In this interview, I revisit conversations surrounding the use of the term “dyslexia” in the schools, the use of technology, and equitable access to books.
I share my commentary on the following:
✅Saying “dyslexia” in the schools: Both the positive and negative consequences
✅Educational technology definitions: What “counts” as technology? What’s the difference between instructional and assistive technology?
✅The tech tools are not the strategy: What’s happening when kids don’t use technology effectively?
✅Asking the right questions: School leaders should ask a different question than parents when they’re contemplating the value of “homework”.
✅Equity issues that come with homework requirements.
✅Educators can’t control everything that happens when students leave campus; but they can help increase access to books.
I revisit my conversations with Tom Parton (Episode 178) and Susan Brady (Episode 179) in this episode and share my thoughts on these questions.
This episode is a follow-up commentary on the National Literacy Month series the BE podcast network (https://bepodcast.network/) did as a partnership with Reading Is Fundamental (https://www.rif.org/)
You can listen to the two interviews I discussed in this episode here:
EP 178: Are we allowed to say “dyslexia” in the schools? (with Tom Parton)Link here: https://drkarendudekbrannan.com/ep-178-are-we-allowed-to-say-dyslexia-in-the-schools-with-tom-parton/
EP 179: Increasing book equity and fostering a love of reading (with Susan Brady)Link here: https://drkarendudekbrannan.com/ep-179-increasing-book-equity-and-fostering-a-love-of-reading-with-susan-brady/
Additional Resources mentioned in this episode:
Literacy and background knowledge: Essential skills for life (with Dr. Pamela Snow)Link here: https://drkarendudekbrannan.com/ep-158-literacy-and-background-knowledge-essential-skills-for-life-with-dr-pamela-snow/
School leaders and reading instruction: Time to demand LESS rather than more autonomyLink here: http://pamelasnow.blogspot.com/2023/10/school-leaders-and-science-of-reading.html
In this episode, I mention the School of Clinical Leadership, my program that helps related service providers develop a strategic plan for putting executive functioning support in place in collaboration with their school teams. You can learn more about that program here: https://drkarendudekbrannan.com/clinicalleadership
In this episode I mention Language Therapy Advance Foundations, my program that helps SLPs create a system for language therapy. You can learn more about Language Therapy Advance Foundations here: https://drkarenspeech.com/languagetherapy/
You can get 25% off either program when you join between September 15-October 15. Just enter coupon code RIF25 on the checkout page to get this special rate.
*If you’re already a member of either program and you refer a friend, tell them to email me at
[email protected] if they join and let me know you referred them and I’ll send you a $100 referral bonus.
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Go to Apple, Spotify, or any other directory you use for podcasts and subscribe to the De Facto Leaders podcast.
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Reading Is Fundamental is a nonprofit that focuses on connecting educators and families with materials and training aligned with evidence-based literacy instruction. Not only is their model aligned w