Teaching Literacy Podcast

Teaching Literacy Podcast


E61| Does Science of Reading Legislation Improve Reading Outcomes with Dr. Katherine O’Donnell

February 03, 2025

Host Dr. Jake Downs is joined by Dr. Katherine O’Donnell, an Assistant Professor of Educational Psychology at the University of Utah, to discuss her research on student outcomes in states following the implementation of science of reading legislation.



03:02 Historical Context: Reading First Era
09:37 Mississippi’s Science of Reading Legislation
17:02 Comparative Analysis of State Outcomes
29:08 Impact on Special Education and ELL Students
34:58 Implementation Takes Time
39:48 Why Did the ‘Advanced’ Category on NAEP balloon?
42:56 NAEP SOR Outcomes as ‘Matthew Effects’
48:26 Jake’s Take Capitalizing on Advantages