Episode description

Join Dr. LaTonya Goffney, Superintendent of Schools for Aldine Independent School District in Texas, as she recounts her two-year journey with her team of district educators to adopt a new early literacy curriculum. Hear how they successfully challenged the traditional adoption process, studied the science of teaching reading, analyzed student data and experiences, and developed a district-wide set of beliefs and expectations. 

Show notes:

The Knowledge Gap: The hidden cause of America's broken education system--and how to fix it by Natalie Wexler

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Quotes:

“If you can read, you can go anywhere. Reading is a gateway to opportunity.”

“As leaders, we have to be prepared to challenge the notion of low expectations."

Episode timestamps*
01:00: Introduction: Who is LaTonya Goffney
04:00: Challenges in Literacy and Initial Steps
06:00: Developing a New Literacy Framework
13:00: Implementing the New Curriculum
23:00: Overcoming Obstacles and Building Commitment
35:00: Looking Ahead: Future Steps and Advice
42:00: Conclusion and Final Thoughts
*Timestamps are approximate, rounded to nearest minute