From Conversation to Collective Impact: Creating Change in Literacy
Wed Feb 04 2026
What does it really take to change reading outcomes at scale?
In this episode of Literacy Talks, Donell Pons, Stacy Hurst, and Lindsay Kemeny kick off a new conversation focused on changemakers in literacy. Together, they unpack commonly cited literacy data—especially NAEP scores—and explore what those numbers do (and don’t) tell us about reading achievement in the U.S.
The discussion moves beyond test scores to examine systems change: leadership, shared language, collaboration across classrooms and institutions, and the growing role of innovation and technology. From teacher leaders and researchers to curriculum developers and parent advocates, this episode highlights the many roles changemakers play in moving literacy work forward—and why lasting change requires collective impact, not quick fixes.
Literacy Talks Episode 110 Show Notes
Topics Covered
What NAEP data does (and does not) tell us about reading proficiencyWhy systemic change is harder—and more important—than isolated successMississippi’s literacy efforts and what we can learn from themAI and technology as tools, supports, and potential risks in literacy instructionThe importance of shared language, collaboration, and leadershipTeachers, parents, researchers, and curriculum providers as change makersScaling impact through conferences, professional communities, and partnershipsResources & References Mentioned
Books
Frontiers in Social InnovationThe Journey of Collective Impact (John Kania, Mark Kramer, & colleagues)Assessments & Data
National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP)Organizations & Initiatives
Project Read AIThe Reading LeagueCenter for Literacy & Learning – Plain Talk ConferenceBig Sky Literacy SummitTransformative Reading Teacher GroupResearch & Thought Leadership
Reid Lyon’s work on literacy, systems change, and shared language
Literacy Instruction & Research
Reading Horizons
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What does it really take to change reading outcomes at scale? In this episode of Literacy Talks, Donell Pons, Stacy Hurst, and Lindsay Kemeny kick off a new conversation focused on changemakers in literacy. Together, they unpack commonly cited literacy data—especially NAEP scores—and explore what those numbers do (and don’t) tell us about reading achievement in the U.S. The discussion moves beyond test scores to examine systems change: leadership, shared language, collaboration across classrooms and institutions, and the growing role of innovation and technology. From teacher leaders and researchers to curriculum developers and parent advocates, this episode highlights the many roles changemakers play in moving literacy work forward—and why lasting change requires collective impact, not quick fixes. Literacy Talks Episode 110 Show Notes Topics Covered What NAEP data does (and does not) tell us about reading proficiencyWhy systemic change is harder—and more important—than isolated successMississippi’s literacy efforts and what we can learn from themAI and technology as tools, supports, and potential risks in literacy instructionThe importance of shared language, collaboration, and leadershipTeachers, parents, researchers, and curriculum providers as change makersScaling impact through conferences, professional communities, and partnershipsResources & References Mentioned Books Frontiers in Social InnovationThe Journey of Collective Impact (John Kania, Mark Kramer, & colleagues)Assessments & Data National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP)Organizations & Initiatives Project Read AIThe Reading LeagueCenter for Literacy & Learning – Plain Talk ConferenceBig Sky Literacy SummitTransformative Reading Teacher GroupResearch & Thought Leadership Reid Lyon’s work on literacy, systems change, and shared language Literacy Instruction & Research Reading Horizons 💬 Want more insights like this? Subscribe to the Literacy Talks Podcast Digest for episode recaps, resources, and teaching takeaways delivered straight to your inbox! Do you teach Structured Literacy in a K–3 setting? Sign up for a free license of Reading Horizons Discovery® LIVE and start teaching right away—no setup, no hassle. Sign-up Now. Coming Soon: Reading Horizons Ascend™ From Pre-K readiness to advanced fluency, Ascend™ offers a consistent, needs-based reading experience across every grade, tier, and model—so every student can build mastery, one skill at a time. Learn More.