From Phonics to Fluency: Exploring the Nuances of Reading Development with Dr. Claude Goldenberg

More Than a Test

In today's episode, we have a special guest joining us, Dr. Claude Goldenberg, a renowned expert in the field of literacy development. This conversation is packed with insightful information and thought-provoking discussions about the stages of reading development, the importance of foundational skills, and the impact of bilingual education. From understanding the nuances of reading progression to the challenges and opportunities in teaching literacy, we dive deep into the intricacies of the reading journey.

So grab your headphones and prepare to expand your knowledge on the multifaceted world of reading, because this is More Than a Test with Dr. Claude Goldenberg!

Timestamps

[00:01:05] Dr. Goldenberg is retired from Stanford but still contributing to education.

[00:03:36] His focus on expanding opportunities for learners, specifically Spanish-speaking kids. Has a personal interest in bridging the gap between English learner advocacy and reading research.

[00:08:24] Research exists for second language learners, despite misconceptions to the contrary.

[00:13:35] The bilingual brain has functional and cognitive differences from the brains of monolinguals, but there is no evidence of structural differences that should influence reading instruction.

[00:15:07] No evidence for differences between monolinguals and bilinguals in brain circuitry required for.

Special Note from Dr. Goldenberg: an important difference in teaching reading to someone who already knows that language and someone who is learning it: Someone who is learning to read the language in which they are being taught to read requires additional support and instruction so that they understand the meaning of the words they are learning to read and they become familiar with the sounds of the language.

[00:19:35] Overpromising leads to misunderstanding.

[00:21:36] Debating the outlawing of certain teaching methods such as balanced literacy.

[00:25:59] “We know how to get 95% of kids on grade level" is an example of overpromising and misrepresenting the research

[00:33:16] Understanding stages of reading development is key for understanding how to teach reading.

[00:38:54] Understanding the developmental process of reading helps avoid phonics “Band-Aids.”

[00:41:49] Foundational skills are crucial for reading comprehension. But so is a whole lot more.

[00:46:59] Hope for finding common ground is mixed.

[00:50:19] Emotional, intellectual, and financial agendas affect the controversies over teaching reading.

Connect with Dr. Claude Goldenberg

Website: https://www.stanford.edu/

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About More Than a Test

Our goal is to take a hard look at the shortcomings in literacy education and tech while still finding a sense of hope in what's possible in education through learning and technology.

Our guests include non-profit leaders, tech CEOs, state and district leadership, research leaders from top institutions, and a few teachers with stories that might bring you to tears.

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0JWhVG2nXZfC3FxOviFoR0

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Listen on Other Platforms: https://more-than-a-test.captivate.fm/

About Amira Learning

Amira is the world’s first intelligent reading assistant that provides personalized tutoring to students at school, after school, or at home. Students working with Amira experience significant improvements in their reading fluency.

About your Host, Laura Glaab

Laura Glaab is a VP of Strategy at Amira Learning. She is a lifetime educator following behind educator parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents.

She's worked as a teacher and leader in public, private, and charter schools in places as far as India and as close to home as Boulder, Colorado. She holds degrees from Stanford, the University of Wyoming, and Kellogg School of Management.

She thinks everyone should read Saint Joan by George Bernard Shaw and the entire Piggie and Elephant Collection by Mo Willems.

Connect with Laura

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-glaab/

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Produced by Old Soul: https://bit.ly/3KuYfrD