Bridging the Gap: Literacy, Leadership, and Technology in DeKalb County Schools

In this episode of Literacy Mindset, host Jeff Pendleton sits down with Wayne Lyles, Superintendent of DeKalb County Schools in Alabama. With a career spanning 30 years in education and a deep-rooted commitment to his home district, Lyles shares his journey from a high school teacher to leading a rural school district. He offers invaluable insights on literacy instruction, closing learning gaps post-COVID, and the evolving role of technology in K-12 education.

Lyles reflects on the challenges of navigating pandemic-era education, the implementation of Alabama’s Literacy Act, and how his district is embracing structured literacy practices to improve student outcomes. He also explores the growing tension between technology integration and the movement toward traditional instructional methods, as well as the future of AI in education.

Whether you're an educator, administrator, or passionate advocate for literacy, this episode delivers practical strategies for fostering a strong reading culture, supporting teachers, and preparing students for the future.

Key Moments

• 01:19 Superintendent Wayne Lyles' journey and leadership in DeKalb County
• 03:53 Lessons from early career exposure to K-2 literacy instruction
• 06:12 Returning to in-person learning post-COVID and addressing learning loss
• 08:48 DeKalb County’s recognition for high achievement in literacy recovery
• 10:04 Teacher burnout and staffing challenges in today’s education landscape
• 11:24 Implementation of Alabama’s Literacy Act and LETRS training for K-3
• 13:58 Supporting older students struggling with foundational literacy skills
• 15:02 Technology’s role in literacy education and instructional strategies
• 16:47 The shift away from device-based instruction in classrooms
• 18:35 Managing student use of personal devices to enhance learning engagement
• 21:20 High Reliability Schools (HRS) and ensuring equity across rural districts
• 26:47 The future of education: AI’s role in personalized learning and curriculum development

Why You’ll Love This Episode:

• Reshaping Literacy Instruction – Learn how Alabama’s Literacy Act is driving structured literacy practices in DeKalb County.
• Overcoming Learning Loss – Hear how targeted interventions and summer literacy camps have helped students recover academically post-COVID.
• Teacher-Centered Leadership – Discover strategies for preventing burnout and fostering a culture of continuous professional growth.
• Balancing Technology & Traditional Teaching – Gain insights into the evolving role of EdTech, AI, and hands-on learning in K-12 classrooms.
• Visionary Leadership – Superintendent Lyles shares his roadmap for the next decade in education, highlighting the importance of adaptability and innovation.

Connect with Wayne Lyles:
Website: https://www.dekalbk12.org/
LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/wayne-lyles-4167a6353/

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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