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Reading comprehension is the cornerstone of academic success and lifelong learning. It is not just about reading words on a page but truly understanding, interpreting, and engaging with the text. Over the years, I have witnessed how targeted strategies can transform a reader’s ability to grasp complex ideas and retain information. Whether you are guiding a young learner or supporting an adult, enhancing reading comprehension requires intentional practice and the right techniq

In today’s fast-paced educational landscape, staying current and effective requires more than traditional training. It demands innovative educator professional strategies that foster continuous growth, adaptability, and a deep understanding of literacy development. I have witnessed firsthand how embracing new approaches can transform teaching practices and ultimately empower learners to thrive. This post explores practical, research-backed strategies that support professional

In the evolving landscape of education, the role of an educator is more dynamic and demanding than ever before. To meet the diverse needs of students and foster meaningful learning experiences, educators must continuously refine their skills. Enhancing educator skills is not just about acquiring new knowledge; it’s about transforming teaching practices to achieve better outcomes for every learner. This journey requires intentional strategies, ongoing support, and a commitment

In today’s fast-evolving educational landscape, staying current and effective requires more than passion and dedication. It demands continuous learning and skill enhancement. I have witnessed firsthand how targeted professional development can transform teaching practices, boost confidence, and ultimately improve student outcomes. This post explores practical educator growth strategies that empower teachers to thrive and adapt in their roles. Why Educator Growth Strategies Ma

Literacy is the foundation of learning and personal growth. As someone deeply committed to fostering literacy development, I understand how crucial it is to provide effective support that meets the unique needs of every learner. Improving literacy programs is not just about teaching reading and writing; it’s about empowering individuals with the skills they need to thrive in school, work, and life. Today, I want to share insights and practical strategies that can help parents

The Power of Literacy Consulting Help in Education

Supporting children and adults with dyslexia and other neurodiverse conditions is a journey that requires understanding, patience, and the right resources. In Summerville, families and educators are increasingly recognizing the importance of tailored support to unlock the full potential of every learner. I want to share insights and practical guidance that reflect decades of research and real-world success, helping you navigate this path with confidence and warmth. Understand

Struggling readers don’t just need “more reading.” They need the right kind of instruction, delivered at the right time, with the right intensity. Effective reading interventions are targeted, evidence-based, and responsive to student data. Here’s what truly moves the needle. 1) A Clear, Diagnostic Starting Point Effective interventions begin with precise identification of needs. Use reliable screeners and diagnostic assessments (e.g., DIBELS, Acadience, PAST, phonics screene

The way we read is changing. As classrooms shift from print books to screens, educators and families are asking a crucial question: Are digital tools improving how we teach reading—or complicating it? The answer, like most things in education, is nuanced. Technology has opened doors to personalization, accessibility, and engagement. It’s also introduced challenges around attention, comprehension, and equity. Here’s a balanced look at how tech is reshaping reading instruction—

Use this checklist to guide educators and students in building robust reading comprehension skills grounded in the science of reading. Check items as they are implemented and adapt to your classroom context. Classroom Planning & Instruction  Define clear comprehension goals for each unit (e.g., infer meaning, summarize, evaluate arguments).  Align texts, questions, and tasks to grade-level standards and students’ background knowledge.  Sequence instruction from explicit model

Different Subjects, Different Reading Explicit vocabulary instruction (tiered terms, morphology, word walls, Frayer models) Pre-teach and revisit key concepts with advance organizers and K-W-L charts Use graphic organizers (concept maps, Venns, flowcharts, claim-evidence-reasoning frames) Model discipline-specific reading strategies (skim/scan, text features, annotating data, sourcing/corroboration in history) Teach genre and text structures by subject (lab reports, proofs, c

One of the most powerful distinctions between my role as a contracted collaborative partner and that of on-staff coaches lies in the freedom I have to commit 100% to supporting students and teachers—without the competing demands of traditional "teacher duties." Unrestricted Focus on Observation and Support Unlike on-staff coaches who often juggle coaching responsibilities alongside teaching, planning, or administrative tasks, my cognitive load is entirely dedicated to observi

In teacher preparation, we often think of cooperating teachers as guides who mentor student teachers during their initial field experiences. But what if schools embraced the idea of having a dedicated coach on staff—not just for student teachers—but to provide ongoing, expert support for new and veteran teachers alike, throughout every season of their careers? A Coach on Staff: The Permanent Cooperating Teacher An on-staff coach serves as a consistent, embedded resource simil

In my 25 years of experience teaching and leading in inclusive classrooms and districts, I’ve seen firsthand how professional development (PD) translates into improved teaching practice—and more importantly, better student outcomes. Over the years, my focus has increasingly centered on coaching-heavy PD as the most effective way to build teacher capacity and drive meaningful change in K-8 education. Why Coaching-Heavy PD? Coaching-heavy PD is different from traditional worksh

I bring 25 years of teaching and leadership in inclusive classrooms and districts, and I use this foundation daily to guide school districts as they transform educational models into student-centered approaches, putting personalized learning at the heart of every student’s experience. Foundational Knowledge from Inclusive Education My work in inclusive environments allows me to respond to the varied ways students learn, shaping personalized systems in real time to address ind

In the evolving landscape of education, the traditional "one size fits all" approach has come under scrutiny for its inability to cater to the diverse needs of students. Every learner is unique, with different strengths, weaknesses, learning styles, and interests. Enter personalized learning—a transformative educational strategy that aims to tailor the learning experience to the individual, rather than enforcing a homogenous curriculum for all. Understanding Learner Variabili

Reading is the foundation of lifelong learning and success. Yet, many children face challenges that make reading difficult. As a literacy intervention expert, I have witnessed firsthand how targeted support can transform a struggling reader into a confident learner. In South Carolina, where diverse communities and educational needs intersect, expert reading intervention is more important than ever. This post will guide you through the essentials of effective reading intervent

When it comes to nurturing a child's reading skills, the right guidance can make all the difference. Literacy is the foundation for lifelong learning, and finding a local reading tutor who understands the science behind reading instruction is key to unlocking a child's full potential. With decades of research backing the science of reading, tutors trained in this approach offer targeted, evidence-based strategies that build strong, confident readers. In this post, I’ll walk

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) refers specifically to applying universal design principles within educational settings to create an inclusive classroom environment that caters to the diverse needs of all learners. It focuses on providing multiple means of engagement, representation, and action and expression to ensure every student can access the curriculum effectively. Key Principles of Universal Design in an Inclusive Classroom Multiple Means of Engagement Offer variou

An Individualized Education Plan (IEP) is designed to meet the unique educational needs of students with disabilities. Various diagnoses can qualify a child for an IEP, and these may fall under specific categories defined by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Below are some common diagnoses associated with IEPs: 1. Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD) Dyslexia : Affects reading fluency and comprehension due to difficulties with phonological processing. Dy