How advocacy is changing reading instruction with Jamie Metsala (Ep 43)

Join Anna Stokke in conversation with Dr. Jamie Metsala, one of two content area experts on the Ontario Human Rights Commission’s Right to Read public inquiry. Jamie shares her expertise on the importance of strong early instruction in foundational reading skills, the pitfalls of balanced literacy, and the urgent need for evidence-based practices in education.  They explore the role of parent advocacy and the far-reaching implications of the Right to Read report, not just for Ontario, but for education systems across Canada and beyond. 

Jamie explains why universal screening matters, how structured literacy benefits all readers, and what effective intervention looks like. They also discuss the importance of teacher preparation programs and ongoing professional development to equip educators with the tools they need to teach reading successfully. 

With many provinces and states still relying on ineffective reading instruction, systemic change is critical. Jamie offers valuable advice for advocates, making this conversation essential listening for educators, parents, and anyone advocating for evidence-based education reform. 

researchED Toronto 2025: https://researched.org.uk/event/researched-toronto-2025/

NOTE: The resource page contains links to reports, articles, and websites mentioned in the episode: annastokke.com/ep-43-resources

TIMESTAMPS

[00:00:00] Introduction 
[00:04:06] The Ontario Human Rights Commission Right to Read inquiry
[00:06:40] Reading achievement in Ontario and other provinces
[00:13:19] The impact of balanced literacy and its flawed assumptions
[00:19:21] What science says about teaching foundational reading skills
[00:29:15] Universal screening and early interventions
[00:32:30] Problems with Reading Recovery 
[00:36:32] How Canadian provinces are responding to the Right to Read inquiry
[00:41:10] Teacher preparation and the resistance to change
[00:50:25] Challenges in implementing evidence-based literacy instruction
[00:52:06] Debunking myths: Do all students learn differently?
[00:54:20] Structured literacy and the importance of fluency
[01:00:43] Consequences of poor reading instruction
[01:06:50] Advice for advocates
[01:12:47] Final thoughts: The future of reading and math education

RELEVANT PREVIOUS EPISODES

Ep 20 Reading and math: Parallels and pitfalls with Matthew Burns
https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-8aj3f-1508af6

Ep 27 Using evidence in education with Pamela Snow
https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-jc9mq-161ecac

Ep 29 Math fact crisis: strategies for improving numeracy with Brian Poncy
https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-u9y84-165d773

EPISODE TRANSCRIPT

https://www.annastokke.com/ep-43-transcript

EPISODE RESOURCES

https://www.annastokke.com/ep-43-resources

MUSIC

Intro and Outro: Coma Media – Catch it
Blue Dot Sessions – Proliferate, Balti, Momentary Ease
Podington Bear – Camp, Kitten, Squirrel Commotion

Website: www.annastokke.com

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