The Knowledge Gap in Reading: Kelly Gallagher's Insights | LLCN Brief Ep.18

Описание: Episode 18 of the Kent ISD Literacy Leaders and Coaches Network (LLCN) Brief Podcast

In this episode, Kent ISD welcomes literacy expert and author Kelly Gallagher for a powerful conversation about the critical role of knowledge in reading comprehension. Drawing from his latest book, To Read Stuff You Have to Know Stuff, Gallagher explores why background knowledge—not just decoding skills—is essential for helping students think deeply and read critically.

Hosts Mark Raffler and Sarah Shoemaker engage Gallagher in a discussion about building knowledge-rich classrooms, supporting adolescent literacy, and developing students who can successfully navigate both digital reading environments and sustained, complex texts. This episode offers practical instructional strategies for educators seeking to strengthen comprehension, disciplinary literacy, and critical thinking across content areas.


TOPICS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE

The Role of Background Knowledge in Reading Comprehension
Prior Knowledge and Critical Thinking Development
Building Knowledge Across Content Areas
Creating “Biliterate” Readers in a Digital Age
Sentence Study and Its Impact on Comprehension

FEATURED GUEST
Kelly Gallagher
Author and veteran high school educator who advocates for knowledge-rich instruction to strengthen reading comprehension and critical thinking.

HOST
Mark Raffler, Educational Consultant, Kent Intermediate School District
Sarah Shoemaker, Early Literacy Coach, Kent Intermediate School District

RESOURCES & PROFESSIONAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

To Read Stuff You Have to Know Stuff by Kelly Gallagher
Reader Come Home by Maryanne Wolf
The Reading Mind by Daniel Willingham
The Knowledge Gap by Natalie Wexler

Earn up to 1.25 SCECH credits by listening and reflecting:
Podcast PDX Professional Learning Page: http://bit.ly/podcastPDx

LLCN Resource Page: http://bit.ly/LLCNresources2425

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LLCN Topics Submission Form: http://bit.ly/LLCNtopics


#ScienceOfReading #AdolescentLiteracy #KnowledgeBuilding #ReadingComprehension #DisciplinaryLiteracy #LiteracyLeadership #CriticalThinking #StructuredLiteracy #ProfessionalLearning #KentISD #LLCN

PODCAST PRODUCTION
Please note the audio used as an introduction and in transitions in this podcast is licensed under Creative Commons and attribution is given as follows:
Medicine by WinnieTheMoog
Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/6256-medicine