Transforming K-12 Reading with Science of Reading: Insights from Dr. Brian Latwis and Sue Mayo

Welcome to another enlightening episode of Literacy Mindset. Today, Jeff Pendleton is joined by two distinguished guests from Riverside Local School District in Ohio—Principal Mike Hall and Intervention Specialist Allie Vitantonio. Together, they dive into the innovative literacy initiatives at Riverside High School, discussing the unique integration of 8th graders into the high school setting, the diverse student backgrounds they serve, and the importance of making reading accessible and engaging for all students.

Mike and Allie share how their inclusive approach and personalized learning strategies are designed to meet students where they are, helping them to grow and succeed. They discuss the pivotal role of building strong relationships with students, the interdisciplinary collaboration among teachers, and how their interventions are tailored to the individual needs of their learners. Additionally, they explore the integration of technology and AI in the classroom, highlighting both the opportunities and challenges these tools present.

Join us as we gain insights into how Riverside employs creativity and flexibility in their curriculum to foster a love for learning and literacy. Whether you're an educator looking to enhance your practices or someone passionate about educational innovation, this episode has something valuable for everyone. Stay tuned to learn more about the successful strategies that are making a real-world impact in education today.

Key Moments

00:00 "Leadership and Data Harvest"

04:48 Specialized Instruction: K-12 Focus

08:58 Insufficient Literacy Training for Teachers

14:13 Bridging Reading Gaps in Classrooms

16:55 Respecting Teachers' Hard Work

22:24 Listening and Feedback for Success

25:20 "Evolving 'Data Dump' Concept"

28:42 Collaborative Data-Driven Teaching Strategies

32:37 "Technology as Educational Resource"

Why You’ll Love This Episode

• If you’re an educator, you’ll learn actionable strategies to improve literacy outcomes.
• If you’re a school leader, you’ll gain insights into data-driven decision-making and innovative school configurations.
• If you’re an advocate for education, you’ll be inspired by their passion for empowering teachers and students.

Dr. Latwis and Sue Mayo don’t just talk about improving literacy—they’ve created a roadmap for success that others can follow.

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/

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

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