Creating Readers with Savannah Campbell

The Trouble with VALLSS

In this episode, Mike Crusco joins Savannah as they discuss the newest universal screener in Virginia-the Virginia Language and Literacy Screener (VALLSS).
While the statewide universal screener, PALS, certainly needed to be updated, there are still several problems with the new screener that need to be addressed.  This episode is specific for the Virginia assessment, but is useful for all educators as many states are passing literacy acts with specific requirements.
In this episode, Savannah and Mike discuss:
What VALLSS is and how it has changed from PALS,
Why VALLSS is NOT a universal screener, despite the claim that it is,
Why the information is useful but not necessary,
and what we hope will change.
Mike and Savannah both believe that the Virginia Literacy Act and VALLSS were created in good faith, but there are places we can and should improve.
If you're a teacher in Virginia, this is a must-listen.  If you're a teacher outside of Virginia, use this episode to guide you in the future as new legislation comes through wherever you live!

Quick Wins for Improving Spelling

Join Savannah for this episode of Creating Readers, where we delve into the topic of spelling.
Have you ever heard someone say that "some people are just bad spellers"?  Or maybe you've even said "I'm a terrible speller."  
We are not destined to be poor spellers.  There are concrete ways to practice spelling with children of any age.
In this episode, Savannah discusses:
the myth of the poor speller
Whether or not we should teach spelling whole group
Spelling tips for younger students (single-syllable words)
Spelling tips for older students (multi-syllabic words)
Resources Mentioned:
Sound Boxes

Non-Negotiables for Reading Intervention

In this episode of Creating Readers, Savannah Campbell dives into her top five non-negotiables for effective reading intervention. These key systems are essential for helping students make real progress towards closing the gap between what children are currently doing, and what we know our children CAN do.  These include:
Matching Intervention to the Child’s Needs – Tailor interventions to the specific skills students are missing, not just what’s convenient.
Progress Monitoring Regularly – Frequent assessments help track if students are progressing and inform instructional changes.
Reflecting on Data Often – Use data to make informed decisions about teaching strategies.
Remembering that Consistency is Critical – Ensure interventions happen consistently to close reading gaps.
Providing Enough Practice – Students need repeated practice to reach automaticity, especially in targeted skills.
Savannah emphasizes the importance of intentional, data-driven instruction to give every student the best chance at success.

How-To Actively Build Background Knowledge

In this episode of Creating Readers, we dive into the critical role background knowledge plays in reading comprehension. Savannah shares the research behind background knowledge and why it is so critical to comprehension.  She then offers five practical strategies you can use to actively build background knowledge for your students.
Whether you’re working with a rigid curriculum or have some flexibility, these tips will help you enhance your students' understanding and set them up for greater reading success. Tune in for advice and resources to make background knowledge a cornerstone of your literacy instruction!
 
Mentioned Resources:
ReadWorks
BrainPOP
The Knowledge Gap by Natalie Wexler*
The Baseball Study
The Reading Comprehension Blueprint by Nancy Hennessy*
 
*As an Amazon affiliate, I may receive a small commission if you purchase items using my affiliate link.  This comes at no cost to you!

Why don't we write dyslexia in IEPS? And other questions with a school psychologist

In this episode, Savannah interview Tina Atkins, a school psychologist.  Savannah and Tina dive deep into the intricacies of special education services, the role of school psychologists, and common pitfalls in the evaluation process.
Listen in as Tina shares her insights and experiences, offering valuable information for educators, parents, and administration

From Balanced Literacy to Structured Literacy

Join Savannah as she shares her journey from balanced literacy to structured literacy.  Savannah shares how she thought she knew what it took for children to become readers, only to be faced year after year with dismal results.  It wasn't until 2019 when she was Orton-Gillingham trained that the world of structured literacy opened up to her.  Listen in as she shares a journey that will be very familiar to many of us.
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Creating Readers Trailer

In this trailer, host Savannah Campbell briefly shares her transition from balanced literacy towards structured literacy.  Listen in as Savannah shares some of her past mistakes as she moves forward towards a future where we end illiteracy, one child at a time.