Literacy at the Center Wed, 20 May 2026 12:37:05 -0400 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2567672 en-us © 2026 Literacy at the Center yes 9fc81496-3689-5128-921c-f683cced00b6 CT State Dept. of Education episodic false The Center for Literacy and Reading Success Podcast features national and local experts discussing the science of reading and instructional practices. Episodes offer evidence-based guidance for families and teachers, including practical methods to support children’s literacy development and foster joyful, lifelong reading habits together.

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) CT State Dept. of Education https://storage.buzzsprout.com/uln1v30tj3dtvmh4m73wfdv2rd9d?.jpg Literacy at the Center Dr. Burk: How Bold Literacy Policy Translates Into Classroom Change Dr. Burk: How Bold Literacy Policy Translates Into Classroom Change In this episode of Literacy at the Center, host Dr. Melissa Hickey sits down with Dr. Kymyona Burk, 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.

]]> In this episode of Literacy at the Center, host Dr. Melissa Hickey sits down with Dr. Kymyona Burk, 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.

]]> CT State Dept. of Education Buzzsprout-18733072 Mon, 23 Feb 2026 13:00:00 -0500 1733 full false Dr. Darci Burns: How Strong Leadership Builds Strong Readers Dr. Darci Burns: How Strong Leadership Builds Strong Readers In this episode of Literacy at the Center, host Dr. Melissa Hickey talks with Dr. Darci Burns, founding leader of the Connecticut Literacy Model and executive director of Hill for Literacy, about why leadership systems are essential for lasting literacy change.

Together, they explore how distributed leadership teams, clear district literacy plans, and strong collaboration across educators, administrators, and families help create sustainable systems that support reading success for all students. Dr. Burns shares practical lessons from districts across Connecticut—including large-scale implementation work that demonstrates what is possible when leadership structures are intentionally designed and aligned.

This conversation offers valuable insights for district leaders, school administrators, literacy coaches, and educators working to strengthen systems that support high-quality literacy instruction.

]]> In this episode of Literacy at the Center, host Dr. Melissa Hickey talks with Dr. Darci Burns, founding leader of the Connecticut Literacy Model and executive director of Hill for Literacy, about why leadership systems are essential for lasting literacy change.

Together, they explore how distributed leadership teams, clear district literacy plans, and strong collaboration across educators, administrators, and families help create sustainable systems that support reading success for all students. Dr. Burns shares practical lessons from districts across Connecticut—including large-scale implementation work that demonstrates what is possible when leadership structures are intentionally designed and aligned.

This conversation offers valuable insights for district leaders, school administrators, literacy coaches, and educators working to strengthen systems that support high-quality literacy instruction.

]]> CT State Dept. of Education Buzzsprout-18707423 Tue, 03 Feb 2026 14:00:00 -0500 971 full false Dr. Michael Coyne: Why Some Readers Need More: The Power of Tiered Instruction Dr. Michael Coyne: Why Some Readers Need More: The Power of Tiered Instruction In this episode of Literacy at the Center, host Candice LaConti talks with Dr. Michael Coyne, professor at the University of Connecticut and a key leader in the Connecticut Literacy Model, about the real power of tiered instruction. Together they unpack how schools can identify students early, provide targeted small-group support, and build systems that prevent readers from falling behind.

Dr. Coyne shares practical insights from research and Connecticut classrooms, including why intervention is about intensity, consistency, and implementation—not just programs. Whether you are a classroom teacher, literacy coach, or school leader, this conversation offers clear takeaways for strengthening early literacy support and helping every student grow as a reader.

]]> In this episode of Literacy at the Center, host Candice LaConti talks with Dr. Michael Coyne, professor at the University of Connecticut and a key leader in the Connecticut Literacy Model, about the real power of tiered instruction. Together they unpack how schools can identify students early, provide targeted small-group support, and build systems that prevent readers from falling behind.

