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The Reading Instruction Show

The Reading Instruction Show

Dr. Andy Johnson 339 episodes Nov 4, 2026

The Reading Instruction Show is hosted by Dr. Andy Johnson and focuses on reading instruction and related educational topics. It offers informed discussion with a bit of attitude, aiming to inform and entertain listeners. The host emphasizes that he is not selling books, curriculum, or programs and does not accept speaking fees or seek consulting work. Episodes explore teaching practices, literacy, and other issues in education.

Episodes

The Importance of Context and the Science of Reading
The Importance of Context and the Science of Reading Nov 4, 2026 24:33 The Science of Reading seems to refer to a general consensus related to the strategies and practices that lead to improved reading outcomes. These strategies and practices have been determined to be effective using experimental or quasi-experimental research and conducted in authentic learning environments. Also, this research has established a causal link between strategies or practices and stu
Structured Literacy: Forward to the Past
Structured Literacy: Forward to the Past Nov 2, 2026 28:57 Using Blanche DuBois’s tragic reliance on the "kindness of strangers" as a central metaphor, this article critiques the recurring cycle of corporate-driven reading mandates and the reduction of literacy instruction to rigid compliance. Drawing upon autobiographical reflections from early career teaching in 1983 and connecting them to current "Science of Reading" and structured literacy policies, t
Conversation with Kathy Brown, Master Educator
Conversation with Kathy Brown, Master Educator Oct 6, 2026 32:59 If you’re looking for accessible, research-based information that slices through the endless loads of overly worded baloney, I would encourage you to subscribe to my free Substack, The Reading Instruction Show. Substack: The Reading Instruction Showhttps://thereadinginstructionshow.substack.com/
Reading Instruction, Word Confirmation, and Confirmation Bias
Reading Instruction, Word Confirmation, and Confirmation Bias Sep 19, 2026 14:44 Purpose statement: The reader will become more effective in evaluating online sources related to reading instruction. Behavioral objective: Readers will be able to identify instances in which confirmation bias results in an over-use of quotations and a misrepresentation of authors’ original ideas. Important Terms• Word recognition – encountering a word in print and instantly knowing what it is. •
Quiet, Piggy: A Trumpian Response to Science of Reading Critics
Quiet, Piggy: A Trumpian Response to Science of Reading Critics Aug 14, 2026 11:54 If you’re looking for accessible, research-based information that slices through the endless loads of overly worded baloney, I would encourage you to subscribe to my free Substack, The Reading Instruction Show. Substack: The Reading Instruction Showhttps://thereadinginstructionshow.substack.com/
Recognizing Words, the Three-Cueing System, and Identifying Words
Recognizing Words, the Three-Cueing System, and Identifying Words Jul 31, 2026 13:44 • Purpose: Readers will understand how the three cueing system is used to recognize words.• Behavioral objective: After reading this chapter, the reader will throw a pie in the face of any clown who suggests that the three-cueing system (a) is a strategy, (b) is an approach to reading instruction, or (c) that it teaches students to guess at words.
How NAEP Created a Perpetual Reading Crisis
How NAEP Created a Perpetual Reading Crisis Jul 17, 2026 6:58 The NAEP proficiency levels were arbitrarily defined (Bracey, 2008; Ravitch, 2012; Reinking, Hruby, & Risko, 2023). These levels should be interpreted with extreme caution (Vaulton, 2025). The National Center for Education Statistics website provides three reasons for this (NCES, 2025):1. Proficiency levels are based on desired expectations. Meaning that these levels are aspirational not ma
Reading and the Information Processing Model: Why Penguins Continue to Mishear What I Say
Reading and the Information Processing Model: Why Penguins Continue to Mishear What I Say Jul 7, 2026 16:04 Reading is a thinking process, not a responding-to-stimuli process or a sounding-out-words process. And since cognitive psychology studies human thinking; it makes good sense to examine the reading process from a cognitive or thinking perspective using the information processing model.• Purpose statement: The reader will develop a basic understanding of reading from a cognitive perspective.• Beha
Little Timmy, Round-Robin Reading, and Kindly, Old Mrs. Peterson
Little Timmy, Round-Robin Reading, and Kindly, Old Mrs. Peterson Jul 3, 2026 18:56 Important Terms• Round-robin reading – going around the table or around the room and having each student in turn read a section of text out loud. This is a teaching strategy that should very rarely (if ever) be used.• Popcorn reading – a form of round-robin reading except that the teacher randomly selects students to read a section of text out loud. This is designed to keep all students paying a
Understanding Reading from a Neurological Perspective: The Basics
Understanding Reading from a Neurological Perspective: The Basics Jun 27, 2026 15:33 If you’re looking for accessible, research-based information that slices through the endless loads of overly worded baloney, I would encourage you to subscribe to my free Substack, The Reading Instruction Show. Substack: The Reading Instruction Showhttps://thereadinginstructionshow.substack.com/
The Latest NCTQ Technical Report Does Not Meet Basic Academic Standards
The Latest NCTQ Technical Report Does Not Meet Basic Academic Standards Jun 21, 2026 14:21 The National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ) recently put out another technical report. This technical report graded 700 teacher preparation programs across the country (Ellis, et al., 2026). However, a critical evaluation shows why this report can’t be taken seriously. It contains an abundance of misinformation, disinformation, and convenient inaccuracies. It’s not known if these were inten
My MAGA Friends Tell Me Not to Judge Them
My MAGA Friends Tell Me Not to Judge Them Jun 19, 2026 7:45 Matthew 7: 1-2.“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you.”My MAGA Christian friends tell me I’m not supposed to judge them. They quote Matthew 7: 1-2 as if it’s a get-out-of-jail card, then they do whatever the hell they want to do.https://dr731.substack.com/p/my-maga-friends-tell-me-not-to-ju

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