Bonus Episode: Reading Assessment Done Right with Dr. Stephanie Stollar and Kate Winn
Reading Road TripShow Notes
Buckle up. This surprise, between-seasons bonus episode of Reading Road Trip goes behind the scenes of the soon-to-be-released book Reading Assessment Done Right. Kate Winn steps out from the host role and into the guest seat alongside co-author Dr. Stephanie Stollar. Together, Kate and Stephanie candidly discuss why they wrote the book, how the collaboration came together, and the real questions about assessment and instruction that shaped it. It’s an insider look at the thinking behind the book, with practical reflections educators can bring back to their own classrooms. Our work at IDA Ontario, which is a registered charity, depends on the generosity of people like you. If you find the podcast helpful, please consider supporting our organization.
Show Notes:
We All Love by Julie Flett – A beautifully illustrated picture book celebrating care, connection, and love, shared as part of this episode’s land acknowledgement and commitment to amplifying Indigenous artists.
Reading Assessment Done Right – The soon-to-be-released book by Kate Winn and Dr. Stephanie Stollar that anchors this bonus episode, exploring how assessment can be used to inform instruction and improve reading outcomes.
IDA Ontario's Literacy and Learning Conference 2026 – Kate Winn and Dr. Stephanie Stollar will be presenting together at LitLearn 2026 in Toronto; registration details are available through IDA Ontario.
Perspectives on Language and Literacy – Reading Assessment Done Right will be featured in the Winter 2026 issue Data: What's Your Question?, co-edited by theme editors Dr. Michelle Hosp and Dr. Una Malcolm; IDA members can access the issue through the member portal, and non-members can learn more about joining the International Dyslexia Association to gain access.
More from Reading Road Trip
In the Season 5 finale of Reading Road Trip, Kate welcomes Dr. Zach Groshell, teacher, researcher, and author of Just Tell Them, for a practical, energizing conversation about explicit instruction. They unpack why novices need structured teaching, how classroom setup and routines support attention, and the power of techniques like choral response, turn‑and‑talk, and well‑chosen examples. It’s a clear, actionable episode for anyone committed to evidence‑aligned instruction and stronger learning outcomes. Resources Mentioned in This Episode
In this episode of Reading Road Trip, Kate welcomes Dr. Jon Potter, an expert in MTSS, literacy intervention, and data-based decision making, for an insightful conversation about the Taxonomy of Intervention Intensity. They explore seven evidence-based dimensions educators can use to intensify reading interventions, including strength, dosage, alignment, attention to transfer, and behavioral support. Dr. Potter shares practical examples and actionable guidance for using assessment and progress-monitoring data to make informed instructional decisions, helping educators intensify support in ways that truly meet students' needs. Whether you're a classroom teacher, interventionist, or school leader, this episode offers valuable tools for supporting struggling readers and improving literacy outcomes for all students. Resources Mentioned in This Episode
Kate is joined by literacy leaders and longtime collaborators Nellie Caruso and Leigh Fettes for a conversation packed with practical classroom ideas, evidence-based literacy strategies, and reflections on the current state of literacy education. From phonics and vocabulary instruction to data-driven decision making, French immersion, and system-level change, this episode offers actionable insights and inspiration for educators at every stage of their literacy journey. Resources Mentioned in this Episode:
In this episode, Kate welcomes Melissa Flynn, Executive Director of the First Nations School Board (FNSB) in the Yukon, and literacy coach Kayla Abrams to discuss how authentic relationships, community partnership, and evidence-based literacy instruction are driving meaningful change for learners. Melissa and Kayla share FNSB’s journey from balanced literacy to structured literacy, the importance of screening and assessment data, transparent communication with families, and the ways local cultures, languages, and communities are reflected in literacy learning. They also highlight encouraging signs of progress, including improved attendance, stronger reading outcomes, and growing learner confidence and engagement. Our work at IDA Ontario, which is a registered charity, depends on the generosity of people like you. If you find the podcast helpful, please consider supporting our organization. Resources Mentioned in This Episode
What role does oral language play in learning to read and in learning, period? In this episode of Reading Road Trip, Kate Winn welcomes Dr. Charles Hulme. Dr. Hulme explains why oral language is far more than a contributor to reading comprehension. Drawing on decades of research, he describes how children's early language skills provide the foundation for phonological awareness, decoding, and later literacy success. He also discusses the critical role language plays as the "medium of instruction" across all areas of education. Listeners will learn about practical ways educators can assess and support oral language development, the importance of rich conversations and structured language instruction, and the connections between oral language difficulties and dyslexia. Dr. Hulme also shares insights from his research on effective language interventions and why their benefits can last for years. Our work at IDA Ontario, which is a registered charity, depends on the generosity of people like you. If you find the podcast helpful, please consider supporting our organization. Resources Mentioned in This Episode