Making Literacy Number One: Strategies and Realities from Leavenworth Schools

In this episode of Literacy Mindset, Jeff Pendleton sits down with Dr. Kellen J. Adams, superintendent of Leavenworth USD in Kansas, to unpack what it really means to place literacy at the heart of a school district’s mission. With a unique blend of military-influenced demographics, generational roots, and socioeconomic challenges, Leavenworth stands out—and so does its approach to education.

Dr. Adams discusses how his district is navigating the state-mandated push for the Science of Reading, how MTSS is being used to intervene effectively, and why early literacy isn't just a priority—it’s a non-negotiable. The conversation also tackles technology’s evolving role in personalization, device management in schools, and Leavenworth's pioneering embrace of AI in the classroom. If you’re an education leader, policymaker, or literacy advocate, this episode is packed with candid insights and practical strategies.

Key Moments

00:00 Leavenworth: Prisons, Army, and Transience

05:55 Missouri Schools' Attendance Challenges

07:47 "Essential Reading Skills in Education"

12:24 Balancing Education Focus: STEM vs. Reading

14:48 Addressing Classroom Learning Challenges

17:29 Technology's Role in Personalized Education

21:33 Kansas Legislative Efforts Stalled

24:04 Predicting Unchanging Future Trends

Why You’ll Love This Episode:

Dr. Adams doesn’t shy away from the hard truths: literacy must come first, and the system must deliver results.

You’ll appreciate his clear-eyed view on the urgent need for foundational reading skills, the challenge of balancing equity and rigor, and the promise of technology when implemented with purpose.

Whether you’re rethinking your district’s approach to reading or seeking ways to empower teachers and students alike, this episode will leave you both grounded and inspired.

Connect with Kellen J. Adams

Website: http://www.kellenjadams.com/

Follow & Subscribe

Host LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-pendleton-2a614b26/

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

Company Website: http://MindPlay.com

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