the importance of collaboration across schools, families, and community organizations in creating inclusive environments where students can see themselves as capable, confident readers.

This conversation offers practical insight for educators, families, and community leaders working to make literacy more accessible, engaging, and connected to students’ lives. 

]]> CT State Dept. of Education Buzzsprout-18971776 Mon, 06 Apr 2026 17:00:00 -0400 741 full false Why Community, Identity, and Representation Matter in Literacy—and What Educators and Families Should Know Why Community, Identity, and Representation Matter in Literacy—and What Educators and Families Should Know In this inspiring episode, Malik Champlain shares how a deeply personal experience as a father grew into Pages with Pops, a community-driven literacy initiative designed to engage fathers and father figures in their children’s reading journeys. Through powerful reflections on identity, belonging, and representation, Malik explores how literacy extends beyond skill-building to shape confidence, connection, and self-worth. His insights offer educators and families a compelling look at how aligning schools, families, and community partners can transform literacy into a joyful, relational experience—one that helps every child see themselves as a reader and a leader.

]]> In this inspiring episode, Malik Champlain shares how a deeply personal experience as a father grew into Pages with Pops, a community-driven literacy initiative designed to engage fathers and father figures in their children’s reading journeys. Through powerful reflections on identity, belonging, and representation, Malik explores how literacy extends beyond skill-building to shape confidence, connection, and self-worth. His insights offer educators and families a compelling look at how aligning schools, families, and community partners can transform literacy into a joyful, relational experience—one that helps every child see themselves as a reader and a leader.

]]> https://portal.ct.gov/sde/office-of-dyslexia-and-reading-disabilities CT State Dept. of Education Buzzsprout-18876062 Thu, 19 Mar 2026 14:00:00 -0400 1519 dyslexia, structured literacy, bilingual education, multilingual learners, family engagement, special education advocacy, CPAC Connecticut, language access, educational equity, parent empowerment, Spanish-speaking families, Connecticut education, literacy full false “This Is What Changed Everything”: A Student on Dyslexia, Access, and Assistive Technology “This Is What Changed Everything”: A Student on Dyslexia, Access, and Assistive Technology In this powerful episode, student advocate Eleanor Farquhar speaks openly about growing up with undiagnosed dyslexia, the emotional toll of struggling in school, and the moment assistive technology opened the door to learning. Her story offers families and educators an authentic look at why early, individualized access to tools can shape not only academic success, but self-worth and belonging.

]]> In this powerful episode, student advocate Eleanor Farquhar speaks openly about growing up with undiagnosed dyslexia, the emotional toll of struggling in school, and the moment assistive technology opened the door to learning. Her story offers families and educators an authentic look at why early, individualized access to tools can shape not only academic success, but self-worth and belonging.

]]> CT State Dept. of Education Buzzsprout-18597626 Mon, 02 Feb 2026 07:00:00 -0500 1718 full false What Educators and Families Should Know About the EL/ML Framework—and Why It Matters What Educators and Families Should Know About the EL/ML Framework—and Why It Matters Developed through years of collaboration with educators and families, the Connecticut State Department of Education's EL/ML Framework offers clear guidance for improving instruction and systems for multilingual learners, including those with dyslexia. In this episode, Maribel Olivero and Megan Alubicki, the CSDE leaders who developed the framework, explain its guiding principles, how districts will be supported in implementation, and what this work means for families and educators seeking more coherent, evidence-based literacy supports.

]]> Developed through years of collaboration with educators and families, the Connecticut State Department of Education's EL/ML Framework offers clear guidance for improving instruction and systems for multilingual learners, including those with dyslexia. In this episode, Maribel Olivero and Megan Alubicki, the CSDE leaders who developed the framework, explain its guiding principles, how districts will be supported in implementation, and what this work means for families and educators seeking more coherent, evidence-based literacy supports.

]]> CT State Dept. of Education Buzzsprout-18597065 Fri, 30 Jan 2026 13:00:00 -0500 1545 dyslexia, structured literacy, bilingual education, multilingual learners, family engagement, special education advocacy, CPAC Connecticut, language access, educational equity, parent empowerment, Spanish-speaking families, Connecticut education, literacy full false How Can Family Advocacy Transform Literacy Outcomes? How Can Family Advocacy Transform Literacy Outcomes? In this episode of RewirED, host Kristin Allen is joined by Goviana Morales, a bilingual consultant with the Connecticut Parent Advocacy Center (CPAC) and a leading voice for family engagement and equity in special education.

Drawing from her lived experience as a parent of children with disabilities and her professional work supporting Spanish-speaking families statewide, Morales shares how language access, cultural responsiveness, and authentic partnership between schools and families can fundamentally change outcomes for students with dyslexia and other reading difficulties. The conversation explores CPAC’s role as Connecticut’s Parent Training and Information Center, the layered supports it provides to families, and the critical importance of ensuring that families are informed, empowered, and meaningfully included in decision-making.

