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Listen "S1E4 /// Kansas at a Crossroads — What If We Got This Right?"
Episode Synopsis
What if every child had access to the kind of instruction that transforms lives?
In our Season 1 finale, we revisit the journey of Austin, once a struggling 6-year-old, now a thriving 17-year-old scoring in the top percentiles on the ACT. His story reminds us what’s possible when kids are finally taught to read with proven methods.
This episode takes a hard look at Kansas literacy outcomes, where only 28% of fourth graders are proficient in reading, and explores the systemic reforms underway. From legislators and board members to parents, teachers, and students, you’ll hear how Kansas is at a turning point — and what it will take to finally get this right.
In This Episode You’ll Hear:
Austin Collins shares how his life was transformed after years of struggle having had structured literacy instruction
Senator Renee Erickson on the literacy crisis and why research shows 95–97% of kids can learn to read with the right instruction
Kansas State Board of Education Chair Cathy Hopkins on what’s kept the science of reading out of classrooms — and why collaboration is the key to moving forward
Representative Megan Steele, both policymaker and parent, on why this crisis is personal and professional
Research shows 95–97% of students can learn to read with structured literacy.
Policy changes like the Seal of Literacy are steps forward, but without strong implementation and classroom application, they risk falling short.
Rolph Literacy Academy demonstrates how science-based instruction can change lives — for students, parents, and educators alike.
Veteran teacher Stephani Brooks on the challenges of training and implementation in Kansas schools
Skyline Schools PK-8 Principal Diane House and Teachers: Joyce Temanson, Carrie Harrold, Michelle Schmidt share the shift in student impact after having structured literacy training in Alphabetic Phonics on the lives of students- who also share as well.
This is Kansas’ moment of reckoning: if we get this right, we can change the future for every child.
Resources & Further Reading
Children of the Code Project
Hope for Kansas Episode 1
IMSLEC (International Multisensory Structured Language Education Council)
Kansas State Department of Education — Literacy Seal requirements
LETRS Professional Learning by Dr. Louisa Moats
NAEP (Nation’s Report Card) Kansas Reading Results
Phillips Fundamental Learning Center
Sold a Story podcast — Emily Hanford, APM Reports
Teaching Reading Is Rocket Science by Dr. Louisa Moats (AFT, 2020)
Reading in the Brain by Stanislas Dehaene (Viking, 2009)
Call to Action
Subscribe so you never miss an episode, including our bonus episode with Tammi Hope from PFLC and Season 2: The Anatomy of Change
Rate & Review on your favorite podcast platform to help others find the show
Share this episode with a parent, teacher, policy maker, or professor preparing future educators
Tell us your story at: funlearn.org/subscribe
Explore screening tools and resources at: funlearn.org
PODCAST MUSIC - SOUNDSTRIPE.COM Shimmer - What We Call Home, Cody Martin - Innovation, Reville - Curiosity, LNDO - Daydreaming , Shimmer - Craft
This podcast is produced by KB PODCASTS
In our Season 1 finale, we revisit the journey of Austin, once a struggling 6-year-old, now a thriving 17-year-old scoring in the top percentiles on the ACT. His story reminds us what’s possible when kids are finally taught to read with proven methods.
This episode takes a hard look at Kansas literacy outcomes, where only 28% of fourth graders are proficient in reading, and explores the systemic reforms underway. From legislators and board members to parents, teachers, and students, you’ll hear how Kansas is at a turning point — and what it will take to finally get this right.
In This Episode You’ll Hear:
Austin Collins shares how his life was transformed after years of struggle having had structured literacy instruction
Senator Renee Erickson on the literacy crisis and why research shows 95–97% of kids can learn to read with the right instruction
Kansas State Board of Education Chair Cathy Hopkins on what’s kept the science of reading out of classrooms — and why collaboration is the key to moving forward
Representative Megan Steele, both policymaker and parent, on why this crisis is personal and professional
Research shows 95–97% of students can learn to read with structured literacy.
Policy changes like the Seal of Literacy are steps forward, but without strong implementation and classroom application, they risk falling short.
Rolph Literacy Academy demonstrates how science-based instruction can change lives — for students, parents, and educators alike.
Veteran teacher Stephani Brooks on the challenges of training and implementation in Kansas schools
Skyline Schools PK-8 Principal Diane House and Teachers: Joyce Temanson, Carrie Harrold, Michelle Schmidt share the shift in student impact after having structured literacy training in Alphabetic Phonics on the lives of students- who also share as well.
This is Kansas’ moment of reckoning: if we get this right, we can change the future for every child.
Resources & Further Reading
Children of the Code Project
Hope for Kansas Episode 1
IMSLEC (International Multisensory Structured Language Education Council)
Kansas State Department of Education — Literacy Seal requirements
LETRS Professional Learning by Dr. Louisa Moats
NAEP (Nation’s Report Card) Kansas Reading Results
Phillips Fundamental Learning Center
Sold a Story podcast — Emily Hanford, APM Reports
Teaching Reading Is Rocket Science by Dr. Louisa Moats (AFT, 2020)
Reading in the Brain by Stanislas Dehaene (Viking, 2009)
Call to Action
Subscribe so you never miss an episode, including our bonus episode with Tammi Hope from PFLC and Season 2: The Anatomy of Change
Rate & Review on your favorite podcast platform to help others find the show
Share this episode with a parent, teacher, policy maker, or professor preparing future educators
Tell us your story at: funlearn.org/subscribe
Explore screening tools and resources at: funlearn.org
PODCAST MUSIC - SOUNDSTRIPE.COM Shimmer - What We Call Home, Cody Martin - Innovation, Reville - Curiosity, LNDO - Daydreaming , Shimmer - Craft
This podcast is produced by KB PODCASTS
In God we trust