Spring Science of Reading Summit: The Deep Links Between Reading, Writing, and Language

Young-Suk Grace Kim, Ed.D.

Professor, University of California, Irvine

Jane Oakhill, Ph.D.

Professor, University of Sussex

Hugh Catts, Ph.D.

Professor, Florida State University

The Science of Reading is a continually evolving, enduringly effective discipline. And as it grows, so does our understanding of how to serve our students. But there is still so much more to learn. The latest research has uncovered a deep, nuanced connection between reading, writing, and language. Understanding and fostering that connection can set students up for a lifetime of essential literacy skills. Let’s explore this reciprocity together!

During the Spring Science of Reading Summit, top experts from Science of Reading: The Podcast will help you connect the latest research and evidence-based practices in your classroom. No matter where you are in your Science of Reading journey, you’ll learn valuable takeaways that will help you nurture students into confident readers, writers, and thinkers.

At the summit you will:

Receive five hours of professional learning.
Understand what the latest research has to say about the links between reading, writing, and language—and how to bring those insights to your classroom!
Connect with literacy educators across the country just like you, and get literacy experts’ answers to your Science of Reading questions.
Unlock exclusive access to additional learning opportunities focused on the Science of Reading this summer.

11 a.m.	Welcome Susan Lambert, Chief Academic Officer, Elementary Humanities and Host, Science of Reading: The Podcast and Ana Torres, Sr. Biliteracy/Multilingual Product Specialist and host of the Beyond My Years podcast
11:15 a.m.	Building Literacy Connections: Examining the Links Between Reading, Writing, and Language Young-Suk Grace Kim, Ed.D, Professor, University of California, Irvine Explore the vital connections among reading, writing, and language, focusing on their collective influence on literacy development. We will examine how deeply these skills connect, and share easy-to-use strategies for everyday educators to effectively support and enhance literacy education. You’ll learn how leveraging these relationships will help you deliver a more comprehensive approach to developing proficient readers and writers.
12:15 p.m.	Rethinking Reading and Writing: The Role of Knowledge and Higher-Level Thinking in Literacy Development Hugh Catts, Ph.D., Professor, Florida State University What role does comprehension play in reading and writing, and why shouldn’t we consider it a skill? Join Hugh Catts, Ph.D., to challenge common misconceptions about background knowledge and comprehension and their impact on reading proficiency. Discover how literacy—both reading and writing—extends beyond general skills, and is driven by the power of knowledge and higher-level thinking.
1:15 p.m.	Reading Feelings: Exploring the Associations Between Reading, Language, Understanding, and Theory of Mind in Children Jane Oakhill, Professor, University of Sussex How do reading and oral language influence the development of empathy and comprehension in children? Join Jane Oakhill, Ph.D., to explore the connections among oracy, reading comprehension, and Theory of Mind in elementary school students. You’ll learn about the groundbreaking findings from her research examining how narrative texts and small-group discussions shape empathy and emotional understanding, and how you can apply them with your students.
2:15 p.m.	From Research to Practice: 2025 Science of Reading Star Awards Panel Ana Torres, Sr. Biliteracy/Multilingual Product Specialist and host of the Beyond My Years podcast Learning to read is nothing short of a transformation—and at the heart of this transformation are literacy educators harnessing the Science of Reading to ignite lifelong learning. Hear wisdom, advice, and lessons learned from a panel of our 2025 Science of Reading Star Award Winners, a cohort of real Science of Reading champions who have improved student outcomes in their schools and communities.
3:30 p.m.	Closing and Next Steps in Learning Susan Lambert, Chief Academic Officer, Elementary Humanities and Host, Science of Reading: The Podcast

Time	Session
12:00 p.m.	Welcome Susan Lambert, Host of Science of Reading: The Podcast
12:10 p.m.	Leading the Shift to High-quality Literacy Instruction Dr. Kymyona Burk, Senior Policy Fellow at ExcelinEd
1:00 p.m.	How Building Knowledge Narrows Gaps Natalie Wexler, Author, The Knowledge Gap
1:45 p.m.	How Teachers Shape Learning: Content-rich Literacy Instruction in the Elementary Grades Dr. Sonia Cabell, Associate Professor of Education at Florida State University
2:30 p.m.	Choice of: Literacy Instruction Supporting English Language Learners Claude Goldenberg, Professor of Education at Stanford University or Making the Content Stick: Knowledge-building in the Classroom Mitchell Brookins, Education consultant and former school administrator
3:15 p.m.	Equity 2.0: Rethinking the Who, What, and How Kareem Weaver, Co-Founder and Executive Director at FULCRUM

Join the Spring Science of Reading Summit: The Deep Links Between Reading, Writing, and Language on May 15, 2025 from 11 a.m–4 p.m ET.

Yes! After the event, you’ll receive an email with a recording of the entire event and, if you joined live, your certificate of completion.

If you’re a K–8 literacy teacher, administrator, curriculum lead, coach, or have a general interest in the Science of Reading, this event is for you!

This summer, Amplify will host an extended Science of Reading learning series to help you expand on what you learned during the Science of Reading Summit. Susan Lambert will return to host this multipart event. Stay tuned for more information after the summit.

No. This event does not provide CE credits, but you will receive a professional development certificate of completion to take back to your district.

2025 VIRTUAL EVENT