Educators, family liaisons, and advocates will gain practical insight into bridging communication gaps, strengthening collaboration, and moving from awareness to action so that every family feels seen, heard, and supported—and every child has the opportunity to learn to read and thrive.

]]> In this episode of RewirED, host Kristin Allen is joined by Goviana Morales, a bilingual consultant with the Connecticut Parent Advocacy Center (CPAC) and a leading voice for family engagement and equity in special education.

Drawing from her lived experience as a parent of children with disabilities and her professional work supporting Spanish-speaking families statewide, Morales shares how language access, cultural responsiveness, and authentic partnership between schools and families can fundamentally change outcomes for students with dyslexia and other reading difficulties. The conversation explores CPAC’s role as Connecticut’s Parent Training and Information Center, the layered supports it provides to families, and the critical importance of ensuring that families are informed, empowered, and meaningfully included in decision-making.

Educators, family liaisons, and advocates will gain practical insight into bridging communication gaps, strengthening collaboration, and moving from awareness to action so that every family feels seen, heard, and supported—and every child has the opportunity to learn to read and thrive.

]]> CT State Dept. of Education Buzzsprout-18373170 Wed, 17 Dec 2025 12:00:00 -0500 1946 full false Why Is Representation in School Leadership Essential for Student Success? Why Is Representation in School Leadership Essential for Student Success? In this episode of ODRD Rewired, host Kristin Allen speaks with Dr. Benitez and Mr. Pabón of the Connecticut Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (CALAS) to explore how culturally grounded leadership, representation, and community partnership shape stronger, more inclusive schools. They share personal journeys into leadership, the unique strengths Latino administrators bring to education, the challenges created by today’s political climate, and the essential role of bilingualism and cultural identity in supporting students and families. The conversation also highlights how CALAS develops the next generation of leaders through mentorship, advocacy, and professional learning—showing why leadership rooted in equity, empathy, and authentic connection is vital for all learners.

]]> In this episode of ODRD Rewired, host Kristin Allen speaks with Dr. Benitez and Mr. Pabón of the Connecticut Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (CALAS) to explore how culturally grounded leadership, representation, and community partnership shape stronger, more inclusive schools. They share personal journeys into leadership, the unique strengths Latino administrators bring to education, the challenges created by today’s political climate, and the essential role of bilingualism and cultural identity in supporting students and families. The conversation also highlights how CALAS develops the next generation of leaders through mentorship, advocacy, and professional learning—showing why leadership rooted in equity, empathy, and authentic connection is vital for all learners.

]]> CSDE Buzzsprout-18320018 Mon, 08 Dec 2025 15:00:00 -0500 2182 dyslexia, structured literacy, bilingual education, multilingual learners, family engagement, special education advocacy, CPAC Connecticut, language access, educational equity, parent empowerment, Spanish-speaking families, Connecticut education, literacy 1 2 full false Are CSDE's new Structured Literacy and Dyslexia Competencies a Game Changer? Are CSDE's new Structured Literacy and Dyslexia Competencies a Game Changer? In the debut episode of RewirED, the Connecticut State Department of Education's Lisa Gianni explores the newly developed Structured Literacy and Dyslexia Competencies. Listeners will learn what structured literacy looks like in practice; how these evidence-based competencies are designed to strengthen educators’ confidence and effectiveness in supporting all learners; how this work moves beyond checklists and frameworks—serving as a catalyst for system-wide change that establishes a common language, a clear vision, and a pathway toward making Connecticut public schools the standard of excellence for students with dyslexia and other reading disabilities.

To learn more about the Structured Literacy and Dyslexia Competencies, go to https://portal.ct.gov/sde/office-of-dyslexia-and-reading-disabilities/educator-literacy-competencies

]]> In the debut episode of RewirED, the Connecticut State Department of Education's Lisa Gianni explores the newly developed Structured Literacy and Dyslexia Competencies. Listeners will learn what structured literacy looks like in practice; how these evidence-based competencies are designed to strengthen educators’ confidence and effectiveness in supporting all learners; how this work moves beyond checklists and frameworks—serving as a catalyst for system-wide change that establishes a common language, a clear vision, and a pathway toward making Connecticut public schools the standard of excellence for students with dyslexia and other reading disabilities.

To learn more about the Structured Literacy and Dyslexia Competencies, go to https://portal.ct.gov/sde/office-of-dyslexia-and-reading-disabilities/educator-literacy-competencies

]]> CSDE Buzzsprout-18012272 Tue, 14 Oct 2025 16:00:00 -0400 1555 1 1 full false