Best Steve Ness Podcasts (2025)

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Reading Interventions for Upper Elementary with Catlin Goodrow 43:06

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4d ago43:06

43:06

Episode 236 Catlin Goodrow discusses her role as a literacy coach and interventionist for older students, focusing on assessing student needs, implementing effective interventions, and the logistics of providing support in the classroom. She shares insights on decoding challenges, comprehension strategies, and the importance of engaging students wi…

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How to Make Every Intervention More Effective with Matt Burns 45:08

18d ago45:08

45:08

Episode 235 Matt Burns discusses effective interventions for students struggling with learning. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the learning hierarchy, identifying where breakdowns occur, and matching interventions to individual student needs. The conversation highlights the significance of modeling in teaching, shares a success story…

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Making Sense of Reading Assessments with Michelle Hosp 53:54

1M ago53:54

53:54

Episode 234 Michelle Hosp joins us to break down the different types of literacy assessments within an MTSS framework in the most approachable way. We talk: universal screeners diagnostics progress monitoring formative assessments Most importantly, we talk about when and why to use each one. Michelle helps us shift the question from “Which test sho…

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Kindergarten Intervention That Gets Results 45:58

2M ago45:58

45:58

Episode 233 In this episode, we sit down with speech-language pathologist Linsey Jones, who’s leading groundbreaking work in her district by delivering smart, targeted, and manageable literacy interventions to kindergarten students. Linsey shares how her background in speech-language pathology led her to create a data-driven, highly responsive tier…

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Arizona Subject-To Sales The Seller Risks and Warnings 11:07

2M ago11:07

11:07

'Subject To' real estate sales in Arizona, where a buyer takes over mortgage payments while the loan remains in the seller's name. It highlights the hidden risks for sellers, such as the 'do on sale' clause, potential credit score impacts, legal liabilities, and insurance issues. The script advises sellers to consult a qualified real estate attorne…

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MTSS for Reading Improvement with Stephanie Stollar and Sarah Brown 52:51

2M ago52:51

52:51

Episode 232 We know MTSS can feel like one more acronym and maybe one more thing on your plate. But what if it was the thing that helped everything else run more smoothly instead? In this episode, we chat with Stephanie Stollar and Sarah Brown, authors of MTSS for Reading Improvement, who help us rethink what strong systems of support actually look…

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Phoenix Mountains Preserve: Urban Desert Oasis 13:16

2M ago13:16

13:16

A comprehensive overview of the Phoenix Mountains Preserve, highlighting its significance as an urban desert oasis in Phoenix, Arizona. A detail the preserve's history and conservation efforts, emphasizing its establishment through community advocacy and land acquisition. The description the preserve's key features, including its extensive trail sy…

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Stonecreek Golf Club: A Golfer's Paradise 8:37

2M ago8:37

8:37

Stonecreek Golf Club, highlighting its features and amenities. Promotes the club by emphasizing its scenic views, challenging holes, well-maintained fairways, friendly staff, practice facilities, clubhouse food, and affordable twilight rates. Complementing this, Stonecreek Golf Club details available services such as golf instruction, club rentals,…

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Scaffolding Challenging Texts for All Readers with Christina Cover 46:32

2M ago46:32

46:32

Episode 231 Working with students who struggle to make sense of complex texts? You’re not alone! Christina Cover, a high school special educator, interventionist, English teacher, and literacy coordinator, is here to help! In this episode, Christina shares real-world, research-based strategies she uses to help her students break down and make sense…

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Delights of Scottsdale: People, Food, and Desert Wonders 10:18

3M ago10:18

10:18

By Steve Ness

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The Power of Text Sets with Freddy Hiebert 39:49

3M ago39:49

39:49

Bonus Episode In this episode, Melissa and Lori sit down with Freddy Hiebert, founder of Text Project, to dive deep into the critical role texts play in reading instruction. They explore how the types of texts provided to students not only shape their reading practice but also influence their self-perception as readers. Freddy shares her expertise …

