Shows
School ShortsMore than Phonics: Fluency and Comprehension with Natalie WexlerLearning to read isn’t just about sounding out words even though the biggest part of reading instruction that gets spoken about publicly is phonics. Education journalist and author Natalie Wexler explains why in this episode. She points out that at a certain point student's reading progress flattens out unless they haven't also had teaching that helps to build fluency, background knowledge, vocabulary and comprehension. Wexler talks about how some children can 'read' words but still not understand what they're reading. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2026-02-0130 min
The Lisa Wexler ShowCBS Corr Natalie Brand on DavosWashington correspondent covering the White House and Capitol Hill for CBS, Natalie Brand, joins Lisa Wexler after returning from Davos and back at the White House to report on Greenland and the Ukraine war. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2026-01-2311 min
The ThoughtStretchers PodcastBeyond Explicit Instruction, The Importance of ElaborationDrew Perkins welcomes education writer and author Natalie Wexler to the podcast to discuss her latest work and the evolving conversation around explicit instruction and the "Science of Reading." While the movement has successfully brought phonics to the forefront, Wexler argues that too narrow of a focus ignores the lessons of the Science of Learning. Links & Resources Mentioned In This Episode Wexler notes that the "Science of Reading" is often misunderstood as being synonymous with phonics. While foundational skills are non-negotiable, she explains that the "Mississippi Miracle" and other literacy success stories are incomplete without a...
2026-01-1459 minThe ThoughtStretchers PodcastBeyond Explicit Instruction, The Importance of ElaborationDrew Perkins welcomes education writer and author Natalie Wexler to the podcast to discuss her latest work and the evolving conversation around explicit instruction and the "Science of Reading." While the movement has successfully brought phonics to the forefront, Wexler argues that too narrow of a focus ignores the lessons of the Science of Learning. Links & Resources Mentioned In This Episode Wexler notes that the "Science of Reading" is often misunderstood as being synonymous with phonics. While foundational skills are non-negotiable, she explains that the "Mississippi Miracle" and other literacy success stories are incomplete without a...
2026-01-1459 min
Knowledge for TeachersS03E19 - Natalie Wexler on the Knowledge Gap and What Lies Beyond the Science of ReadingIn this episode of Knowledge for Teachers, host Brendan Lee speaks with Natalie Wexler, education writer and author of The Knowledge Gap, The Writing Revolution, and Beyond the Science of Reading. Together they explore what truly drives reading comprehension and why knowledge rich instruction is essential for every learner. Natalie unpacks the surprising limits of treating comprehension as a set of isolated skills, explains how background knowledge shapes understanding in powerful ways, and shows why writing can be one of the most effective tools for securing learning. Listeners will also hear how cognitive load theory connects to literacy and...
2025-12-061h 12Knowledge for TeachersS03E19 - Natalie Wexler on the Knowledge Gap and What Lies Beyond the Science of ReadingIn this episode of Knowledge for Teachers, host Brendan Lee speaks with Natalie Wexler, education writer and author of The Knowledge Gap, The Writing Revolution, and Beyond the Science of Reading. Together they explore what truly drives reading comprehension and why knowledge rich instruction is essential for every learner. Natalie unpacks the surprising limits of treating comprehension as a set of isolated skills, explains how background knowledge shapes understanding in powerful ways, and shows why writing can be one of the most effective tools for securing learning. Listeners will also hear how cognitive load theory connects to literacy and...
2025-12-061h 12
Teacher Insights from CatalystBeyond the Science of Reading: A Conversation with Natalie WexlerToday, I have the absolute pleasure of speaking with Natalie Wexler, an acclaimed education writer and thought leader whose work has shaped conversations around literacy, cognitive science, and equity in education. Natalie is the author of Beyond the Science of Reading: Connecting Literacy Instruction to the Science of Learning and The Knowledge Gap: The Hidden Cause of America’s Broken Education System—And How to Fix It. She also co-authored The Writing Revolution and The Writing Revolution 2.0.
Natalie’s insights have reached audiences across the U.S. and beyond, and she continues to share her expertise through her Su...
2025-11-2726 min
The CIS Event ExperienceThe Knowledge Gap: Phonics Alone Isn't Enough for Reading Success | Wexler, Stanford & HammondEducation writer Natalie Wexler, New Zealand Education Minister Erica Stanford and literacy expert Lorraine Hammond discuss why phonics alone isn't for reading success. Recorded at @CISAus in Sydney, this conversation reveals the realities about how schools teach reading comprehension and what needs to change.
In this presentation Wexler presents evidence from US literacy reforms: states that fixed phonics instruction saw test scores improve in early primary years, then fade completely by middle school. "Do kids just forget how to decode words?" she asks. Schools spend years drilling students in abstract strategies like "finding the main idea" or "ma...
2025-11-201h 15
The Road to Reading PodcastS4E4: Viewing Lessons through a Cognitive Science Lens with Court ShullerIn this episode, Court Shuller, a 7th-grade ELA teacher in South Jersey, shares their experience of planning lessons and units through a cognitive science lens. They’ll share how the 3 principles of Cognitive Load Theory, Prior Knowledge, and Effortful Thinking can be reflected in their classroom.Show Notes:Powerful Teaching-Pooja Agarwal &Patrice BainTLAC Guide to the Science of Reading-Doug Lemov, Colleen Driggs, & Erica WoolwayLearning How to Learn-Barbara OakleyMinding th...
