Aug. 18, 2026

Adolescent Literacy Breakthroughs: Jeanne Schopf on AI‑Driven Coaching & MTSS

Adolescent Literacy Breakthroughs: Jeanne Schopf on AI‑Driven Coaching & MTSS
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Season 2026

Welcome to Digital Learning Today. In this episode, Jeff Bradbury explores the strategic systems that shape the future of education, focusing on Instructional Coaching, Artificial Intelligence, Professional Learning, and the latest Educational Technology Trends. In this podcast episode, Laura Stewart takes over the podcast and is joined by educator Jeanne Schopf, editor of the new book Reading is NOT Optional to talk about adolescent literacy. In this important episode, we will explore the current crisis around our older students literacy achievement and the urgency of addressing this crisis. Jeanne will share three big ideas around what we know works to intervene and get our adolescent readers on track toward academic success so that they can thrive. Laura will share key resources from 95 Percent Group to support teachers in designing instruction for this special population of learners.

Become a High-Impact Leader:

This episode is just the beginning. To get the complete blueprint for designing and implementing high-impact systems in your district, get your copy of my book, "Impact Standards."
  • Strategic Vision for Digital Learning:Learn how to create a district-wide vision that aligns digital learning with your educational goals, transforming how standards-based instruction is designed and supported.
  • Curriculum Design and Implementation:Discover practical strategies for integrating digital learning into existing curricula, creating vertical alignment of skills, and mapping digital learning across grade levels.
  • Effective Instructional Coaching:Master the art of coaching people rather than technology, building relationships that drive success, and measuring impact through student engagement rather than just technology usage.

Purchase your copy of “Impact Standards” on Amazon today!

Key Takeaways:

  • Urgency of adolescent literacy
  • Evidence-based instructional practices
  • Assessment and progress monitoring
  • System-level literacy interventions
  • Professional learning for teachers
  • Multisyllabic word decoding and morphology
  • Oral language development
  • MTSS implementation for secondary schools
  • Supporting English language learners

Chapters:

  • 00:00 Introduction to the importance of adolescent literacy
  • 03:09 Why we know too much to ignore adolescent literacy
  • 05:12 The urgency of addressing unfinished learning in literacy
  • 07:12 What makes adolescent struggling readers unique
  • 11:19 Evidence-based instructional practices for secondary students
  • 12:47 The importance of assessment and progress monitoring
  • 15:38 System-level solutions and MTSS for literacy
  • 18:44 Integrating literacy strategies across content areas
  • 20:07 Professional learning for teachers on evidence-based practices
  • 23:52 Leadership and systemic change for literacy transformation

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:


About our Guest: Laura Stewart

Laura Stewart is the Chief Academic Officer at 95 Percent Group. She is a nationally recognized Science of Reading and Structured Literacy advocate who has dedicated her career to improving literacy achievement at leading education companies. Stewart has more than 25 years of academic leadership experience. Most recently, she served as the Chief Innovation Officer for The Reading League and Chief Academic Officer for professional development with the Highlights Education Group. Other key education roles include vice president of professional development for the Rowland Reading Foundation and Zaner-Bloser, school district administrator and adjunct professor. She is the author of several training guides and training workshops, as well as 12 children’s books, and the co-author of The Everything Guide to Informational Text, K-2: Best Texts, Best Practices (Corwin Press, 2014). She serves on several advisory boards, including The Path Forward for Teacher Preparation and Licensure in Early Literacy.

About the 95 Percent Group

95 Percent Group is an education company whose mission is to build on science to empower teachers—supplying the knowledge, resources, and support they need—to develop strong readers. Using an approach that is based in structured literacy, the company’s One95 Literacy Ecosystem™ integrates professional learning and evidence-based literacy products into one cohesive system that supports consistent instructional routines across tiers and is proven and trusted to help students close skill gaps and read fluently. 95 Percent Group is also committed to advancing research, best practices, and thought leadership on the science of reading more broadly. For additional information on 95 Percent Group, visit: https://www.95percentgroup.com.

Links of Interest


About our Guest: Jeanne Schopf

Jeanne Schopf, M.Ed., NBCT, C-SLDI, is a literacy expert, motivational keynote speaker, and educational leader with more than 35 years of experience in pubic education. She is the editor and contributing author of Reading Isn’t Optional: Fulfilling the Promise of Literacy for Secondary Students and has served as an elementary and middle school teacher, Literacy Coach, Reading Specialist, and Certified Dyslexia Interventionist (K–12). A Certified John Maxwell speaker, trainer, and coach, Jeanne provides research-based professional development grounded in MTSS and the Science of Reading. As the Founder of Pathways Towards Literacy, she partners with schools and leaders to implement evidence-based practices, build educator capacity, and create sustainable systems that ensure every student achieves literacy success.

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Jeff Bradbury (ISTE “20 to Watch” Award Winner and ISTE Certified Educator) is available for keynote speaking, workshop facilitation, and live event broadcasting. With expertise in educational technology and professional development, Jeff brings engaging content and practical strategies to conferences and professional learning events.
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