Free Resources!

The Science of Reading for Grades 4-12 with Katie & Jen

Welcome to the Science of Reading Podcast for grades 4-12! Your hosts, Dr. Katie McKnight and Dr. Jenny French have been classroom teachers, university professors, school consultants and authors. They created this podcast especially for 4th -12th grade teachers, literacy coaches, and school leaders who need information, tools and resources to grow their students’ literacy achievement.

Click here to listen on Spotify.

Background Knowledge Means Better Comprehension
April 14, 2024 - In this episode, Dr. Katie McKnight and Dr. Jenny French discuss the importance of background knowledge in reading comprehension for older students. The hosts debunk the misconception that Lexile scores are the sole indicator of text complexity and highlight the need for a rich curriculum that includes social studies and science content. They also provide strategies for activating background knowledge.

Building a Successful Summer School Program
March 6, 2024 - Summer is coming! This info will help you design a summer school plan with logistical suggestions and resource recommendations!

The Science of Reading for Adolescents
January 30, 2024 - Delve into the practical considerations educators should bear in mind to cultivate effective literacy skills in older students. Whether you’re a teacher, school leader, or literacy enthusiast, this episode offers actionable advice to empower adolescent minds through the transformative science of reading.

Reading SOS: What About Secondary Students Who Can't Read?

Hosted by Schoolin’ Around | Branching Minds

Presented live on April 2, 2024

In this conversation Larissa Napolitan and Dr. Katherine McKnight discuss the challenges and trends in secondary students' literacy. The conversation includes the importance of higher-level questioning and deep comprehension skills, and highlights the need for a clearly defined literacy plan and professional development for teachers. Takeaways:

• Secondary students often struggle with reading comprehension and deep comprehension skills.

• A clearly defined literacy plan and professional development are essential for improving literacy instruction in middle school and high school.

• Integration of literacy instruction across content areas is crucial for deepening understanding and promoting higher-level thinking.

• School leaders should prioritize literacy education and provide the necessary resources and support for teachers.

Click here to listen.

Key Ingredients for Building a Successful Reading Intervention Program
Hosted by ThinkCERCA

Presented live on January 25, 2024 | Build a program that really works! Learn about:

• How to take first steps with identifying students through data and assessments


• Strategies that work to shift culture and any existing stigma

• One school's successful model


• Taking next steps

• Scheduling, funding, and more!

Presented by:

Katie McKnight, Ph.D., Professor, Teacher, Author, Founder of Engaging Learners

Jenny French, Ed.D., Developer of Foundational Reading & Linguistics at ThinkCERCA

Click here to view a recording. Click here to download hand outs.

ThinkCERCA’s Reading And The Brain Webinar Series
Hosted by ThinkCERCA

View a recording of this two-part webinar series, hosted by ThinkCERCA.

Part 1 (presented live on November 17, 2023) What does the middle and high schooler brain look like as it’s learning to read?

Part 2 (presented live on December 5, 2023) As the adolescent mind builds learning highways through reading, how can we create instructional strategies to engage and foster reading confidence?

Presented by:

Katie McKnight, Ph.D., Professor, Teacher, Author, Founder of Engaging Learners

Jenny French, Ed.D., Developer of Foundational Reading & Linguistics at ThinkCERCA

Click here to view a recording.

Texas STAAR Redesign: Constructed Response Readiness
Educational Resource Company Short, Short, BIG! Author Series

Led by subject matter experts Alan Sitomer and Dr. Katie McKnight, this webinar provides unique and engaging strategies and resources to help students tackle extended constructed response questions and essays similar to those found on the redesigned STAAR (State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness) tests.

Learn about the deep links between effective reading and writing and discover how the redesign emphasizes this interconnectedness. When students practice writing using evidence from their reading, it isn't just about preparing for exams. It's about molding holistic learners, critical thinkers, and articulate communicators. Katie and Alan share practical strategies to take the ambiguity out of evidence-based reading and writing. Your students will be better prepared for success.

Click here to view a recording.

Confidence Breeds Success, Success Breeds Confidence – Coauthored with Dr. Richard M. Cash. Published December 6, 2021 on the School Rubric website.

Reading: The Foundation for ALL Learning – Published October 18, 2021 on the School Rubric website.

College, Career and “The Test” – Published September 20, 2021 on the School Rubric website.

What Makes Adolescent Reading Different? – Published August 28, 2021 on the School Rubric website.

Creating Literacy Peace: All Text is Important for Developing Readers – Coauthored with LeAnn Nickelsen in the July 2021 issue of InterACT.