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In this episode of The Literacy Mindset Podcast, Jeff Pendleton sits down with Dr. Lynette Burchfield, assistant principal at Catoosa High School in Oklahoma, to discuss how literacy leadership plays out at the secondary level. With a background spanning higher education, drama, speech, and English language arts, Dr. Burchfield shares the unique perspective she brings to shaping literacy instruction in a high school setting. She highlights the powerful correlations between public speaking and writing, the importance of modeling fluent reading for teenagers, and why she believes every teacher, regardless of subject, carries responsibility for literacy.
The conversation explores how Catoosa High School structures intervention through its RTI system, how peer-to-peer teacher observations have transformed professional development, and how creative test-prep boot camps are giving students an edge on state and college-readiness exams. Dr. Burchfield also shares her concerns about overreliance on AI in education, emphasizing that reading is, at its core, a deeply social activity. Looking ahead, she offers an optimistic vision where students graduate high school not only college ready but also career ready, with expanded opportunities for concurrent enrollment and technical training
Key Moments
04:37 Reading: Bridging Drama and ELA
09:02 Deep Reading Techniques in Education
11:16 Intervention Strategy Cycle Timetable
14:43 Individualized Student Remediation Planning
16:32 Cross-Disciplinary Literacy Teaching Practices
22:00 ACT Preparation Strategies
25:37 High School Students' Growth Opportunities
26:32 Evolving High School Education Pathways
Why You’ll Love This Episode
If you’ve ever wondered what the science of reading looks like at the high school level or how to keep literacy central when students are juggling complex subjects and looming graduation requirements, this episode offers both inspiration and practical strategies. Dr. Burchfield’s blend of administrative insight and classroom experience makes for a candid, energizing conversation. You’ll come away with fresh ideas for teacher collaboration, student engagement, and building systems that prepare teenagers for both tests and life beyond school.
Connect with Dr. Lynette Burchfield
Website: https://www.catoosaps.net/
Follow & Subscribe
Host LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-katschke-86752929a
Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mindplayeducation
Company Website: http://MindPlay.com
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