Together in Literacy

5.13 The National Reading Panel: Why It Still Matters in 2026

In this episode, we explore why the National Reading Panel (NRP) still matters for our classrooms and homes in 2026. We look at how the NRP’s review of more than 100,000 studies led to the well-known “Big Five” components of reading—phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension—and why these elements were never meant to be taught in isolation. We also examine how this foundational research connects directly to structured literacy and the science of reading, especially for students with dyslexia and other struggling readers. We’ll clear up common misconceptions, like the idea that the NRP is outdated or “just about phonics,” and discuss how its findings continue to influence legislation, curriculum decisions, and intervention today. We wrap up with practical reflection questions to help us think about whether our instruction is truly aligned with what decades of research say about how children learn to read. Resources mentioned in this episode: National Reading Panel The National Reading Panel Report: Practical Advice for Teachers EdView 360 Webinar Recording with Casey TIL 1.13 The Matthew Effect and Literacy Development in Children TIL 3.10 Effective Vocabulary Strategies in Literacy Intervention TIL 4.7 The Power of Observation: What, When, and How TIL 5.4 Beyond the Basics: 5 Deeper Truths About Teaching Spelling in Structured Literacy TIL 5.6 The Structured Literacy Playbook with Dr. Melissa Orkin and Sarah Gannon (Part 1) TIL 5.7 The Structured Literacy Playbook with Dr. Melissa Orkin and Sarah Gannon (Part 2) TIL 5.11 Rethinking Phonemic Awareness with David Kilpatrick, PhD We officially have merch! Show your love for the Together in Literacy podcast! If you like this episode, please take a few minutes to rate, review, and subscribe. Your support and encouragement are so appreciated! Have a question you’d like us to cover in a future episode of Together in Literacy? Email us at support@togetherinliteracy.com! If you’d like more from Together in Literacy, you can check out our website, Together in Literacy, or follow us on Facebook and Instagram. For more from Emily, check out The Literacy Nest. For more from Casey, check out The Dyslexia Classroom. Let us know what you want to hear this season! Thank you for listening and joining us in this exciting and educational journey into dyslexia as we come together in literacy!

5.12 From “Don’t Say Dyslexia” to Right to Read with Nancy Duggan

In this episode, we sit down with Nancy Duggan, co-founder and executive director of Decoding Dyslexia Massachusetts. We talk about how Nancy’s path from parent of a dyslexic child to statewide advocate helped move Massachusetts from “we don’t say dyslexia” to mandated screening and the Right to Read law. Nancy explains how grassroots parent organizing, neuroscience research, and relentless policy work combined to drive real change, and why early identification, evidence-based instruction, and intensive, comprehensive intervention (far beyond phonics alone) are non-negotiable for students with dyslexia. Whether you’re an educator or a family member, you’ll walk away with practical strategies for IEP advocacy and a clear-eyed look at how systems can actually change. Resources mentioned in this episode: Decoding Dyslexia Massachusetts Decoding Dyslexia (national network) International Dyslexia Association (IDA) Mass Reads Coalition 2015 “Say Dyslexia” Letter (OSERS, U.S. Dept. of Education) National Reading Panel Massachusetts Right to Read / High-Quality Curriculum Bill Overcoming Dyslexia by Dr. Sally Shaywitz Wilson Reading System RAVE-O We officially have merch! Show your love for the Together in Literacy podcast! If you like this episode, please take a few minutes to rate, review, and subscribe. Your support and encouragement are so appreciated! Have a question you’d like us to cover in a future episode of Together in Literacy? Email us at support@togetherinliteracy.com! If you’d like more from Together in Literacy, you can check out our website, Together in Literacy, or follow us on Facebook and Instagram. For more from Emily, check out The Literacy Nest. For more from Casey, check out The Dyslexia Classroom. Let us know what you want to hear this season! Thank you for listening and joining us in this exciting and educational journey into dyslexia as we come together in literacy!

