The Power of Reading Proficiency

Better Learning Podcast

Are you passionate about education and literacy? If so, this episode of the Better Learning Podcast is a must-listen! Titled The Power of Reading Proficiency, this episode dives deep into the urgent need to improve reading skills across the United States.

Brandon Cardet-Hernandez shares his journey in education, from growing up in a group home to becoming the president of Mrs. Wordsmith. He emphasizes the importance of reading proficiency and the impact it has on a person's life. Brandon discusses his experiences as a special education teacher, working in school reform, and serving as an education advisor for Mayor Bill de Blasio.

They also discuss the confusion surrounding the science of reading and the need for a more comprehensive approach to literacy education. They explore the challenges in the current education system and the importance of personalized learning and low-stakes testing. Brandon emphasizes the need for collaboration and creative solutions to ensure every child has the opportunity to succeed in reading.

Takeaways:

1. Reading proficiency is crucial for success in life, and access to reading materials and support can greatly impact a person's educational outcomes.

2. Educators often enter the field to address personal experiences or to make a positive change in the education system.

3. Collaboration between different stakeholders, including policymakers, schools, and families, is essential for improving education.

4. The work of Mrs. Wordsmith focuses on improving reading skills through phonics, vocabulary, and explicit instruction.

5. The science of reading includes phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, and vocabulary, all of which are crucial for reading comprehension.

6. School boards play a crucial role in shaping education policies and should prioritize literacy as a key focus area.

A recognized leader and changemaker, Brandon has spent his career working to reimagine the systems, structures, and tools that accelerate opportunity and close achievement gaps. Brandon previously served as the Senior Education Advisor to former New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and as the Director of Strategic Initiatives for the NYC Department of Education. A former special education teacher, Brandon has sat at the helm of two high schools, leading both institutions through transformational change.

Sound Bites to Ponder:

"Half of young people in the US are reading below grade level."

"We need to be putting a level of urgency on reading and literacy because our schools are failing in this area."

"We're focused on the science of reading, which includes phonemic awareness, phonics, and explicit instruction around vocabulary."

"We need to recognize that the six hours and 20 minutes of a school day may not be sufficient for every child."

Follow on Brandon Cardet-Hernandez on Social Media:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandoncardethernandez/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandoncardet/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BrandonCardet

Boston Public Schools Website: https://www.bostonpublicschools.org/Page/1030

Mrs. Wordsmith Website: https://mrswordsmith.com/

Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com.

Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Find out more about Kevin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinstoller/.

For more episodes of the Better Learning Podcast, visit https://www.betterlearningpodcast.com/

Episode 189 of the Better Learning Podcast

Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com.

For more information on our partners:

Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) - https://www.a4le.org/

Education Leaders' Organization - https://www.ed-leaders.org/

Second Class Foundation - https://secondclassfoundation.org/

EDmarket - https://www.edmarket.org/

Catapult @ Penn GSE - https://catapult.gse.upenn.edu/