Phonics is key to developing literacy, but the practice of reading isn’t just about getting the words right; it’s about making meaning with and from texts. How can elementary schools teach children foundational skills while making literacy feel more meaningful for and useful to students?

In this episode of Leading Voices, literacy expert Misty Sailors discusses how school leaders can build a stronger culture of literacy that K–5 students, teachers, and visitors can feel the moment they walk into school—from the student work displayed on the walls to the way school leaders talk about literacy.

The episode explores phonics instruction, comprehension and disciplinary literacy, teacher agency, and authentic texts and provides practical strategies for helping elementary students become more confident, skilled, and motivated readers and writers.

How We Can Help

WestEd integrates Multilingual Learner expertise with the science of reading and disciplinary literacy to nurture strong readers, writers, and communicators across all content areas. Contact Misty to learn how you can partner with her team to improve student literacy outcomes, or explore WestEd’s summer professional learning institutes.

From the Episode

Reading for Understanding Research Initiative (Institute of Education Sciences)
Misty’s recommended motivation surveys:
- Elementary Reading Attitude Survey (ERAS) from McKenna & Kear
- Motivation to Read Profile (MRP) from Gambrell, Palmer, Codling & Mazzoni
Eligible schools and districts can join these WestEd-led research projects to receive support from our team at no cost and contribute to the evidence base that is helping shape the future of learning.
- Arizona’s Structured Literacy for Success Initiative
- Reading Apprenticeship Academic Literacy Learning (RA4ALL)

Leading Together 30-Minute Webinar Series