The Science of Reading Formula

What if leadership is the reason your reading scores aren’t moving? You’ve trained your teachers. You’ve rolled out new curriculum. But something still isn’t working. In this episode, Terrie Noland reveals how leadership—yes, even well-meaning leadership—can quietly block or boost reading success. It’s not about blame. It’s about getting real.
In this episode, we'll talk about:
Why literacy leadership is the missing link in most schools.
The difference between knowledge, wisdom, and curiosity.
How school leaders unintentionally block reading success.
Small “micro-moves” that drive big culture change.
How to inspire teachers and build buy-in without burning out.
Show Links
Connect with Dr. Noland on LinkedIn
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You’re told to teach with fidelity—but what if the curriculum itself isn’t aligned with the science of reading? In this episode, Kari Kurto from The Reading League breaks down how to evaluate your materials, spot red flags, and use the Curriculum Navigation Reports and Compass tools to make better instructional decisions—without starting from scratch.
In this episode, we'll talk about:
How to tell if a curriculum is really SoR aligned.
The top red flags to watch for in your materials.
Why “fidelity” isn’t always the best approach.
Free tools to help you evaluate and improve.
How to make change—even if your district isn’t there yet.
Show Links
The Reading League Website
Curriculum Decision Maker's Page
The Reading League's Evaluation Guidelines
Join Malia on Instagram.
Become a Science of Reading Formula member!

Rate, Review, and Follow
If you loved this episode, please take a minute to rate and review my show! That helps the podcast world know that this show is worth sharing with other educators just like you.
Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review". Then let me know what you loved most about the episode!
While you're there, be sure to follow the podcast. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and I don't want you to miss out!

Ever feel like one more behavior outburst might push you over the edge? You’re not alone. In this episode, we’re breaking down practical, real-life strategies that help K–2 teachers handle challenging behaviors without shame, power struggles, or burnout. If behavior’s been the hardest part of your day—you’re going to feel seen and supported here.
In this episode, we'll talk about:
Why behavior feels harder than ever—and what’s really going on.
Simple tools that help kids express needs before they escalate.
How to build strong classroom systems that support every child.
The one strategy you need for that student who always pushes back.
Ways to stay calm (even when you feel like yelling).
Show Links
Allie's Miss Behavior Blog / Instagram
Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence RULER
Join Malia on Instagram.
Become a Science of Reading Formula member!

Rate, Review, and Follow
If you loved this episode, please take a minute to rate and review my show! That helps the podcast world know that this show is worth sharing with other educators just like you.
Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review". Then let me know what you loved most about the episode!
While you're there, be sure to follow the podcast. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and I don't want you to miss out!

Teaching kids to decode words is essential, but what happens when they can read the words and still don’t understand what they’re reading? In this episode, we dive deep into the often overlooked role of academic language in reading comprehension. Language expert Trina Spencer joins us to explain why strong language skills are the true foundation of literacy and what teachers can start doing right away to help students build them. If you’ve ever had students who read fluently but struggle to make meaning from text, this conversation will shift the way you think about comprehension instruction.
In this episode, we'll talk about:
Why spoken language, not phonics, is the true foundation of reading comprehension.
What academic language really is and why it is much more than just vocabulary.
The different types of academic vocabulary, including general academic words, domain-specific words, polysemous words, and morphologically complex words.
A powerful 30-second strategy that helps students learn new words independently using inferential thinking.
Why read-alouds alone are not enough for building strong language comprehension and what teachers can do instead.
Simple shifts teachers can make to help students develop the language skills needed for reading success.
Show Links
Dr. Trina Spencer's website // on LinkedIn // free resources
Join Malia on Instagram.
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Rate, Review, and Follow
If you loved this episode, please take a minute to rate and review my show! That helps the podcast world know that this show is worth sharing with other educators just like you.
Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review". Then let me know what you loved most about the episode!
While you're there, be sure to follow the podcast. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and I don't want you to miss out!

What if reading isn’t just a skill we teach—but a right we protect?
In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Tanji Reed Marshall, a powerful voice in education who invites us to rethink what it really means to teach every child how to read. We go beyond the buzzwords and into the heart of why literacy matters—not just for achievement, but for identity, dignity, and opportunity.
This conversation will challenge you (in the best way), ground you in purpose, and give you the language to advocate for real change—without needing to overhaul your classroom.
In this episode, we'll talk about:
What it really means to honor literacy as a human right.
How to spot the invisible barriers some students face.
Why representation in literacy materials matters more than we think.
What small shifts can make your instruction more inclusive.
How to keep growing—without guilt, overwhelm, or perfectionism.
Show Links
Dr. Tanji Reed Marshall 's website // on LinkedIn // on X (formerly Twitter)
Join Malia on Instagram.
Become a Science of Reading Formula member!

Rate, Review, and Follow
If you loved this episode, please take a minute to rate and review my show! That helps the podcast world know that this show is worth sharing with other educators just like you.
Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review". Then let me know what you loved most about the episode!
While you're there, be sure to follow the podcast. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and I don't want you to miss out!