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Moving to Arizona Guide 2025 18:52

3M ago18:52

18:52

Comprehensive guides for relocating to Arizona, detailing essential steps and insights for a smooth transition. Covering practical aspects such as researching neighborhoods, finding realtors and movers, and managing logistics like mail forwarding and utilities. Furthermore, providing an overview of Arizona's demographics, cost of living, and job ma…

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What the Research Says about Difficult Texts with Kristin Conradi Smith, John Strong, & Steve Amendum 52:34

3M ago52:34

52:34

Episode 230 In this episode, we discuss this article and the vital role of difficult texts with three experts: Kristin Conradi-Smith, John Strong, and Steve Amendum. They explore how thoughtful scaffolding and motivation help students confidently tackle challenging materials, clarifying the difference between text complexity and text difficulty. Li…

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Roadrunner Park: Phoenix's Thriving Community Hub 13:57

3M ago13:57

13:57

Exploring Roadrunner Park in Phoenix, Arizona. Highlighting its Saturday farmers market with vendors selling local honey, grass-fed meats, microgreens, juices, and artisan breads. It also showcases the park's recreational amenities like sports fields, a duck pond, swimming pool, and tennis courts. A guide for potential residents, comparing Arizona'…

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Making Words Stick with Molly Ness and Katie Pace MIles 51:01

3M ago51:01

51:01

Episode 229 In this episode, Katie Pace Miles and Molly Ness define and explain orthographic mapping as a crucial cognitive process for reading fluency and comprehension. They discuss the importance of mapping words in long-term memory, the difference between memorization and mapping, and the trifecta of phonology, orthography, and meaning that sup…

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Helping Students Read Multisyllabic Words with Devin Kearns 53:03

4M ago53:03

53:03

Episode 228 If you’ve ever wondered how to help your students decode longer words, this episode is for you! We’re joined by literacy researcher and professor Devin Kearns to talk all about teaching multisyllabic words. Many phonics programs focus on single-syllable words, but what happens when students hit big words and get stuck? Devin unpacks the…

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Revisiting Fluency Instruction and Assessment with Jan Hasbrouck 53:58

4M ago53:58

53:58

Episode 227 In this episode, Jan Hasbrouck discusses the critical components of reading fluency, focusing on automaticity and its measurement through words correct per minute (WCPM). The discussion highlights the relationship between fluency and comprehension, the role of oral reading fluency in assessing student progress, and the importance of fre…

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[Listen Again] Building Fluency with POSSUM with Maryanne Wolf and Melissa Orkin 50:12

4M ago50:12

50:12

Episode 211 from December 6, 2024 Fluency is a crucial aspect of reading. It involves automaticity and the ability to connect different aspects of word knowledge. In this episode, Maryanne Wolf and Melissa Orkin discuss: the importance of fluency in reading the factors that contribute to fluent reading the need for an integrative approach to fluenc…

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First Steps to Fluency: How Young Learners Become Independent Readers with Virginia Quinn Mooney 39:05

5M ago39:05

39:05

Episode 226 In this episode, Virginia discusses the importance of fluency in K-2 grades, emphasizing its role in reading comprehension. She shares strategies for teaching fluency, including within partner reading, read-alouds, and shared reading. Virginia highlights the significance of modeling fluent reading and incorporating songs and poems to en…

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A Classroom Fluency Protocol That Works with Aaron Grossman 36:10

5M ago36:10

36:10

Episode 225 How do we turn fluency instruction into something engaging, meaningful, and effective? Fourth-grade teacher Aaron Grossman has the answer. In this episode, Aaron shares his fluency protocol, inspired by Chase Young’s work, that helps students develop prosody, comprehension, and confidence through Reader’s Theater. He walks us through hi…

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[Listen Again] Readers' Theater: Easy, Effective, & FUN! with Chase Young 50:57

