Scarborough’s Reading Rope and Beyond: Dr. Tate’s Guide to Student Success

In today’s episode, we’re diving into the heart of what it takes to help every student learn to read, especially those who face unique challenges. Our host, Jeff Pendleton, sits down with Dr. Taneka Tate, assistant director of special education at Fort Smith Public Schools in Arkansas.

With a background that spans teaching, coaching, and leadership, Dr. Tate brings a fresh, collaborative perspective to literacy instruction, grounded in research, personal experience, and a genuine passion for helping students thrive.

Get ready to explore why learning to read is such a complex process, the power of explicit instruction, and how Fort Smith’s teams break down standards into teachable skills to better meet student needs. Dr. Tate unpacks the “good mess” of assessment and intervention, shares insights about fostering a safe learning environment for both students and teachers, and discusses the evolving role of technology in literacy education.

Key Moments
05:07 "Explicit Learning in Reading Science"
06:49 Collaborative Approach to Special Education
09:48 Breaking Down Educational Standards
15:44 "Modeling Collaborative Learning Culture"
16:51 RTI Model for Middle Schools
20:21 Strategic Instructional Planning Meetings
24:49 Enhancing Education through Technology
26:55 Research Consistency Over 20 Years

Why You’ll Love This Episode:
Be inspired by Dr. Taneka Tate’s journey from Navy dental assistant to special education leader, and how her real-world perspective is shaping literacy work across an entire school system.

Discover how Scarborough’s Reading Rope serves as a powerful visual and instructional anchor, helping educators unpack standards into actionable, skill-based learning goals.

Learn how her team bridges curriculum and special education by co-constructing IEPs, designing kid-by-kid interventions, and redefining collaboration as “co-laboring” toward student mastery.

Gain insight into building a “good mess” culture, where teachers feel safe to say “I botched that up” and leaders model curiosity, vulnerability, and shared ownership of student growth.

Connect with Dr. Taneka Tate
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taneka-tate-a99b0b39/
Website: https://www.fortsmithschools.org/

Follow Us On
Host LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-pendleton-2a614b26/
Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mindplayeducation/
Company Website: https://mindplay.com/

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