Dr. Todd Whitney, the Kentucky Reading Research Center’s Co-Principal Investigator, recently joined a panel of education leaders on KET’s monthly series “Education Matters” for an episode focused on the Science of Literacy.
Hosted by Kelsey Starks, the panel explored key issues in literacy education, including the challenges students face in learning to read, the role of educators and administrators, and the importance of policy in supporting strong literacy instruction. Along with Whitney, the panel included Christie Biggerstaff, Director of Early Literacy in the Kentucky Department of Education’s Office of Teaching and Learning; Brittany Holloway Jones, Literacy Coaching Specialist with KDE; and Dr. Nancy Hulan, Associate Professor of Education and Director of the Western Kentucky University Literacy Clinic.
Whitney highlighted a critical fact: while a small percentage of children learn to read with ease, most students require explicit, systematic instruction. “That’s why we must invest in the most effective, evidence-based practices,” he said.
The conversation also focused on the Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS) professional learning program, which is being made available to educators across Kentucky. Whitney emphasized how LETRS equips teachers with the knowledge and tools needed to strengthen instruction and transform student learning.
Sharing insights from the Center’s first year of research, Whitney noted two main concerns voiced by primary grade teachers: They worry about having enough instructional minutes in the school day to teach reading effectively, and behavioral challenges remain a major factor affecting classroom instruction.
Above all, Whitney stressed that teaching children to read must be seen as a collective effort.
“It’s not just on teachers to teach reading,” he said. “I say that as a former teacher. We need the help of parents and caregivers. We need the help of policymakers. We need the community behind us. It’s a group effort.”