The Power of Early Literacy Assessment: Insights from District Leader Glen Webb

In this conversation, Glen shares the eye-opening discoveries he made as a teacher when he realized just how many students reached high school lacking essential reading skills, and how that ignited his mission to address literacy earlier and more effectively.

Together, Brian and Glen dive into the lessons learned from shifting a district’s literacy philosophy, the power of early assessment and intervention, building buy-in among educators, and the challenges (and opportunities) presented by new technology and evolving instructional practices.

Whether you’re a classroom teacher, administrator, or education advocate, this candid discussion offers practical insights, hard-won advice, and inspiring optimism for the future of literacy instruction. Stay tuned for stories from the frontlines, fresh takes on assessment, and Glenn’s vision for individualized learning in a fast-changing educational landscape.

Key Moments

00:00 Educator's Career Journey Summary
04:33 Bridging Learning Gaps for Students
08:40 Reading Challenges in Education Gaps

12:48 Early Literacy Assessment Challenges
15:20 Implementing Assessments and Strategic Instruction
18:16 Shifting Educational Beliefs
22:49 "Global Assessment Perspective Challenges"
27:17 Improving Reading Observation Techniques
28:14 Training Teachers for Dyslexia Screening
31:48 Navigating Literacy Debates in Education
36:33 "Goal Alignment for Literacy Success"
40:11 Mindplay's Evolving Assessment Tools
42:26 Navigating State-Driven Educational Change
48:15 Pandemic Boosted Teachers' Tech Skills
50:22 Embracing Technology in Education
53:15 "Fantastic Podcast with Glen"

Why You’ll Love This Episode:

• Be inspired by Glen Webb’s transformation from high school physics teacher to district-wide curriculum leader, and how his scientific mindset exposed critical literacy gaps and drove lasting change across K–12.

• Discover how foundational reading struggles show up in high school classrooms, and how Webb’s early insights led to a district-wide shift from balanced literacy toward structured, data-informed instruction.

• Learn how he built trust with teachers by embedding assessment literacy, creating non-evaluative coaching roles, and empowering reading specialists as school-based change agents.

• Gain insight into sustainable systems change, aligning strategic plans, funding, and belief shifts to ensure literacy equity isn’t a passing initiative, but a deeply rooted cultural shift.

Connect with Glen Webb
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glen-webb-26ba55246/
Website: https://www.mhusd.org/

Follow Us On

Host LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-williams-624a1485/

Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mindplayeducation/

Company Website: https://mindplay.com/

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to Literacy Mindset and leave us a review!

Share this episode with educators, parents, or advocates passionate about improving literacy and special education.