5.11 Rethinking Phonemic Awareness with David Kilpatrick, PhD

We are thrilled to welcome David Kilpatrick, Professor Emeritus at the State University of New York at Cortland and one of the most influential voices in reading research, assessment, and instruction, to the podcast. In our chat, Dr. Kilpatrick breaks down decades of research and gets straight to the heart of what really drives reading success—especially for students with dyslexia. He tackles one of the biggest myths in education: that phonemic awareness is just an early skill you “check off” and move past. Instead, you’ll discover why advanced phoneme proficiency is the engine behind orthographic mapping and automatic word recognition, and why it matters far beyond the primary grades. What we hope you’ll take away from this is a clarity about which phonemic awareness skills truly move the needle, how to integrate them powerfully with phonics instruction, and how assessment can help you target instruction with precision. If you’ve ever wondered whether going back to phonemic awareness with older students means going backward, this episode will completely reframe that thinking. When you strengthen advanced phonemic awareness, you give students with dyslexia the foundation they need to become confident, capable readers—and that changes everything. David A. Kilpatrick, PhD is a professor emeritus of psychology for the State University of New York at Cortland and currently serves as Adjunct Lecturer in Psychology. He is a New York State certified school psychologist with 28 years experience in schools. He has been teaching courses in learning disabilities and educational psychology since 1994. David is a reading researcher and the author of two books on reading, Essentials of Assessing, Preventing, and Overcoming Reading Difficulties, and Equipped for Reading Success, and is a co-editor of a third, Reading Development and Difficulties: Bridging the Gap Between Research and Practice. Resources mentioned in this episode: Perspectives on Language and Literacy 2020: How the Phonology of Speech is Foundational For Instant Word Recognition by David Kilpatrick The PAST Test (Phonological Awareness Screening Test) NICHD – National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Society for the Scientific Study of Reading (SSSR) Florida Center for Reading Research (FCRR) National Reading Panel Report (U.S. National Reading Panel) Zeno Word Frequency List Annals of Dyslexia We officially have merch! Show your love for the Together in Literacy podcast! If you like this episode, please take a few minutes to rate, review, and subscribe. Your support and encouragement are so appreciated! Have a question you’d like us to cover in a future episode of Together in Literacy? Email us at support@togetherinliteracy.com! If you’d like more from Together in Literacy, you can check out our website, Together in Literacy, or follow us on Facebook and Instagram. For more from Emily, check out The Literacy Nest. For more from Casey, check out The Dyslexia Classroom. Let us know what you want to hear this season! Thank you for listening and joining us in this exciting and educational journey into dyslexia as we come together in literacy!

5.10 Restraint Collapse: What’s Really Going On for Kids with Dyslexia After School?

If your child seems “fine” at school but falls apart the moment they get home, you are so not alone. In this episode of Together In Literacy, we unpack the concept of restraint collapse—what happens when kids use up all their emotional and cognitive energy during the school day and then finally let it all out in their safest place: home. We talk specifically about why this is especially common for children with dyslexia and other learning differences, what this can look like after school, and how families can respond in ways that are supportive, realistic, and manageable (even on the busiest days). You’ll walk away with language to better understand what’s happening, practical ideas for creating a softer after-school landing, and simple strategies that support both kids and the adults who love them. Resources mentioned in this episode: Audible app Libby app Decoding Dyslexia SuperDville 3.12 Harnessing the Power of Assistive Technology with Katie Larew 4.3 Strengthening the Understanding of Dyslexia Through Media with Peggy Stern We officially have merch! Show your love for the Together in Literacy podcast! If you like this episode, please take a few minutes to rate, review, and subscribe. Your support and encouragement are so appreciated! Have a question you’d like us to cover in a future episode of Together in Literacy? Email us at support@togetherinliteracy.com! If you’d like more from Together in Literacy, you can check out our website, Together in Literacy, or follow us on Facebook and Instagram. For more from Emily, check out The Literacy Nest. For more from Casey, check out The Dyslexia Classroom. Let us know what you want to hear this season! Thank you for listening and joining us in this exciting and educational journey into dyslexia as we come together in literacy!

5.9 The Gift and Curse of Dyslexia with Deon Butler

In this episode we sit down with Deon Butler, former NFL wide receiver, author of The Gift & Curse, and a powerful advocate for people with dyslexia. Deon shares his remarkable journey from growing up with undiagnosed dyslexia to navigating the high-pressure, text-heavy world of the NFL, and finally receiving answers as an adult through a formal diagnosis and Orton-Gillingham tutoring. He reflects on the school experiences that didn’t make sense at the time, the emotional mix of relief and grief that came with his diagnosis, and the unwavering belief of his grandmother that helped shape his resilience. Deon also unpacks the “gift” and the “curse” of dyslexia, offering insight into what students truly need and the importance of systematic change. Deon's Bio: Deon Butler is a national speaker, author, and advocate for students who learn differently. A former NFL wide receiver, Deon’s journey defies expectation. He reached the NFL while carrying a hidden struggle: undiagnosed dyslexia. At 27, he sat down with a tutor and began learning what the system never taught him. That turning point became the foundation for his life’s work. In his book The Gift & Curse: One Man’s Journey with Dyslexia, Deon shares how poverty, trauma, and learning challenges shaped his early life and ultimately cost him a contract with the Detroit Lions. Today, he is a national voice for literacy, resilience, and educational equity. He has helped advance dyslexia legislation, speaks in schools and universities across the country, and inspires audiences to redefine success, build hope, and believe in greatness despite the odds. Deon is the CEO of Stand Strong Services LLC and continues to mentor, advocate, and speak across the nation. His story resonates deeply with students, educators, and families, leaving a lasting impact long after the event ends. Resources mentioned in this episode: The Gift & Curse: One Man’s Journey With Dyslexia by Deon Butler Deon Butler’s website Deon Butler’s Instagram Deon Butler’s Facebook page We officially have merch! Show your love for the Together in Literacy podcast! If you like this episode, please take a few minutes to rate, review, and subscribe. Your support and encouragement are so appreciated! Have a question you’d like us to cover in a future episode of Together in Literacy? Email us at support@togetherinliteracy.com! If you’d like more from Together in Literacy, you can check out our website, Together in Literacy, or follow us on Facebook and Instagram. For more from Emily, check out The Literacy Nest. For more from Casey, check out The Dyslexia Classroom. Let us know what you want to hear this season! Thank you for listening and joining us in this exciting and educational journey into dyslexia as we come together in literacy!