Dr. Coyne shares practical insights from research and Connecticut classrooms, including why intervention is about intensity, consistency, and implementation—not just programs. Whether you are a classroom teacher, literacy coach, or school leader, this conversation offers clear takeaways for strengthening early literacy support and helping every student grow as a reader.

]]> CT State Dept. of Education Buzzsprout-18707281 Wed, 21 Jan 2026 13:00:00 -0500 1416 full false Amy Dowell: Why Literacy Reform Requires More Than Curriculum Amy Dowell: Why Literacy Reform Requires More Than Curriculum In this episode of Literacy at the Center, host Dr. Melissa Hickey sits down with literacy advocate and policy leader Amy Dowell to explore the work behind Connecticut’s Right to Read legislation and what it truly takes to improve literacy outcomes statewide.

Drawing from her experience as a parent and longtime education advocate, Amy shares how collaboration among educators, lawmakers, researchers, and families helped shape a comprehensive approach to literacy grounded in research-based instruction. The conversation highlights the importance of professional learning, assessment, data, and sustained implementation support—demonstrating why meaningful literacy reform extends well beyond adopting new curriculum materials.

Together, they discuss the power of partnerships, lessons learned from statewide implementation, and what comes next as Connecticut continues to strengthen literacy instruction for all learners.

This episode offers educators, administrators, and families a deeper look at how policy, practice, and shared commitment can come together to ensure every student has the opportunity to become a confident, skilled reader.

]]> In this episode of Literacy at the Center, host Dr. Melissa Hickey sits down with literacy advocate and policy leader Amy Dowell to explore the work behind Connecticut’s Right to Read legislation and what it truly takes to improve literacy outcomes statewide.

Drawing from her experience as a parent and longtime education advocate, Amy shares how collaboration among educators, lawmakers, researchers, and families helped shape a comprehensive approach to literacy grounded in research-based instruction. The conversation highlights the importance of professional learning, assessment, data, and sustained implementation support—demonstrating why meaningful literacy reform extends well beyond adopting new curriculum materials.

Together, they discuss the power of partnerships, lessons learned from statewide implementation, and what comes next as Connecticut continues to strengthen literacy instruction for all learners.

This episode offers educators, administrators, and families a deeper look at how policy, practice, and shared commitment can come together to ensure every student has the opportunity to become a confident, skilled reader.

]]> CT State Dept. of Education Buzzsprout-18707061 Fri, 02 Jan 2026 13:00:00 -0500 1027 literacy, literacy instruction, science of reading, right to read, structured literacy, early literacy, K-3 education, reading instruction, education policy, educator professional learning, evidence-based instruction, reading assessment, school leadership full false Dr. Margie Gillis: Why Professional Learning Is the Difference Maker in Early Literacy Dr. Margie Gillis: Why Professional Learning Is the Difference Maker in Early Literacy In this episode of Literacy at the Center, host Cody Fusco talks with Dr. Margie Gillis, founding member of the Connecticut Literacy Model, explains why sustained, job-embedded professional learning is essential to translating the science of reading into classroom practice. Drawing on Connecticut data and district experience, the conversation underscores how investing in educators strengthens instruction, builds internal capacity, and advances equitable literacy outcomes for all students. 

]]> In this episode of Literacy at the Center, host Cody Fusco talks with Dr. Margie Gillis, founding member of the Connecticut Literacy Model, explains why sustained, job-embedded professional learning is essential to translating the science of reading into classroom practice. Drawing on Connecticut data and district experience, the conversation underscores how investing in educators strengthens instruction, builds internal capacity, and advances equitable literacy outcomes for all students. 

]]> CT State Dept. of Education Buzzsprout-18407904 Tue, 23 Dec 2025 15:00:00 -0500 1078 science of reading, Connecticut Literacy Model, professional learning, educator coaching, literacy leadership, K–3 literacy, early reading instruction, evidence-based practices, teacher support, literacy capacity building, family engagement, equitable out full false