S2E5 /// The Reading Revival: Change Takes Leadership

SHOW NOTES / RESOURCES

Mississippi has gone from near the bottom to top 10 in the nation for fourth-grade reading — and other states are following its lead. In this episode, we explore the blueprint behind Mississippi’s success: statewide alignment, sustained professional learning, intensive coaching, strategic assessment, and university partnerships. We also look at what Kansas can learn from these models and the actions parents, teachers, and policymakers can take now to ensure literacy for all.

In This Episode You'll Hear:

• Kelly Butler – Former CEO of the Barksdale Reading Institute, shares how Mississippi built a “marathon” of literacy reform through teacher preparation, policy, and assessment.
• Kay Peterson – Literacy trainer and dyslexia therapy educator, explains the critical role of structured literacy training for teachers and preservice teachers, and how equity and support for all students drives success.
• Diane Lyon – Mississippi literacy leader, underscores how a coordinated system of support, accountability, and science-based instruction created measurable improvements.
• Jill Hoda – Assistant Mississippi State Literacy Director, explains why fidelity to structured literacy and coaching is essential to systemic change.
• Katie Williamson – Assistant Director, Mississippi Literacy Initiatives, highlights the non-evaluative, supportive coaching model that empowers teachers and strengthens literacy efforts.
• Jon Rolph – Shares how individual ownership and leadership in schools can spark wider cultural change.
• Alana McWilliams – Emphasizes the importance of aligned stakeholders — educators, parents, legislators, and business leaders — to create a statewide literacy movement.

Key Quote: "Mississippi shows that sustained effort, layered support, and alignment matter more than any one program or 'miracle.'" — Jill Hoda, Assistant Mississippi State Literacy Director

Resources & References:

• NAEP: The Nation’s Report Card
• Mississippi Literacy‑Based Promotion Act (3rd Grade Reading Law)
• Tennessee Literacy Success Act (2021) 
• North Carolina Science of Reading Initiative
• Colorado READ Act & K–3 Teacher Training 
• LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) 
• AIM Pathways Literacy Training
• Barksdale Reading Institute
• Phillips Fundamental Learning Center

Call to Action: If Mississippi can do it, so can Kansas. Share this episode with policymakers, educators, and parents — the Reading Revival is possible if we act together. Fund coaching networks, train teachers in structured literacy, align curricula with the Science of Reading, and support every child’s right to read.

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