S9 E1: Literacy as a catalyst for change, with Ray James

Science of Reading: The Podcast

In the Season 9 premiere of Science of Reading: The Podcast, Susan Lambert speaks with Ray James, Head of School at The Ansley School, about the transformative impact of literacy instruction. The Ansley School, which serves children experiencing homelessness, has made evidence-based literacy instruction a key piece of its efforts to foster profound educational and community change. Ray shares his journey and explores how a focus on literacy provides benefits that extend beyond the classroom to the broader community. This episode underscores the importance of foundational literacy skills and sets the stage for a new season dedicated to a literacy reboot.
Show notes:

• The Ansley School Instagram): @theansleyschool
• Ray’s Instagram: @the_rayvolution
• Website: https://theansleyschool.org/

Quotes:
"If you don't get reading right in an elementary school, every piece of the school suffers." —Ray James
"We’re not just doing school, but educating people. I think a lot of people do school, we’re trying to educate our community holistically."—Ray James

"Education isn't just about academics, it's about creating a safe place and providing holistic, evidence-based literacy instruction that catalyzes real change."—Ray James