Why These “Science of Reading” Pet Peeves Aren’t Going Away
In the latest episode of Literacy Talks, our hosts Stacy Hurst, Donell Pons, and Lindsay Kemeny return with the third installment of a fan-favorite tradition: sharing their biggest science of reading pet peeves. This candid and often humorous episode surfaces deep concerns about what’s still holding educators back from achieving literacy success for all students.
From outdated beliefs to systemic issues, this conversation pulls no punches—and listener submissions prove that these frustrations are widely shared across classrooms and communities.
What’s Inside Episode 9 of Literacy Talks?
Each round of pet peeves brings new angles, but the core frustrations remain deeply relevant. Here’s a quick snapshot of what you’ll hear in Episode 9:
1. “Reading Will Be Obsolete”? Not So Fast.
Stacy kicks off with a jaw-dropping moment: a fellow professor suggesting reading will soon be unnecessary. The team unpacks the dangers of minimizing literacy in a tech-forward world.
2. Why Are We Still Here?
Donell shares her perennial peeve: Why are we still having basic conversations about dyslexia and evidence-based reading practices decades into the science of reading movement?
3. Stop Blaming Teachers
Lindsay dives into how the burden of literacy reform is unfairly placed on classroom teachers—often without the necessary training, tools, or support.
4. Intervention Needs an Overhaul
Stacy and Donell discuss the gap between general education and special education, and how interventionists are often underprepared to support struggling readers effectively.
5. Cut the Fluff (Phonics Crafts, Anyone?)
Phonics activities that prioritize glue over graphemes? The hosts argue for maximizing instructional time with meaningful practice.
6. Let Kids Choose What to Read
Listeners shared frustration over limiting student book choices based on arbitrary levels. The team advocates for preserving the joy of reading.
7. Assessments Are Only as Good as Their Follow-Through
Data without action is a wasted opportunity. The team stresses the importance of using screeners, like Acadience, meaningfully.
8. Can We Check Our Egos?
Professional growth only happens when we admit we don’t know it all. Donell and Lindsay emphasize the importance of humility in the literacy space.
9. Can Research Meet Real Life?
Educators want answers they can actually apply. The hosts highlight the need for better bridges between research and classroom practice.
Resources Mentioned in the Episode
- A History of Reading by Alberto Manguel
- Rock Your Literacy Block by Lindsay Kemeny
- Scarborough’s Reading Rope
- Acadience Learning
Related Episodes
Join the Conversation What are your literacy-related pet peeves? Share them with us in the Science of Reading Collective and they just might make it into our next episode.