2025-10-1224 min
The Knowledge Matters PodcastNatalie Wexler on How Writing Promotes Clear Thinking | Literacy and the Science of LearningSeason 3 Episode 6 | “Teaching students to write clearly was actually teaching them to think clearly.” In the Season 3 finale, host Natalie Wexler brings listeners inside Monroe City Schools, a high-poverty Louisiana district where educators have paired a content-rich curriculum with explicit writing instruction. This combination has not only helped students become fluent writers but also expanded their ability to understand complex content and think analytically.For writing instruction to work, the curriculum needs to dive deeply into specific topics. “It’s hard to build a complex paragraph and sentence structure around something that’s a relatively...
2025-07-2929 min
Embrace Into A Mind-Blowing Full Audiobook On Your Commute.The Writing Revolution 2.0 by Judith C. Hochman, Natalie Wexler, Kathleen Maloney, Doug Lemov -forewordPlease visithttps://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/2/audible/248650to listen full audiobooks.
Title: The Writing Revolution 2.0
Author: Judith C. Hochman, Natalie Wexler, Kathleen Maloney, Doug Lemov -foreword
Narrator: Natalie Wexler
Format: mp3
Length: 9 hrs
Release date: 07-29-25
Ratings: 5.0 out of 5 stars, 1 rating
Genres: Words, Language & Grammar
Publisher's Summary:
This new edition of The Writing Revolution adds guidance for teachers seeking a way to bring their students' writing ability up to rigorous state standards. As thousands of educators have already discovered, The Writing Revolution provides the road map they need, clearly explaining how to incorporate the Hochman Method into their instruction. The...
2025-07-2930 min
Screen Less Play MoreHow Generative AI Can Rot Your Brain, (And How To Raise A Reader) | Natalie Wexler | Screen Less Play More Episode 16"The word memorization has become like a dirty word in education....It's always paired with the adjective rote. Now, rote memorization is memorizing stuff that you don't actually understand. And that's not very helpful. But memorization...is really the basis of learning," Natalie Wexler tells us. "The more information you have about a subject in long-term memory, the easier it is to learn new things about that subject because the new information has a framework to fit into, something to stick to." "If we want kids to be good readers, know, comprehenders of their reading. If we...
2025-07-231h 06
The Knowledge Matters PodcastNatalie Wexler on Memory and the Writing Effect | Literacy and the Science of LearningSeason 3 Episode 5 | Writing is hard—and teaching writing is even harder. But science tells us it’s well worth the effort, because writing flexes the mental muscles that nurture literacy and learning.Host Natalie Wexler connects cognitive science to specific writing practices that transfer information from working to long-term memory and require students to retrieve and elaborate on that information. She’s joined by psychologists John Sweller and Jeffrey Karpicke, whose research has identified effective instructional and academic strategies for teaching, learning, and lightening students’ cognitive loads.“Writing isn't just a product—it’s part of the p...
2025-07-2223 min
The Knowledge Matters PodcastBonus Episode: Writing: An Unsung Hero of Reading ComprehensionThis bonus episode is an audio recording of our most popular webinar ever, Writing: An Unsung Hero of Reading Comprehension. It features familiar voices to listeners of Season 1 of the Knowledge Matters Podcast, best-selling author and host Natalie Wexler, as well as StandardsWork’s Chief Program Officer Kristen McQuillan, Doug Lemov (Teach Like a Champion), and Julia Cooper (SchoolKit).Their conversation focuses on why writing should be connected to content learning. How does the act of writing about one’s learning deepen retention of the content? How does it support emerging writers in focusing on their craft? Our...
2025-03-251h 01
TransformED with STEP UpFrom Classroom Gaps to Knowledge Gains: Natalie Wexler on Education ReformSend us a textIn this episode of TransformED with StepUp, we’re excited to welcome Natalie Wexler, a prominent education author known for her groundbreaking insights into education reform. Natalie’s acclaimed book, The Knowledge Gap: The Hidden Cause of America’s Broken Education System—And How to Fix It, along with her works on effective writing instruction, have sparked meaningful discussions on improving U.S. schools. She also hosts Reading Comprehension Revisited as part of the Knowledge Matters Podcast series and has written for top publications like The New York Times And The Atlantic.Natalie brings a wealth...
2025-03-1440 min
Bedrock Talks from Bedrock Learning32. Reading is learning: Breaking down the artificial barrier with Natalie WexlerNatalie Wexler joins Andy Sammons to tackle one of education's most persistent challenges: the artificial barrier between reading and learning. This eye-opening conversation dives deep into why traditional approaches to reading comprehension don't work - and what cognitive science tells us actually does.Wexler, author of The Knowledge Gap and co-author of The Writing Revolution, unpacks how our current methods of teaching reading comprehension - as isolated skills, divorced from content - fundamentally misunderstand how comprehension works. She explains why background knowledge functions as "mental Velcro" for new information, and why simply practicing skills like making inferences...
2025-03-1135 min
Critically SpeakingNatalie Wexler: America's Knowledge GapIn this episode, Therese Markow and Natalie Wexler discuss the poor reading skills of American students, as evidenced by NAEP test results. Natalie highlights the ineffectiveness of current reading programs and the focus on skills over content. She also talks about the discrepancies between students of different backgrounds, and how The Matthew Effect appears in reading comprehension and general knowledge. She also encourages teachers and parents to introduce their children, as early as possible, to higher concepts and vocabulary as children can and do understand more than many give them credit for. Natalie also discusses the role of writing...
2025-02-1144 min
The Mandy Connell Podcast01-27-25 Interview - Natalie Wexler - Why Aren't Kids Learning?WHY AREN'T KIDS LEARNING? I've got a guest that says the curriculum schools uses has a HUGE impact on student learning, as many curriculums aren't based at all on science and have been failing students. When they got rid of phonics instruction children stopped reading well, and that's just one example. Why do curriculums change and how can you insure your schools are using the best ones available? I've got Natalie Wexler on at 1pm to talk about it, and you really should read this article on it too.
