Six Bold Moves to Protect Your Literacy Investment – Part 2

Six Bold Moves to Protect Your Literacy Investment – Part 2

Author: Jeffrey Bradbury - TeacherCast Educational Network December 10, 2024 Duration: 19:15
In this episode, Jeffrey Bradbury hosts Laura Stewart, Chief Academic Officer at 95 Percent Group, and Robert Palazzo, Supervisor of Curriculum, Student, and Community Services in Panther Valley School District, on the program to discuss courageous leadership in education, particularly in the context of literacy transformation.  If you are a new listener to TeacherCast, we would love to hear from you.  Please visit our Contact Page and let us know how we can help you today!

Conversation Takeaways

  • Courageous leadership is essential for transforming literacy in schools.
  • Data-driven decision-making is crucial for effective educational leadership.
  • Transitioning from balanced literacy to structured literacy can significantly improve student outcomes.
  • Understanding the diverse needs of students is key to effective curriculum implementation.
  • Building a culture of collaboration among staff enhances the success of literacy initiatives.
  • Regular assessment and intervention models can better meet student needs.
  • Misconceptions about the science of reading can hinder effective instruction.
  • Every child has the right to learn to read, which opens doors for their future.
  • Engaging students in their learning process fosters a love for reading.
  • Financial commitment to effective resources is necessary for educational transformation.

About the 95 Percent Group

95 Percent Group is an education company whose mission is to build on science to empower teachers—supplying the knowledge, resources, and support they need—to develop strong readers. Using an approach that is based in structured literacy, the company’s One95 Literacy Ecosystem™ integrates professional learning and evidence-based literacy products into one cohesive system that supports consistent instructional routines across tiers and is proven and trusted to help students close skill gaps and read fluently. 95 Percent Group is also committed to advancing research, best practices, and thought leadership on the science of reading more broadly. For additional information on 95 Percent Group, visit: https://www.95percentgroup.com.

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About our Guests

Laura Stewart

Laura Stewart is the Chief Academic Officer at 95 Percent Group. She is a nationally recognized Science of Reading and Structured Literacy advocate who has dedicated her career to improving literacy achievement at leading education companies. Stewart has more than 25 years of academic leadership experience. Most recently, she served as the Chief Innovation Officer for The Reading League and Chief Academic Officer for professional development with the Highlights Education Group. Other key education roles include vice president of professional development for the Rowland Reading Foundation and Zaner-Bloser, school district administrator and adjunct professor. She is the author of several training guides and training workshops, as well as 12 children’s books, and the co-author of The Everything Guide to Informational Text, K-2: Best Texts, Best Practices (Corwin Press, 2014). She serves on several advisory boards, including The Path Forward for Teacher Preparation and Licensure in Early Literacy.

Robert Palazzo

Mr. Robert Palazzo is the Supervisor of Curriculum, Student, and Community Services in Panther Valley School District. He previously served for 7 years as the Elementary School Principal. Palazzo holds a B.S. in Psychology, an M.S., and a Certificate of Advanced Study in School Psychology from SUNY Oswego, as well as an M.Ed. from Wilkes University in Educational Leadership. Mr. Palazzo was selected as the 2022 NAESP National Distinguished Principal for Pennsylvania and also the 2021 Rural Health Community Star for Pennsylvania from the  National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH). Most recently, Palazzo has worked with the International Dyslexia Association's Pennsylvania Chapter to organize the 2024 Pennsylvania Literacy Leadership Summit, which was held in October 2024. As an administrator, Robert J. Palazzo has proven himself a resourceful leader dedicated to improving learning conditions for all students. When he first became principal, Mr. Palazzo noted low assessment scores among first graders and immediately set out to lobby the school to implement a full-day kindergarten program, highlighting how this would strengthen educational foundations while easing family child care burdens. In 2020-2021, Palazzo took the next step to launch a Pre-K program, the first registered childcare provider in the

Hosted by Jeff Bradbury of the TeacherCast Educational Network, Digital Learning Today is a conversation for educators who think strategically about the long game. This podcast moves beyond quick tech fixes to examine the underlying frameworks and leadership philosophies required for meaningful, lasting improvement in schools. It’s designed for those in the driver’s seat of change-principals, district administrators, and instructional coaches-who understand that real transformation is about systems, not just software. Listeners will find practical discussions on implementing digital learning initiatives effectively, crafting and executing school improvement plans that stick, and the nuanced work of fostering a collaborative, innovative culture among staff and students. The dialogue naturally bridges educational theory with the realities of school business and management, offering a grounded perspective on steering institutions forward. By focusing on sustainable models and big-picture ideas, each episode provides a space to reflect on the core structures that define modern education, making this podcast a resource for anyone committed to thoughtful, systemic growth in their learning community.
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