5M ago50:57

50:57

Episode 209 from November 8, 2024 Chase Young discusses the implementation of Reader's Theater in the classroom, providing a detailed framework for the process. He emphasizes the importance of structured practice, fluency, and expression, as well as the benefits of engaging students in dramatic reading. Reader's Theater can be implemented in ELA an…

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Exploring the Research Behind Paired Oral Reading with Jake Downs 51:18

5M ago51:18

51:18

Episode 224 Helping students become fluent, confident readers isn’t always easy—especially when they’re still sounding out words and struggling with comprehension. That’s why Synchronous Paired Oral Reading Techniques (SPORT) is a game-changer. In this episode, we’re joined by Jake Downs, assistant professor at Utah State University and host of the…

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[LISTEN AGAIN] Language Variations and Teaching Reading with Julie Washington 46:51

5M ago46:51

46:51

Episode 151 (from June 23, 2023) How Language Variations Shape Literacy Language and reading go hand in hand—but how can we leverage students’ linguistic strengths to support literacy? In this episode, Julie Washington, a professor at the University of California, Irvine, who specializes in the intersection of language and literacy, breaks down the…

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Effective Reading Instruction for Multilingual Learners (And Why It Works for Everyone) 1:07:20

6M ago1:07:20

1:07:20

Episode 223 Antonio Fierro and Gabi Bell Jimenez break down the essentials of teaching English learners—covering the simple view of reading, oracy, and literacy instruction. English learners thrive when we amplify language, not simplify it. They explore how to build language like Legos—piece by piece—so students can truly master it. Key Takeaways: …

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Classroom-Tested Literacy Routines for Every Student (Especially Multilingual Learners!) 46:24

6M ago46:24

46:24

Episode 222 In this episode, teacher coach Margarita shares effective strategies for leveraging students' native languages to enhance their learning in the classroom. She discusses the importance of making cross-linguistic connections, structured routines like QSSSA for speaking, and vocabulary strategies that include cognates. She also explains wr…

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[LIVE] Literacy & Justice for All 50:19

6M ago50:19

50:19

Episode 221 This live podcast recording was part of the opening reception for the 2025 Literacy & Justice for All symposium in Oakland, CA on March 7 and 8. It is crucial to ensure every student becomes a proficient reader. In this live podcast, we’re diving into the amazing strides Oakland Unified School District is making with its bold literacy v…

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[Listen Again] Vocabulary Instruction with Sean Morrisey 1:00:00

6M ago1:00:00

1:00:00

Episode 156 Fifth-grade teacher Sean Morrisey joins us to discuss all things vocabulary! We discuss Tier 2 and 3 words and discuss how you can strategically select words to teach using research-based approaches. We also share the importance of continuously using words in daily language and ways to use data to measure improvement. Finally, we bridge…

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Teacher-Tested Vocabulary Strategies 50:49

6M ago50:49

50:49

Episode 220 In this podcast episode, you'll hear from: Kirsten Taylor, a first-grade teacher turned literacy coach in Washington, D.C., and Kory Jensen, a fourth-grade teacher in Aurora, Colorado. Kirsten shares a powerful explicit vocabulary routine she uses with her students. She explains how to engage students in learning new words, assess their…

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[Listen Again] Language for Life with Lyn Stone 56:29

7M ago56:29

56:29

Episode 155 (from July 21, 2023) Curious about how words shape learning? Join us as we chat with linguist and author Lyn Stone about vocabulary, etymology, and their impact on literacy. Lyn shares practical strategies for teaching morphology and etymology, the importance of teacher knowledge, and great resources to build students' word awareness. W…

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Ten Vocabulary Moves Backed by Research with Blythe Anderson 47:24

7M ago47:24

47:24

In Episode 219, Blythe Anderson discusses the importance of vocabulary instruction, specifically through the use of vocabulary talk moves. These "talk moves" are designed to promote word learning and help teachers effectively teach new vocabulary. Blythe covers various types of vocabulary moves, their research backing, and practical examples of how…