2025-01-2715 min
Creating Joyful Readers23. The Role of Knowledge in Literacy and Learning with Natalie WexlerDon't miss this conversation with literacy expert Natalie Wexler.Connect with our guest:https://nataliewexler.com/The Knowledge Gap: The Hidden Cause of America's Broken Education System--and How to Fix it https://amzn.to/3BBt4cZThe Writing Revolution: A Guide to Advancing Thinking Through Writing in All Subjects and Grades https://amzn.to/3ZJzXRFSome links referenced here are affiliate links. Supporting the podcast through these links comes at no additional cost to you.--> Shop for your modern day literacy classroom HERE:https...
2025-01-2740 min
Melissa & Lori Love Literacy ®[Listen Again] The Writing Revolution with Judith Hochman and Natalie WexlerFrom July 22, 2022The Writing Revolution authors, Judith Hochman and Natalie Wexler, share a 'revolutionary' approach to writing. The best part: It begins at the sentence level AND content knowledge drives the rigor. Moreover, there is an overlap in reading, writing, and critical thinking. What are the principles of The Writing Revolution? There are six: Students need explicit instruction in writing, beginning in the early elementary grades.Sentences are the building blocks of all writing.When embedded in the content of the curriculum, writing instruction is a pow...
2025-01-1744 min
Science of Reading: The PodcastS9 E8: Cognitive science-informed teaching, with Natalie WexlerIn this episode, Susan Lambert rejoins podcast alum Natalie Wexler to discuss Natalie’s new book Beyond the Science of Reading: Connecting Literacy Instruction to the Science of Learning. Listeners will gain insights into why this topic is important, what this book offers educators, why Natalie was so drawn to writing this book, and what cognitive science-informed teaching looks like in general. Natalie addresses how cognitive load theory works in practice with literacy, misconceptions about focusing only on phonics, and scaling science-informed instruction. Natalie also answers a question from the listener mailbag about encouraging colleagues to adopt an evidence-based ap...
2025-01-1539 min
Progressively IncorrectS4E16: Natalie Wexler on Knowledge, Cognitive Science, and Beyond PhonicsIn this episode, I catch up with Natalie Wexler to discuss her new book, Beyond the Science of Reading. Our wide-ranging conversation covers often underrepresented areas of the science of reading, including the importance of background knowledge for comprehension, cognitive load theory, and explicit writing instruction. Listen and subscribe to Progressively Incorrect on…SpotifyYouTubeApple PodcastsWordPress This … Continue reading S4E16: Natalie Wexler on Knowledge, Cognitive Science, and Beyond Phonics
2025-01-0243 min
Melissa & Lori Love Literacy ®Ep. 212: Beyond the Science of Reading with Natalie WexlerPhonics alone won’t solve the literacy crisis.Natalie Wexler's new book: Beyond the Science of Reading: Connecting Literacy Instruction to the Science of Learning advocates, which connects the science of reading to the broader science of learning.Key Points:The current reading crisis is fundamentally a learning crisis.Cognitive science principles, such as retrieval practice, should apply to all learning.Advocating for a knowledge-building curriculum supports all students, particularly those who struggle. Writing instruction should start with explicit techniques.All teachers should integrate literacy within their content.Beyond the...
2024-12-2041 min
Principal Center RadioNatalie Wexler—Beyond the Science of Reading: Connecting Literacy Instruction to the Science of Learning
Visit Natalie's Website, www.NatalieWexler.com
Follow Natalie on X @natwexler
About The Author
Natalie Wexler is an education journalist whose work has appeared in The New York Times, The Atlantic, and the Washington Post.
She is the coauthor of The Writing Revolution 2.0. She is the author of The Knowledge Gap: The Hidden Cause of America's Broken Education System and How To Fix It, and the new book, Beyond the Science of Reading, Connecting Literacy Instruction to the Science of Learning.
2024-11-0425 min
Dyslexia Duo PodcastDyslexia Duo Podcast Episode 17 Part 2- Natalie WexlerThe duo conclude their interview with educational author Natalie Wexler.
Find out more about Natalie Wexler and her work here: https://nataliewexler.com/
2024-10-2739 min
Lars og PålEpisode 149 Den gamle skolen møter ny forskning, med Morten BrattbakkHva skjer om vi kombinerer nyere forskning med gamle etablerte ideer om skole og undervisning? Lektor Morten Brattbakk mener at vi her finner løsningen på mye av det som idag skaper problemer i dagens samfunn, hvor barn er for mye på skolen, og både lærer for lite og leker for lite. I denne samtalen snakker vi om cognitive load theory, arbeidsminnet og langtidsminnet, betydningen av kunnskap, hva som er problemet med kritisk tenking slik denne ferdigheten ofte omtales i skoledebatten, lærerens rolle som både trener og dommer i klasserommet, anonym retting, motivasjon og meni...
2024-10-191h 47Dyslexia Duo PodcastDyslexia Duo Podcast Episode 16 Part 1- Natalie WexlerThe duo conduct an excellent conversation with educational author Natalie Wexler.
Find out more about Natalie Wexler and her work here: https://nataliewexler.com/
2024-10-1941 min
Science of Reading LeadershipBridging the Knowledge Gap with Natalie Wexler“We have lots of evidence that having knowledge of the topic really helps you with reading comprehension.”In this powerful Science of Reading Leadership episode, we welcome Natalie Wexler, an esteemed education writer and author of "The Knowledge Gap: The Hidden Cause of America's Broken Education System—And How to Fix It." Natalie shares her extensive experience and dives into how we can bridge the educational divide with effective knowledge-building strategies.Key Takeaways:Understanding the Knowledge Gap: Natalie explains the knowledge gap concept, highlighting the disparity in background knowledge that contributes to the reading comprehension gap betwee...
