On this episode of “The Newman Bond” podcast, dyslexia experts Jane Hayes and Amy Taylor explore the Master of Science in education reading specialist – dyslexia emphasis program at Newman University.
Overview of conversation topics
Read on to skim or find timestamps of specific topics Hayes and Taylor covered in this episode.
Program introduction and guest background (00:00–01:48)
- Hosted by Amy Brooks, the episode features Hayes and Taylor, experts in dyslexia therapy and structured literacy.
- Hayes and Taylor co-lead the MSED reading specialist – dyslexia emphasis program at Newman University.
- Both have advanced degrees and certifications in dyslexia therapy and structured literacy instruction.
Understanding dyslexia and misconceptions (01:48–03:27)
- Dyslexia is a neurobiological learning disability that affects reading, writing and spelling due to phonological processing deficits.
- Misconceptions include ideas that it stems from vision problems or that children can “grow out of it.”
- It affects approximately one in five children, often remaining undiagnosed in classrooms.
📚 What is Structured Literacy? (03:27–04:33)
- Structured literacy is based on decades of research about how the brain learns to read.
- It’s essential to use systematic, explicit instruction when teaching students with dyslexia.
- The approach benefits all students, not just those with dyslexia.
IDA accreditation and R.E.A.D. Redefined (04:33–05:38)
- R.E.A.D. Redefined, co-founded by Hayes and Taylor, recently received the IDA Accreditation PLUS distinction.
- This recognition validates the program’s curriculum as aligning with the science of reading and effective structured literacy instruction.
Newman’s unique graduate program (05:38–07:50)
- Newman University’s MSEd. program is the first in Kansas with IDA Accreditation PLUS and a dyslexia emphasis.
- The 30-hour, 10-course program is designed for full-time teachers and focuses on immediate and practical classroom application.
- Kansas ranks poorly in reading proficiency, making this program crucial.
R.E.A.D. Redefined and Newman partnership origin (08:24–10:13)
- The program was born from a need for accessible, high-quality dyslexia education in Kansas.
- Inspired by personal experience, Taylor approached Newman’s School of Education and Social Work, leading to a supportive collaboration with the dean, Jessica Bird.
Practicum-based learning and application (10:13–12:46)
- Courses include intensive summer workshops and practicum components.
- Teachers apply learned strategies in their classrooms, report back on student progress and receive coaching.
- Emphasis on mentoring prevents teachers from feeling isolated or unsupported.
Identifying and supporting students (12:46–14:24)
- The program trains teachers to recognize early warning signs and administer screeners and assessments.
- Educators learn to monitor progress and adapt instruction to meet individual student needs.
Bridging research and practice (14:24–15:36)
- Teachers often lack time to interpret academic research; this program bridges that gap with actionable strategies.
- New research is quickly integrated into the program to keep instruction current.
Expanding impact: ripple effect (15:36–17:17)
- Training teams within schools spreads consistent literacy practices across districts.
- Teachers benefit from shared terminology, collaboration, and ongoing support from instructors.
Kansas literacy legislation and program alignment (17:17–17:55)
- Kansas’ new “Seal of Literacy” requirement aligns with Newman’s coursework.
- The program prepares educators to meet state standards and improve reading instruction statewide.
Future goals: admins and medical field (17:55–20:05)
- R.E.A.D. Redefined aims to train school administrators and pediatricians to identify dyslexia signs.
- The goal is to break down silos between education and healthcare to support early intervention and systemic literacy improvement.
Learn more about Newman’s MSEd reading specialist – dyslexia emphasis program
The Reading Specialist program at Newman University program is dedicated to redefining reading education for school-aged students in collaboration with administrators, reading specialists and teachers.
