SMARTER Literacy

SMARTER Literacy

Ascend SMARTER Intervention

Episodes 37
Avg. Duration 22m
Activity Highly Active
Apple Rating 5.0 (16)
Since Jan 2025
Latest Episode Jun 2026

Publishing Details

Schedule
Every 2 Weeks
Consistency
76%
Hosting
app.kajabi.com

Contact & Outreach

About This Podcast

This is the SMARTER Literacy Podcast from Ascend SMARTER Intervention. Join us as we simplify the Science of Reading and bring you the tools and strategies to help students of all ages succeed in reading and writing. In each episode, we’ll dive into proven, research-based strategies and break down complex concepts, share actionable tips, and explore the power of literacy for every learner. Whether you're just starting your literacy journey or looking for new tools to enhance your teaching, you’re in the right place. Listen to this podcast on Spotify, Apple, or anywhere you get your podcasts.

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Recent Episodes

SMARTER Literacy Chat: Natalie Pryor

Jun 08, 2026 34m Bonus

What does literacy intervention look like when you start from scratch, in a studio with mini trampolines, and a background in law? In this first literacy chat, Lindsey sits down with Natalie,…

Introducing: Summer Literacy Chats

Jun 01, 2026 1m Trailer

Something a little different is coming to the Smarter Literacy Podcast this summer. Over the next several weeks, we're stepping back from our regular format to share something we think you really…

Episode 30 - Why Developing Reading Fluency isn't Just about Reading Faster

May 18, 2026 22m

Fluency is often reduced to words-per-minute scores, but strong readers do much more than read quickly. In this episode, we discuss what fluency actually means and why speed alone doesn’t lead to…

Episode 29 - How to Support Editing in Writing

May 04, 2026 28m

Editing often gets treated like the quick final step in writing, but in reality, it’s where the real work begins. In this episode, we unpack why students rush through editing, what they actually need…

Episode 28 - Building Independent Writers with Long Form Writing Routines

Apr 20, 2026 34m

In this episode, we explore why students often struggle with longer-form writing like paragraphs and essays, and how those struggles usually show up as either “stream of consciousness” writing or…

Episode 27 - Building Independent Writers with Spelling & Sentence Routines

Apr 06, 2026 25m

In this episode, we explore why teaching spelling patterns and grammar rules alone does not always translate into stronger student writing. We discuss how simple sentence routines can help students…

Episode 26 - Comprehension Is Not a Checklist

Mar 16, 2026 26m

In this episode, we tackle one of the most common challenges in literacy instruction: teaching reading comprehension effectively. We explore why isolated, skill-by-skill approaches (like spending a…

Episode 25 - Why Aren't Our Reading Scores Moving?

Mar 02, 2026 31m

In this episode, we take a closer look at how structured literacy principles can be applied flexibly to meet real classroom needs. We discuss what it means to thoughtfully bridge gaps for students…

Episode 24 - How We Bridge the Gap (for Students in the Messy Middle)

Feb 16, 2026 27m

Many students fall into the “messy middle” of literacy, needing more support than core instruction but not a full intensive intervention. In this episode, we walk through what a bridge intervention…

Episode 23 - Why Effective Literacy Instruction Requires Both Science and Art

Feb 02, 2026 28m

Many educators feel overwhelmed trying to support students who don’t clearly fit into traditional literacy intervention models. In this episode, we explore the “messy middle,” where structured…

Episode 22 - Helping Students Build Executive Functioning

Jan 12, 2026 44m

We break down how to use a simple five-step executive functioning framework with students to support focus, regulation, and task completion. You’ll learn practical ways to set clear goals, build…

Episode 21 - Using the 5-Step EF Framework to Start the Year

Jan 05, 2026 22m

In this episode, we share a reflective approach to starting the new year (or at any time of the year!) using an executive functioning framework designed to create calm, clarity, and alignment.…

Episode 20 - How to Gamify Reading Lessons

Dec 15, 2025 27m

In this episode, we share simple, no-prep ways to bring games into your literacy lessons using simple materials like a whiteboard, a die, or a word list. Learn how to make reading practice more…

Episode 19 - Why Games Work in Literacy Instruction

Dec 01, 2025 27m

In this episode, we share why games aren’t just for fun. They’re one of the most effective ways to teach, review, and differentiate literacy skills. Learn how to use games strategically within your…

Episode 18 - What to do When Progress Monitoring Scores Aren't Moving

Nov 17, 2025 18m

In this episode, we tackle one of the toughest moments in intervention: when you’ve been faithfully tracking progress, but the data just isn’t budging. We share how to recognize whether it’s a true…

Episode 17 - Tips & Tools for Progress Monitoring

Nov 03, 2025 23m

In this episode of the Smarter Literacy Podcast, we dive into progress monitoring - what it really is, why it matters, and how to make it part of everyday lessons without losing instructional…

Episode 16 - A Guide to Accommodations and Modifications

Oct 13, 2025 31m

In this episode of the Smarter Literacy Podcast, we break down the difference between accommodations and modifications, two terms often misunderstood in education. They discuss why these supports…

Episode 15 - What Does Dyslexia Really Look Like?

Oct 01, 2025 25m

We kick off Dyslexia Awareness Month by breaking down what dyslexia is and clearing up the most common myths. They share how it shows up across grade levels, what signs teachers can watch for, and…

Episode 14 - The Assessments We Love (and kind of hate)

Sep 15, 2025 20m

In this episode, we take you behind the scenes to discuss the standardized assessments they rely on with students, from the WIAT and CTOP to the TOWRE and GORT. They share what each tool reveals…

Episode 13 - Using Data to Drive Instruction

Sep 01, 2025 24m

Feeling overwhelmed by student data? In this episode, we walk through a simple 7-step process to move from numbers on a page to meaningful instructional decisions. You’ll learn how to: Use screeners…

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does SMARTER Literacy have?

SMARTER Literacy has published 37 episodes since January 2025, covering topics in Education, How To.

Is SMARTER Literacy still active?

SMARTER Literacy is currently highly active with new episodes every 2 weeks. Average episode length is 22m.

How do I contact SMARTER Literacy for sponsorship or guest appearances?

Sign up on Grep.FM to access contact details for SMARTER Literacy, including email and social media links.

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