2024-06-1124 min
Racket To GoListen to This Article: Substack Q&A: Natalie Wexler of "Minding The Gap"Should we teach more knowledge and less process? Why has knowledge become a bad word? Racket catches up with K-12 expert Natalie Wexler, author of "The Knowledge Gap" This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.racket.news/subscribe
2024-05-1623 min
All For LiteracyNarrowing the Knowledge Gap With Natalie WexlerWhat would it take to narrow the knowledge gap between high-achieving and struggling students when it comes to reading and writing?
Education writer Natalie Wexler joins Host Dr. Liz Brooke in Season 2, Episode 8. Wexler is author of “The Knowledge Gap: The Hidden Cause of America’s Broken Education System—and How to Fix It.” Her writing focuses on content-centric education and charts possible routes to achieving educational and social equity.
Gain a critical understanding of how content-focused instruction improves student success. Wexler and Brooke break down the findings behind several in-classroom studies that have changed how certai...
2024-05-0743 minAll For LiteracyNarrowing the Knowledge Gap With Natalie WexlerWhat would it take to narrow the knowledge gap between high-achieving and struggling students when it comes to reading and writing?
Education writer Natalie Wexler joins Host Dr. Liz Brooke in Season 2, Episode 8. Wexler is author of “The Knowledge Gap: The Hidden Cause of America’s Broken Education System—and How to Fix It.” Her writing focuses on content-centric education and charts possible routes to achieving educational and social equity.
Gain a critical understanding of how content-focused instruction improves student success. Wexler and Brooke break down the findings behind several in-classroom studies that have changed how certai...
2024-05-0743 min
KindlED | The Prenda PodcastEpisode 43: The Knowledge Gap. A Conversation with Natalie Wexler.This week, Kaity and Adriane chat with Natalie Wexler, an education writer and the author of "The Knowledge Gap," about the root causes of the pervasive knowledge gap, the unintended consequences of modern education, and actionable solutions for closing the achievement gap and igniting a love of learning in students.Episode 43 also explores: 🔥 the significance of explicit instruction, guided practice, and frequent retrieval practice🔥 the link between screen time, family dynamics, and academic success🔥 the importance of having a good curriculum🔥 the systemic challenges that teachers face 🔥 and so much more!So, don't mis...
2024-04-161h 09
KEDC Podcast Empowering EdTalksBook Talk Episode with Author Natalie Wexler on The Knowledge GapNatalie Wexler brings research and cognitive science to our conversation about instruction. She discusses a variety of topics that your won't want to miss if you are a K-5 teacher or administrator. If you are serving in a different role her findings are very inspriring to keep asking why we are doing what we do for students and knowing our impact as educators.
Check out more about Natalie and topics discussed at these links. Thanks for tuning in!
Don't forget to hit that FOLLOW button.
2024-03-1558 min
CA TodayBringing the Joy to Reading through Science of ReadingJoin host Lindsay Simpson as she explores the
New York State Science of Reading initiative with Tessa Levitt and Sarah Cartmill from Cattaraugus-Allegany BOCES. You will hear an overview of the Science of Reading initiative, detailing its implementation and significance statewide as well as its practical application, debunking misconceptions and strategies to integrate its principles into daily instruction seamlessly. They discuss the pivotal role of administrators in fostering widespread adoption and share success stories that highlight the initiative's positive impact.
Episode Resources
Looking to review the Literacy briefs released by NYSED? Check...
2024-03-0435 min
Reading Teachers LoungeBuilding Knowledge with Linda RhyneShannon and Mary are joined in by Linda Rhyne in the Reading Teachers Lounge. They share a deep dive of information from the book, The Knowledge Gap by Natalie Wexler. This episode is full of information and strategies to increase your student's knowledge helping them dive deep into comprehension and knowledge building. Linda Rhyne is a returning guest to the show and shares her expertise in guiding professional discussions to help educators meet their student's literacy goals. RECOMMENDED RESOURCES AND ONES MENTIONED DURING THE EPISODEThe Knowledge Gap by Natalie Wexler *Amazon affiliate l...
2024-02-091h 04
Care Work with Alida Miranda-WolffBuilding Toward the Future of Literacy Equity with Ken Bigger - EP 22When you think of literacy, what comes to mind? Is it reading, writing, or something else? Our definition of literacy is often oversimplified, much like the limits often placed on the question of who is and who is not “literate”. In this episode, Alida discusses literacy equity with Ken Bigger, the Director of Thought Leadership at the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy. A vital figure in the movement to improve and facilitate conversations around the future of literacy in the U.S., Ken’s perspective on his field is one built on a deep understanding of human na...
2024-01-3032 min
The Reading Project4.8 Writing to Improve Comprehension with Heather O'DonnellIn this episode, I'm joined by Heather O’Donnell for a conversation about writing skills that will help your kids and students improve their comprehension.
Heather O’Donnell MS.Ed and Ed.M began her career as a classroom teacher. Working in both special and general education classroom settings, she left the classroom in 2018 to open New Paltz Multisensory, an online and in-person tutoring practice in New Paltz, NY. After identifying a need for private multisensory reading instruction in her community, the practice has grown to include a team of 13 tutors providing online and in-person multisensory reading, writin...
2024-01-1539 min
Después del recreo12: ¿Cómo aprendemos y cómo enseñamos? Lecciones de researchED Chile 2023Escucha este episodio especial donde seleccionamos algunos de los mejores momentos (doblados al español) de las exposiciones que realizaron Barbara Oakley, Natalie Wexler y Kate Jones el 21 de ocutbre de 2023 en researchED Chile. Para comenzar, Barbara nos cuenta aspectos cruciales de la práctica de recuperación y por qué es tan poderosa. Además, nos explica qué es el enfoque de la “enseñanza explícita" y cuál es su relación con el "aprendizaje activo", superando así las dicotomías extremas que se perciben a veces entre estos conceptos. Luego, escuchamos a Natalie, quien habla en profundidad...
