🎙 Episode Title: Bridging MTSS and the Science of Reading with Stephanie Stollar & Sarah Brown
📚 Episode Summary:
In this episode, I'm joined by the brilliant minds behind the upcoming book MTSS for Reading Improvement — Stephanie Stollar and Sarah Brown. These two powerhouses bring decades of experience supporting schools in implementing the Science of Reading within an MTSS framework, and I could not be more excited for the practical, systems-level support their new book provides. We dive into what MTSS really looks like when done well, common roadblocks schools face, and how to build sustainable systems that actually move the needle for student achievement.
Whether you're a literacy coach, classroom teacher, or school leader, this episode is packed with real talk, actionable insights, and encouragement.
✨ In this episode, we cover:
Why the Science of Reading alone isn't enough — and how MTSS brings it to life at the system level
Common misconceptions about MTSS (Spoiler: it's not just about interventions)
How to strengthen Tier 1 instruction and use data to make the right decisions
Practical strategies school leaders can implement right now
Tips for fostering collaboration and building trust within school teams
How to bridge the gap between research and daily instruction
📘 About the Book:
MTSS for Reading Improvement by Sarah Brown and Stephanie Stollar is available for pre-order now and officially releases on May 5, 2025. This book is designed for school leaders, coaches, and educators who want to create meaningful, lasting change in literacy outcomes by building a solid MTSS framework that aligns with the Science of Reading.
💡 Bonus Insight: Sarah shares a powerful end-of-year strategy involving extra practice folders that helped close gaps just in time. Stephanie offers a must-do action step: schedule your cross-grade data meetings now!
👥 About Today's Guests:
Stephanie Stollar
Founder of the Reading Science Academy and a consultant helping schools align instruction with the Science of Reading.
🔗 Website: Reading Science Academy
📘 Courses & Membership: Reading Science Academy Programs
Sarah Brown
MTSS consultant, founder of System Impact Consulting, and co-author of Effective Universal Instruction. She supports schools in making data-driven decisions to improve instruction.
🔗 Website: System Impact Consulting
📥 Free Resource: MTSS Data Academy Tools
📧 Contact: Sarah@systemimpactconsulting.com
🎉 Big News:
The Reading League will be using MTSS for Reading Improvement for its national Summer Book Study — keep an eye out for resources and discussion opportunities hosted through local chapters!
🔗 Pre-Order the Book:
Pre-order on Amazon (link will update when live)
💬 Let's Connect:
If you loved this episode, take a screenshot, share it on Instagram, and tag me @literacyedventures. I'd love to hear your biggest takeaway!
