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Exploring the Intersectionality of Linguistics, Media Representation, and Race in Student Identity

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In education and media, we often focus on isolated themes like curriculum design, representation, and social equity. However, a holistic approach to student identity demands that we explore these elements in combination. The Venn diagram in this post visually represents the interconnectedness of three key factors: Linguistics (Structured Literacy), Media Representation, and Race. At their intersection lies the core of student identity—a sense of belonging that is fundamental for academic success and personal development. The Power of Linguistics: Structured Literacy Linguistics (Structured Literacy) forms the bedrock of how students access, understand, and utilize language in education. This includes not only grammar and pronunciation but also vocabulary choices, sentence structure, and the organization of ideas. For students, especially those with specific learning disabilities such as dyslexia, a strong linguistic foundation is crucial for building confidence and competence in the cl
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Closing Wisconsin’s Literacy Gap: The Key to a Stronger Democracy

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We are thrilled to announce that Vice President Kamala Harris will be speaking at a rally in Green Bay this Thursday, Oct. 17. The campaign is offering you exclusive content creator access, providing a unique opportunity to capture and share this powerful event. As someone who now sees themselves in this role, I can personally say it has been an empowering experience—one that allowed me to truly connect with the energy of the movement and share that feeling with my family. This is more than just an event; it’s a moment to reflect on and be part of something bigger, something that resonates far beyond the rally itself. You can feel it. The beat, the energy, the excitement, and the hope are all around. We have found it—"A New Way Forward."  As we sit and wait for VP Kamala Harris to speak in Green Bay, it feels like we are on the edge of something transformative, a turning point for our future.  This same energy and hope must be carried into addressing the educational challenge
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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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