2024-01-0142 min
Melissa & Lori Love Literacy ®#2 2023 Countdown: Ep. 142: Structured Literacy in Small Group TimeFROM FEBRUARY 24, 2023In today’s episode, we discuss the structure and content of the literacy block. How can we teach using structured literacy in small groups? Kinder teacher Casey Jergens and author Natalie Wexler join us to connect theory and practice. Casey previously taught using a guided (leveled) reading approach with lots of small group time. In recent years, he’s switched to focus on Tier 1 instruction aligned to structured literacy, which supports access for all students. ResourcesElementary Classrooms Are Too Noisy For Kids To Learn by Natalie Wexler Casey’...
2023-12-2257 min
Through the Educational Looking GlassToday’s topic is Looking at The Knowledge Gap with author Natalie Wexler
Join us as we explore The Knowledge Gap and the impact it has on learners with author Natalie Wexler. As always, we would love to hear your feedback on the questions we pose or on the podcast in general. One way to share your thoughts is by filling out this Google Form. Thanks for listening.
Resources:
The Knowledge Gap
The Writing Revolution
Minding the Gap
Knowledge Matters Podcast
Curiosity Gap graphic
2023-12-1528 minLars og PålEpisode 135 Natalie Wexler on the role of knowledge in educationIn this episode Lars speaks with Natalie Wexler about the role of knowledge in learning, and of knowledge rich curriculums in school. We discuss the reception of E.D. Hirsch, the importance of content for writing and reading instruction, the relationship between skills and knowledge, curriculum debates and culture wars, testing reading comprehension, Bloom's taxonomy, Montessori pedagogy, and much more. Natalie Wexler has published two books relevant to the topic of our conversation: The Knowledge Gap (2019) and The Writing Revolution (2017), the last one together with Judith C. Hochman. She also is the host of the six episode p...
2023-12-031h 18
The Education Gadfly Show#895: Knowledge and the science of reading, with Natalie WexlerOn this week’s Education Gadfly Show podcast, Natalie Wexler, host of the Knowledge Matters podcast, joins Mike to discuss the connection between knowledge building and reading comprehension. Then, on the Research Minute, Amber covers a new study on the efficacy of college and workforce partnerships in the P-Tech high school model.Recommended content:“The science of reading isn’t just ‘phonics,’ but what else is it?” —Natalie Wexler, Forbes"Knowledge matters podcast” —Natalie Wexler“Social studies instruction and reading comprehension: Evidence from the early childhood longitudinal study” —Adam Tyner, The Fordham InstituteRachel Rosen, Emma Alterman, Louisa Tr...
2023-11-0825 min
What's @ Risk?Natalie Wexler, Author/Education Expert, The Knowledge Gap, America’s Education CrisisMike speak with Natalie Wexler, author and education expert about her book, The Knowledge Gap, discussing the root cause of America’s education crisis.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2023-10-0827 min
edWebcastsUnlocking Potential, Word by Word: How Building Knowledge Right Builds EquityThis edWeb podcast is sponsored by Amplify.The webinar recording can be accessed here.Featuring special guest speaker Natalie Wexler in conversation with Alli Rice and Dr. Matt Patterson.Listen to this edWeb podcast to hear Natalie Wexler, author of The Knowledge Gap and host of the first season of the Knowledge Matters Podcast, in conversation with Science of Reading Star Award Winner Alli Rice and Assistant Superintendent Dr. Matt Patterson. Natalie, Alli, and Dr. Patterson discuss how knowledge has been proven over and over to lead to real literacy success for students from...
2023-09-2659 min
Talk LouisianaBrian Dubreuil, Mark Ballard, Natalie WexlerWealth Management Analyst for Aucoin Wealth Management Brian Dubreuil speaks on Jenni Peters' comments regarding the City Park. The Advocate's Mark Ballard talks various political topics including the upcoming governor's election and also Mitt Romney. Education journalist Natalie Wexler reflects on her life and career and also talks her latest work, "The Knowledge Gap".
2023-09-1400 minTalk LouisianaBrian Dubreuil, Mark Ballard, Natalie WexlerWealth Management Analyst for Aucoin Wealth Management Brian Dubreuil speaks on Jenni Peters' comments regarding the City Park. The Advocate's Mark Ballard talks various political topics including the upcoming governor's election and also Mitt Romney. Education journalist Natalie Wexler reflects on her life and career and also talks her latest work, "The Knowledge Gap".
2023-09-1435 min
Melissa & Lori Love Literacy ®[Listen Again] Episode 30: Wild about Wexler: Take 2!We had the opportunity to talk (again!) with Natalie Wexler about tips for effective remote learning (read her full article located here), the current intersection of students' virtual learning and strategy-focused instruction (due to lack of knowledge-based, high quality curricula) and how parents are noticing! How can we teach strategies in context while building knowledge? Listen to find out!More recently, Wexler wrote a piece titled How Reading Instruction Oppresses Black and Brown Children, located here. She ends with this quote: "If people truly understood the needless damage being done by our schools every day, they would...
2023-05-2659 min
Education UnchartedTeaching Content Vs. Teaching Skill with Natalie WexlerTeaching content vs teaching skills. Two very important concepts that are important for students to have. But what’s the best approach and how do you teach them in a way that’s both interesting and impactful? Author of The Knowledge Gap, Natalie Wexler, joins host Amanda Bratten to share what she’s learned in her research and observation. It all started when Natalie discovered the lack of coverage of education reform in DC, which inspired her to write about education to help teachers blaze a new path forward. In this e...
