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From Rally to Reality: Fighting for Literacy and Democracy in Wisconsin

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On October 10th, I received an email from the Harris-Walz campaign inviting me to their rally in Green Bay (GB), Wisconsin. One line stood out: “The campaign would love to consider you for exclusive content creator access!” I was intrigued but also confused—I’ve never thought of myself as a content creator. Still, curiosity got the best of me, and I filled out the form. A few days later, I received my “Table A” access instructions, and suddenly, I was on my way to my first political rally at age 46.  Governor Tim Walz, Evers, and Whitmer I brought my two boys, ages 10 and 7, to the rally, making it a family event. From the moment we arrived, the energy was palpable. After skipping the long line, we were greeted by campaign staff who treated us like VIPs. My boys were wide-eyed as they watched the security teams and law enforcement around us. It was exciting for them, but it was also a reminder for me—this was their introduction to democracy in action.  As I listened to the speeches abo
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Balancing Resources for Literacy: How Policy Impacts Literacy Quality and Modern Illiteracy Rates

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The Science of Reading (SoR) has become a central focus in education, emphasizing evidence-based practices for teaching literacy skills. However, alongside these instructional methods, the role of policy in shaping literacy outcomes is often overlooked.  Understanding how resources—both public and private—are allocated can shed light on why certain literacy disparities persist, even with advances in the SoR.  This piece explores the balance of resources and inequities through the lens of the equation  LQ = R {Pub + Priv (M)} - I , which highlights how policy decisions impact literacy quality and modern-day illiteracy rates. Figure 1 : A black and white vector illustration depicting the balance of resources for literacy, showing books and coins on a balanced scale, symbolizing the relationship between educational resources and funding. Created by an AI illustration tool. While instructional approaches are critical for improving reading skills, how resources are distributed determines wh
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Overview of Pure & Complete Phonics: Unlocking the Path to Language Mastery

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The Pure & Complete Phonics (P/C-Phs.) manual, crafted by Dr. Robert T. Nash, is a comprehensive tool designed to address reading disabilities. Since 1979, Dr. Nash has dedicated his career to helping students, both bilingual and monolingual, overcome language challenges. The manual, developed over 30 years of meticulous research into the Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary 11th edition, aims to foster language independence by mastering the phonemic sound structure of American English. The Genesis and Purpose of P/C-Phs. Dr. Nash's journey began with college-aged students who struggled with reading disabilities. His mission extended beyond mere academic support; he aimed to empower students to comprehend, spell, and use words effectively, build vocabulary, increase reading rates, and understand complex linguistic elements such as morphemes, synonyms, and antonyms. The overarching goal of P/C-Phs. is to enable students to become independent readers, spellers, and writers. Ke
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Unlocking the Mysteries of English Spelling: A Comprehensive Guide to Phoneme Representation

The Pure & Complete Phonics (P/C-Phs) instructional guide, developed by Dr. Robert T. Nash, is grounded in the science of reading and aligns with the critical components of reading instruction, integrating principles from language and literacy, cognitive science, and linguistics. The primary tool utilized is the Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary (11th edition).  English spelling is often seen as a perplexing puzzle, with its myriad of rules, exceptions, and inconsistencies. As educators, linguists, or language learners, we've all encountered the challenges that come with mastering English spelling and pronunciation. But what if we had a roadmap to navigate this complex terrain?  Enter the "sound guide," a document that aligns 103 phonemes (distinct units of sound) in American English with their common spelling representations. This guide isn't just a list of sounds and letters—it's a powerful tool that can revolutionize how we understand and teach the En
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Unlocking Literacy: The Power of the Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary 11th Edition for Older Students

In the digital age, the Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary 11th Edition remains a valuable resource for students. While younger students often benefit from foundational phonics instruction, older students—particularly those in high school—can enhance their literacy skills through effective use of this comprehensive dictionary. The Importance of Phonemic Awareness for Older Students Phonemic awareness, the ability to hear, identify, and manipulate phonemes, is crucial for reading proficiency. For older students, this skill is essential not only for reading but also for mastering complex vocabulary and accurate pronunciation, both critical for academic success. Many older students, especially those who struggle with reading or are non-native English speakers, may find themselves at a disadvantage without strong phonemic awareness. Leveraging Pronunciation Symbols in the Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary The Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary 11th Edition offers a detailed guide
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Unlocking the Power of Dictionary Skills for Better Reading

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Dictionary skills are super helpful for becoming a better reader. One cool thing they do is help us break down big words into smaller parts, making them easier to understand. This also helps us figure out how the sounds in words fit together. Dictionaries also help us understand what words mean and how they're used. They're like a guidebook for words! This is important because it helps us get better at understanding and using words correctly. When we are reading, dictionary skills help us read smoothly and understand what we are reading faster. They also introduce us to new words and how to say them right. By learning how to use dictionaries, we're cracking a secret code made by word experts called lexicographers. They make sure dictionaries are accurate and full of useful information. So, when we use dictionaries, we are unlocking a treasure trove of knowledge about words. Overall, dictionary skills are like superpowers for reading. They help us understand words better, re
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Unleashing Potential: Exploring Literacy Growth with the Dictionary

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In the world of literacy, growth is the heartbeat of progress. It is a tale of perseverance, dedication, and transformation. Today, I share a story of remarkable advancement over just seven weeks of focused instruction. This student a 9th grader embarked on a journey marked by notable strides. With a growth of 13 percentiles, nationally normed, and a leap from a grade equivalent score of 5 to 7, the magnitude of improvement was undeniable.  A 12-point increase in scores echoed a narrative of dedication and persistence, each point a testament to the hours invested over 14 hours of instruction. This progress was not just about numbers; it was about unlocking potential and building confidence. Capti Assessment : Word Recognition and Decoding In reflecting on this remarkable journey, it is essential to recognize the pivotal role of resources like the dictionary in fostering literacy growth. The act of consulting a dictionary is more than just looking up definitions; it is an exercise in cu
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