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[Listen Again] Strengthening Language Comprehension in Young Learners with Tricia Zucker and Sonia Cabell 47:08

7M ago47:08

47:08

Episode 203 (from August 16, 2024) Our guests today, authors Tricia Zucker and Sonia Cabell, discuss the concept of Strive-For-Five Conversations, which emphasizes the importance of multi-turn conversations between teachers and students. They explain that the goal is to stretch conversations beyond the typical question-response format and aim for a…

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Building Better Academic Talk Routines in K-8 Classrooms 1:08:55

7M ago1:08:55

1:08:55

Episode 218 is chock-full of super practical ways to implement academic talk in your classroom tomorrow! Elementary science teacher Jami Witherell shares her insights on fostering academic discourse in the classroom, emphasizing the importance of giving students time to think before they speak. She discusses practical strategies for engaging studen…

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[Listen Again] The Relationship Between Phonics and Language Comprehension with Tiffany Hogan 1:07:05

8M ago1:07:05

1:07:05

Episode 167: Researcher Tiffany Hogan explores the relationship between phonics and language comprehension in this episode. She shares practical ways to make these connections in the classrooms - including read-alouds, discourse, and writing. Resources Mentioned in this Episode On the Importance of Listening Comprehension If you don't look, you don…

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Research-Backed Strategies for Academic Talk with Jeff Zwiers 56:30

8M ago56:30

56:30

Episode 217 Have you ever wondered how to get your students talking in a way that builds deeper understanding? In this episode, we chat with Jeff Zwiers, author of Academic Conversations and Next Steps with Academic Conversations, about the power of authentic discussions in the classroom. Here’s what you’ll learn: 3 Key Features of Authentic Conver…

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Research-Backed Writing Strategies from a 5th Grade Classroom 36:47

8M ago36:47

36:47

Struggling to make writing click for your students? In this episode, 5th-grade teacher Elise Frank shares practical strategies to tackle the challenges of teaching writing, inspired by "A Path to Better Writing" by Steve Graham and Karen Harris. Key takeaways: Simplify the hidden processes of writing for your students. Boost ownership and feedback.…

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A Path to Better Writing with Steve Graham 53:46

8M ago53:46

53:46

Steve Graham discusses the significance of writing in education, the challenges teachers face in teaching writing, and effective strategies to enhance students' writing skills. In this episode, you'll hear about: the interconnectedness of writing and reading the importance of feedback the role of handwriting and typing in writing fluency the necess…

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[Listen Again] The Writing Revolution with Judith Hochman and Natalie Wexler 44:37

9M ago44:37

44:37

From July 22, 2022 The Writing Revolution authors, Judith Hochman and Natalie Wexler, share a 'revolutionary' approach to writing. The best part: It begins at the sentence level AND content knowledge drives the rigor. Moreover, there is an overlap in reading, writing, and critical thinking. What are the principles of The Writing Revolution? There a…

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Ep. 214 Aligning Early Writing Routines to Research 27:33

9M ago27:33

27:33

What if young students could transform writing from a daunting task into an exciting journey of self-expression? In this episode, Laura Stam, a second-grade teacher from Wyoming, discusses her transformative journey in writing instruction. Struggling initially with an unstructured writing curriculum, Laura discovered innovative methods to support h…

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Ep. 213: Evidence-Based Writing Instruction for Young Learners with Karen Harris & Young Suk Grace Kim 1:04:54

9M ago1:04:54

1:04:54

This episode highlights the close connection between reading and writing and the importance of teaching them together. Young-Suk Kim uses a structural house analogy to explain their interdependence. Karen Harris introduces the SRSD (Self-Regulated Strategy Development) model, focusing on evidence-based practices that build self-regulation and expli…

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Melissa & Lori Love Literacy Trailer 1:03