2023-05-1736 min
Jump Start! What Teachers Need NowBook Talk: The Knowledge Gap by Natalie WexlerNatalie collaborated with Judith Hochman on The Writing Revolution-the most no-nonsense approach to teaching writing. Natalie’s own book is called The Knowledge Gap. Last week I talked about how many of our kids don’t have any BK or background knowledge. Natalie shares how having background knowledge of a topic allows more struggling readers to make sense of the text. Online phonics diagnostic @whamphonics.comAdditional elementary resources @ https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Whamphonics
2023-03-1309 minScience of Reading: The PodcastSpecial: Why the Science of Reading isn't just about reading with Natalie WexlerBack in 2019, Natalie Wexler joined Susan Lambert as the very first guest on Science of Reading: The Podcast. Now—more than three years and three million downloads later—Science of Reading: The Podcast welcomes Natalie back on the show. She and Susan discuss what she's seen in the 3+ years since releasing her groundbreaking book The Knowledge Gap and delve into the importance of managing cognitive load, building long-term memory, writing, and the broader science of literacy. Lastly, Natalie shares what she hopes to see in the education headlines in the not-so-distant future. Show notes:Our...
2023-03-0848 min
Melissa & Lori Love Literacy ®Ep. 142: Structured Literacy in Small Group TimeIn today’s episode, we discuss the structure and content of the literacy block. How can we teach using structured literacy in small groups? Kinder teacher Casey Jergens and author Natalie Wexler join us to connect theory and practice. Casey previously taught using a guided (leveled) reading approach with lots of small group time. In recent years, he’s switched to focus on Tier 1 instruction aligned to structured literacy, which supports access for all students. ResourcesElementary Classrooms Are Too Noisy For Kids To Learn by Natalie Wexler Casey’s Twitter HandleNatalie Wexler’s Twitter Ha...
2023-02-2457 min
Raising Healthy Kid Brains13. The Vital Foundation for Reading Comprehension with Natalie WexlerHow early is it appropriate for your child to start learning about history, social studies, and science, and how will starting this process affect their vocabulary and reading ability in their schooling? I'm sitting down with Natalie Wexler to discuss what's being taught in schools, the impact of core knowledge in early education, and why reading comprehension is about more than just reading at their grade level. Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/13 Help us unlock some fun surprises for you and your kiddo to celebrate the podcast la...
2023-02-1629 min
The Ayn Rand Institute PodcastNatalie Wexler’s Critique of the ‘Knowledge Gap’ in SchoolsIn this episode of New Ideal Live, Elan Journo and Sam Weaver discuss Natalie Wexler’s argument that many American elementary schools have abandoned the responsibility of teaching factual content, and that this rejection of the importance of knowledge is exacerbating the nation’s reading crisis.
Among the topics covered:
The outrageous failure of American schools to teach students how to read and to kindle in them a love of reading;
Natalie Wexler’s argument that this failure is related to the failure of schools to teach basic factual knowledge;
Wexler’s view that phonics is necessary but not sufficient for teach...
2023-02-131h 07
The Ayn Rand Institute PodcastNatalie Wexler’s Critique of the ‘Knowledge Gap’ in SchoolsIn this episode of New Ideal Live, Elan Journo and Sam Weaver discuss Natalie Wexler’s argument that many American elementary schools have abandoned the responsibility of teaching factual content, and that this rejection of the importance of knowledge is exacerbating the nation’s reading crisis.
Among the topics covered:
The outrageous failure of American schools to teach students how to read and to kindle in them a love of reading;
Natalie Wexler’s argument that this failure is related to the failure of schools to teach basic factual knowledge;
Wexler’s view that phonics is necessary but not sufficient for teach...
2023-02-131h 07New Ideal, from the Ayn Rand InstituteNatalie Wexler’s Critique of the ‘Knowledge Gap’ in SchoolsIn this episode of New Ideal Live, Elan Journo and Sam Weaver discuss Natalie Wexler’s argument that many American elementary schools have abandoned the responsibility of teaching factual content, and that this rejection of the importance of knowledge is exacerbating the nation’s reading crisis.
Among the topics covered:
The outrageous failure of American schools to teach students how to read and to kindle in them a love of reading;
Natalie Wexler’s argument that this failure is related to the failure of schools to teach basic factual knowledge;
Wexler’s view that phonics is necessary...
2023-02-131h 07
The Other End of the Reading RopeEpisode #4: The Simple View of WritingAs you know, I speak about the Reading Rope quite a bit. But did you know there is also a Writing Rope or a Simple View of Writing? As part of my research, I have read the Writing Revolution by Natalie Wexler, LETRS Volume 2, and the Writing Rope by Joan Sedita, I have deepened my understanding of this topic and hope that I can give you a quick overview on this podcast.
On this podcast, I will walk you through:
- Foundational Skills or Transcription
- Composition - including sentence formation and composition of...
2023-01-2522 min
Melissa & Lori Love Literacy ®[Listen Again] Episode 10: Noticing The #KnowledgeGap with Natalie WexlerLISTEN AGAIN | FROM JULY 31, 2019Today we are live with Natalie Wexler, the author of The Knowledge Gap: The Hidden Cause of America’s Broken Education System–And How to Fix It (LISTENERS - IT’S AVAILABLE TODAY!). The book focuses on the lack of content in the elementary curriculum and its connection to what is commonly known as the achievement gap.Natalie provides a snapshot of research on building knowledge, then tangibly deconstructs the why and how behind the research making explicit connections to education classrooms today. She provides clear steps to take to ‘fix’ the...
