Adolescent Literacy miniseries, Episode 1

Foundational skills for adolescent readers, with Doug Fisher, Ph.D.

In this first episode of a special four-part Science of Reading: The Podcast Adolescent Literacy miniseries, Susan Lambert, Ed.D., speaks with Doug Fisher, Ph.D., a celebrated professor, author, and one of the most influential voices in adolescent literacy. They explore what the evidence really tells us about supporting adolescent learners, and what it means for classroom practice. They also discuss why Doug and his colleagues set out to find a new model for adolescent literacy, how self-efficacy powers literacy development in adolescent learners and what teachers can do to build it, and what “foundational skills” in reading truly means for adolescent readers—and why it is non-negotiable.

Meet Our Guest(s):

A man with short brown hair and glasses is facing the camera, with a blurred indoor background and graphic pencil icon overlay, reflecting his involvement in literacy education and research.

Doug Fisher

Doug Fisher, Ph.D., is currently professor and chair of educational leadership at San Diego State University and a leader of Health Sciences High and Middle College, after a career spent as an early intervention teacher and elementary school educator. He is the recipient of an International Reading Association William S. Grey Citation of Merit, an Exemplary Leader Award from the Conference on English Leadership at NCTE, and a Christa McAuliffe Award for Excellence in Teacher Education. He has published numerous articles and books on reading and literacy, differentiated instruction, and curriculum design.

Meet our host, Susan Lambert.

Susan Lambert is chief academic officer of literacy at Amplify and host of Science of Reading: The Podcast. Throughout her career, she has focused on creating high-quality learning environments using evidence-based practices. Lambert is a mom of four, a grandma of four, a world traveler, and a collector of stories.

As the host of Science of Reading: The Podcast, Lambert explores the increasing body of scientific research around how reading is best taught. A former classroom teacher, administrator, and curriculum developer, she’s dedicated to turning theory into best practices that educators can put right to use in the classroom, and to showcasing national models of reading instruction excellence.

Person with short blonde hair, glasses, and earrings, wearing an orange jacket, smiling in front of a plain gray background—committed to literacy education and fostering background knowledge for all learners.

Quotes

“Our literacy skills continue to grow across our lifetimes.”

—Doug Fisher

“The human brain operates on language, and reading, writing, speaking, and listening are the language operating systems of our brain.”

—Doug Fisher

“The word ‘foundational’ to me means not optional.”

—Doug Fisher

“Literacy is a gatekeeper. If we can develop stronger literacy skills in our students, we will change their lives.”

—Doug Fisher

“Literacy opens doors. Literacy improves our life outcomes, including our health outcomes.”

—Doug Fisher

“Teachers like to watch kids learn things. That's it. It's rewarding to us to watch learning occur in real time and to have strong relationships with students.”

—Doug Fisher

“The passion that educators bring also makes learning relevant.”

—Doug Fisher