EP17 - Mismatch in the Middle: Where Reading Gaps Begin

Teachers are following research-based phonics programs. Students are participating, practicing, and progressing. So why—when it’s time to read—do they struggle?

In this episode of Empowering the Educator Within, we explore a common but often overlooked problem: the misalignment between early literacy programs and the readers used to assess learning. Could the very tools we rely on be contributing to the gaps we’re trying to close?

Join me as we unpack how this mismatch affects instruction, assessment, and most importantly—student confidence.

🎧 Visit shalabooks.com to explore our free collection of Emergent and Transitional Readers designed to align with your phonics instruction.