2023-01-2050 min
The Brighter Side of Education: Research, Innovation & ResourcesHow Using a Knowledge-Based Curriculum & Cognitive Science Increases Reading Success with Author Natalie WexlerSend us a textIn this episode, I focus on curriculum as a variable for student success with education writer and author Natalie Wexler. She discusses the importance of using a knowledge-based curriculum in schools and explains how cognitive science plays a vital role in how we teach it. Studies identifying comprehensive, content-rich curriculum as a critical factor in student academic success was the common feature of academically high-performing countries as measured by the PISA. This podcast discuss what content-rich, knowledge-based curriculum is available to our schools now.You can find out more by going...
2023-01-1232 min
Melissa & Lori Love Literacy ®2022 COUNTDOWN: #4Ep. 117: The Writing Revolution with Authors Judith Hochman and Natalie WexlerThe Writing Revolution authors, Judith Hochman and Natalie Wexler, share a 'revolutionary' approach to writing. The best part: It begins at the sentence level AND content knowledge drives the rigor. Moreover, there is an overlap in reading, writing, and critical thinking. What are the principles of The Writing Revolution? There are six: Students need explicit instruction in writing, beginning in the early elementary grades.Sentences are the building blocks of all writing.When embedded in the con...
2022-12-2856 min
Simple Wonders5 | The Connection Between Reading and Thinking w/ Natalie WexlerWe all want our children to receive a high-quality education – one that builds knowledge and teaches them how to think. But how do we go about this? Charlotte Mason said that education should be focused on feeding children a feast of living ideas (from books) then narrating what they learn, by speaking or writing about it.
But how does Mason’s method compare to cognitive science today? And why is this method of educating children so effective? I've invited the author Natalie Wexler to discuss these questions and more on this episode.
Natalie Wexler is an edu...
2022-12-0936 min
Melissa & Lori Love Literacy ®Ep. 134: Decodable Text Series: Small Group Instructional TimeIn this episode, we talk with first grade teacher, April Evans, about how she uses Tier 1 foundational skills assessment data to make decisions about small group time, such as how students are grouped, what happens during small group instruction, and why all students have access to readable, knowledge building texts. She discusses structures and routines that support accuracy, fluency, and comprehension. Both decodable and readable, knowledge building texts have a purpose and place in her classroom.ResourcesGeodes readable, knowledge building texts Decodable Reader Protocol from Achieve the CoreTo Help Students Read and Write, S...
2022-11-1848 min
The Literacy View14 :THE ONE ABOUT...NATALIE WEXLER, JOURNALIST AND AUTHOR JOINS US🚨 No BS Literacy View Is Now Available to Partner with You 🫵We collaborate with universities, researchers, schools, districts, teachers, parents, sponsors, and brands. Always No BS. Always unique.For more details visit our website:https://theliteracyview.com/You can also email all professional inquires to: FaithandJudy@theliteracyview.com✉️ Subscribe to The No BS Bestie Press Newsletter for super exclusive takes, resources, and behind the scenes from your favorite No BS BestiesSubscribe Now: https://theliteracyview.com/Or emai...
2022-11-171h 00
The Continuing EducatorThe Science of Reading, with Lynne Kulich and Natalie Wexler (Season 3, Ep. 6)On this episode, we explore literacy instruction, the science of reading, early childhood literacy, and the differences between skills-focused and knowledge-focused classrooms. Our two guests are passionate leaders in the field: Dr. Lynne Kulich, Director of Early Learning at NWEA, and Natalie Wexler, an education writer and author of “The Knowledge Gap: The Hidden Cause of America’s Broken Education System.”
2022-10-1846 min
A Professora: Como Fortalecer o AprendizadoEp. 13 - Como os MELHORES professores superam a crise na educação dos Estados Unidos? | Natalie WexlerNeste episódio, conversamos com a Natalie Wexler, jornalista especializada em educação e autora do livro The Knowledge Gap. Ela explica como os currículos escolares americanos, por muito tempo, focaram em “habilidades” e práticas defasadas e descontextualizadas.
Natalie também conta as histórias de educadores inovadores, que adotaram evidências científicas e hoje realmente fortalecem o aprendizado. Seus alunos são mais empolgados para aprender e adquirem o conhecimento - e o vocabulário - que os tornarão bem-sucedidos.
Adquira o livro The Knowledge Gap (em inglês): https://amzn.to/3KLAQ4d
2022-09-091h 07
Building KnowledgeThe Importance of a Knowledge Rich Curriculum-An Interview with Natalie WexlerIn this episode we are talking with Natalie Wexler, speaker and author of the best-selling book, The Knowledge Gap. Natalie shares with what has changed and not changed since the book was published in 2019. We also talk about how all of us can continue to advocate for knowledge rich curriculum and how knowledge continues to be the missing piece in increasing reading comprehension abilities. If you are enjoying our podcasts, please leave a five star review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/building-knowledge/id1618939881 Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CoreKnowledgeFoundationF...
2022-08-3038 min
Melissa & Lori Love Literacy ®Ep. 117: The Writing Revolution with Authors Judith Hochman and Natalie WexlerThe Writing Revolution authors, Judith Hochman and Natalie Wexler, share a 'revolutionary' approach to writing. The best part: It begins at the sentence level AND content knowledge drives the rigor. Moreover, there is an overlap in reading, writing, and critical thinking. What are the principles of The Writing Revolution? There are six: Students need explicit instruction in writing, beginning in the early elementary grades.Sentences are the building blocks of all writing.When embedded in the content of the curriculum, writing instruction is a powerful teaching tool.The content o...
2022-07-2256 min
Together in LiteracySeason 1, Episode 18: Season One Wrap-UpWe’re wrapping up season 1 of the Together in Literacy podcast!