9M ago1:03

1:03

Melissa & Lori Love Literacy™ is a podcast for teachers. The hosts are your classroom-next-door teacher friends turned podcasters learning with you. Episodes feature top literacy experts and teachers who are putting the science of reading into practice. Melissa & Lori bridge the gap between the latest research and your day-to-day teaching. We answe…

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Top Episode of 2024: 193: Systems to Get Better Reading Results with Stephanie Stollar 54:55

9M ago54:55

54:55

From 5/10/24 In this conversation, Stephanie Stollar discusses the implementation of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS). MTSS is a framework for school improvement that helps to provide support for students with various needs. The MTSS framework focuses on using data to identify barriers to student performance and making plans to eliminate thos…

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Ep. 212: Beyond the Science of Reading with Natalie Wexler 41:48

9M ago41:48

41:48

Phonics alone won’t solve the literacy crisis. Natalie Wexler's new book: Beyond the Science of Reading: Connecting Literacy Instruction to the Science of Learning advocates, which connects the science of reading to the broader science of learning. Key Points: The current reading crisis is fundamentally a learning crisis. Cognitive science principl…

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[Listen Again] Ep. 62: Effective Fluency Instruction with Tim Rasinski 1:11:36

10M ago1:11:36

1:11:36

From June 22, 2021 In this episode, reading and fluency expert Tim Rasinski tells us all about effective fluency instruction! How does repeated reading build fluency instruction? Why does text difficulty level impact fluency practice? What do effective accuracy, automaticity, and expression sound like? Check out research, articles, and helpful mate…

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Ep. 211: Building Fluency with POSSUM with Melissa Orkin and Maryanne Wolf 50:12

10M ago50:12

50:12

Fluency is a crucial aspect of reading. It involves automaticity and the ability to connect different aspects of word knowledge. In this episode, Maryanne Wolf and Melissa Orkin discuss: the importance of fluency in reading the factors that contribute to fluent reading the need for an integrative approach to fluency instruction the POSSUM approach …

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[Listen Again] Ep. 150: Science of Reading for ALL Students: Intervention for Secondary Students 57:45

10M ago57:45

57:45

Secondary educators have students in their classrooms who weren’t taught to read. Because of these reading deficits, students likely have a difficult time accessing secondary texts and tasks. Our guests today, Supt. Sherry Sousa and Educator Julie Brown, discuss a secondary intervention they developed that WORKS and is totally doable. The best part…

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Ep. 210: How Can You Improve Fluency for Older Students? with Janee' Butler 49:45

10M ago49:45

49:45

Fluency is complex, especially for older students. In this episode, Janee' Butler shares: how fluency instruction looks from early grades to secondary about challenges students and teachers face, practical strategies for improving fluency, a reminder not to forget about student motivation, especially for older students struggling with reading fluen…

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[Listen Again] Ep. 110: Baltimore Secondary Literacy Teachers Talk Fluency 1:11:15

11M ago1:11:15

1:11:15

From June 3, 2022 Today middle school educators from Baltimore City Public Schools join us to discuss their focus on fluency through Continuous Improvement work with fluency using HQC. What is Continuous Improvement? Why is this a useful framework? “Possibly wrong, definitely incomplete” is a mantra that resonates. The educators share their approac…

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Ep. 209: Readers' Theater: Easy, Effective, & FUN! with Chase Young 50:57

11M ago50:57

50:57

Chase Young discusses the implementation of Reader's Theater in the classroom, providing a detailed framework for the process. He emphasizes the importance of structured practice, fluency, and expression, as well as the benefits of engaging students in dramatic reading. Reader's Theater can be implemented in ELA and other subject areas with grade-l…

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BONUS: Harnessing the Science of Learning with Nathaniel Swain 34:40

11M ago34:40

34:40

The science of learning is what research says about how our brains learn. In this episode, Nathaniel Swain discusses the science of learning, emphasizing its connection with the science of reading. He shares: key mindset shifts for teachers the significance of coherent curriculum planning practical strategies like using mini whiteboards and advance…