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!