When we started this podcast, our mission was to create a pathway to learning for educators and families, share our own expertise with you, create a dialogue around SEL and the link to dyslexia, and make the research of reading accessible. We had big goals for season one and we are so proud of how it went!
In this episode, we share our major takeaways from season 1, our summer reading suggestions for teachers and parents, and then we’ll give a sneak preview of what...
2022-06-2041 min
On the Scene with SST 13Summer Literacy Podcast Series - Education Influencer - Natalie WexlerMary Williams interviews Natalie Wexler about the importance of content knowledge and explicit writing instruction.
2022-06-0116 min
Cut the BullCut The Bull - S2-Ep. 8 - Natalie WexlerNatalie Wexler, education journalist and author of The Knowledge Gap joins us to discuss her approach to addressing issues in education, articles from her substack, and how to address the current education climate.https://nataliewexler.substack.com/Support the show
2022-03-1258 min
Dyslexia Coffee TalkDyslexia Coffee Talk with guest Natalie WexlerWelcome to Dyslexia Coffee Talk with the Dyslexia Initiative. Grab your coffee and join us for a conversation. We are so excited to have you join us! On this week's episode of Dyslexia Coffee Talk we are joined by Natalie Wexler. Natalie is the author of The Knowledge Gap: The Hidden Cause of America's Broken Education System--and How to Fix It (Avery 2019) & Co-author with Judith C. Hochman of The Writing Revolution: A Guide to Advancing Thinking Through Writing in All Subjects and Grades (Jossey-Bass 2017). Please check out her website at www.nataliewexler.com.
Host: Ashley Roberts
2022-01-1659 min
After The Bell with Create-AbilitiesThe Science of Reading With Natalie WexlerDuring this episode Natalie Wexler and I talk about what the science of reading is telling us about reading comprehension and reading instruction. Natalie talks about how balanced literacy and teaching discrete reading comprehension skills is failing our students and what we can try instead. NATALIE WEXLER'S WEBSITE: nataliewexler.com BECOME A PATRON, FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL, AND MORE: create-abilities.com/afterthebell
2021-11-221h 00
LU MomentLU Moment: Fixing the education gap with Natalie Wexler | S3 Ep. 47Education writer Natalie Wexler speaks on her work in education reform and challenging educators to think beyond traditional teaching practices.For updates on the latest news and events at Lamar University, visit lamar.edu/news.
2021-11-2115 min
Talking To Teens: Expert Tips for Parenting TeenagersEp 158: The Knowledge GapNatalie Wexler, author of The Knowledge Gap, clues us in onto the widening knowledge gap: what it is, why it’s happening, and how we might begin to narrow it.Full show notesFor many of us, education is the #1 priority for our kids. A good education can help lift kids out of poverty, can ensure a financially stable and independent future, and can open up the doors of opportunity and possibility, no matter what they dream of doing! While hobbies, social life and athleticism are all important parts of helping kids become well rounded, ed...
2021-10-0328 min
The Literary Life Podcast"The Rocking Horse Winner" by D. H. LawrenceWe are back this week on The Literary Life with the final another episode in our 2021 Summer Short Story series, a discussion of D. H. Lawrence's "The Rocking Horse Winner." After sharing their commonplace quotes, Angelina Stanford, Cindy Rollins and Thomas Banks begin the literary chat with some background information on the writer D. H. Lawrence. Cindy talks about her reaction to this story and the running thread of bitterness underlying throughout. Angelina highlights the significance of the cultural climate of the 1920s in this story. As the story unfolds, we see magical and fairy tale elements, as well...
2021-08-241h 13
Alabama Literacy Network's PodcastBuilding the Knowledge to Improve Reading: Interview with Natalie WexlerIf you have wondered why our students struggle with reading, even when they can decode the words on the page, it is likely due to a knowledge gap. This gap has been inadvertently created by a lack of learning in the areas of science, social studies, the arts, and other subject areas. Listen to our podcast with author Natalie Wexler and learn how we can solve not only the reading crisis but also the writing crisis.
2021-08-1939 min
More Teacher TalkSupport for ECTs #1: a knowledge-rich curriculum, with Natalie WexlerSupport for ECTs - episode 1What is a knowledge-rich curriculum? Why is it so important? In this episode Natalie Wexler shares a wealth of insight into her book 'The Knowledge Gap: the hidden cause of America's broken education system - and how to fix it.' In doing so we learn about the distinct parallels between the US and UK education systems when it comes to overcoming the 'achievement gap' that exists between disadvantaged pupils and their more affluent peers. We also discuss 'The Reading Wars', Knowledge vs. Skills and the important features of a know...
2021-07-2745 min
Leading LiteracyNatalie WexlerNatalie Wexler shares her insights and thoughts with Leslie and Mara about her two books: The Knowledge Gap and The Writing Revolution. Join the conversation as Natalie discusses the importance of immersing all students of varied socioeconomic backgrounds, with content knowledge about the world and then linking that knowledge to explicit writing instruction. Click on the following links to read Natalie Wexler's articles: The Need for Explicit Instruction in Teaching Students to Write Well Elementary Education Has Gone Terribly Wrong
2021-05-1531 min
8 with 8Author Interview: Bridging the Knowledge GapDid you know? The biggest determinant of reading comprehension is not decoding ability or comprehension skills - it's background knowledge! In this episode, SST8 consultants ask eight questions of author and educational journalist Natalie Wexler. Natalie was the riveting Keynote Speaker at the 2020 Ohio Literacy Academy and her sessions on this topic changed the way SST8 consultants think about background knowledge and vocabulary. Join us as Natalie shares what she has learned through the research, as well as some powerful considerations for district leaders looking to improve literacy outcomes and close equity gaps among learners.
2021-03-0538 min