107. What’s New in the Science of Literacy with Lisa O’Masta

We spend so much time worrying about whether students will engage with the curriculum that we forget a really important part of the equation. Yes, students need to be interested. But what about the teachers? If the curriculum isn’t easy to navigate and fun to use, teachers aren’t likely to utilize all the tools and resources available. And that means the students will miss out too.

 

At the same time, sometimes the more open and flexible the curriculum is, the more challenging it is for students. Remember Whole Language Schools? Back in the day, we didn’t necessarily teach foundational skills the way that students needed to learn it. Instead, a focus on the science of literacy is necessary, just like we teach math–from a research-based perspective.

 

This week on the podcast, Lisa O’Masta of Learning A through Z is sharing how her organization is leading the way for this new way of thinking about literacy skills. 

 

Tune in now!

About Lisa O’Masta:

As a strategic change agent and leader serving the education market for over 20 years, Lisa brings her passion for education and commitment to effective student outcomes to every organization she serves.  As President for Learning A-Z, Lisa is working to energize and evolve the market leading, digital-first organization in service of K-6 students.

 

Prior to joining Learning A-Z, Lisa drove the disruption of the core curriculum market and set the framework that has become the standard for creation and distribution of high quality open educational resources as CEO for Illustrative Mathematics.  She established and nurtured an exceptional team and community while always keeping the voice of the customer as the priority.   Additionally, Lisa served as an executive for successful educational organizations including the institutional division of K12, Inc (aka Stride) and the K-12 core, intervention, and supplemental products at McGraw-Hill Education.  In these roles, Lisa brought leadership and impactful experiences for students and educators. 

 

Lisa brings her creative approach combined with her analytic thinking to ensure success of students and the organization.  From start-up organizations like eInstruction, SchoolNet, and Illustrative Mathematics to established changing organizations like Laureate Education, K12, Inc and McGraw-Hill Education, Lisa brings an intellectual curiosity and pragmatic delivery that has resulted in positive student outcomes in companies that she serves. 

 

Lisa holds a Bachelor degree in Marketing from Towson University and an MBA from Johns Hopkins University. Connect with her on LinkedIn.    

Jump in the Conversation: [1:39] - How we used to teach literacy [2:45] - Applying math instruction knowledge to literacy [3:19] - When you talk about the science of instruction, the real focus is on human being [5:04] - Crack the code with foundational skills [5:41] - Reading A-Z and other resources [6:35] - How Reading A-Z is different [9:01] - The importance of formative assessments [9:30] - Resources for older kids should be appropriate for the age [11:13] - We’re usually stuck teaching to the middle [11:42] - Times of pulling out students for intervention is no longer [12:30] - Supporting through the summer slide [13:34] - Applying skills to give back [15:43] - Giving access outside the classroom [18:09] - What to include in well-rounded literacy support [21:05] - Turbo Time [26:30] - Lisa’s Magic Wand [28:15] - Maureen’s Takeaways Links & Resources Learning A-Z EdActive Summit Unicef Kid Power Email Maureen Maureen’s TEDx: Changing My Mind to Change Our Schools The Education Evolution Facebook: Follow Education Evolution Twitter: Follow Education Evolution LinkedIn: Follow Education Evolution EdActive Collective Maureen’s book: Creating Micro-Schools for Colorful Mismatched Kids Micro-school feature on Good Morning America The Micro-School Coalition Facebook: The Micro-School Coalition LEADPrep