S6 E18 - The Secret to Truly Universal Phonics Instruction (Part 1)

The Structured Literacy Podcast

This podcast episode outlines the first five of ten critical factors for achieving universal student success in phonics instruction, emphasising that student outcomes, not surface-level metrics like training completion, are what truly matter.

The Five Factors:

1. Engineer student success - Accept responsibility for student learning rather than blaming circumstances
2. Whatever it takes attitude - Commit to whole-school systemic problem-solving (not individual teacher burnout)
3. Design for highest needs - Create Tier 1 instruction for students with the "leakiest memories" to avoid creating learning messes that require years to fix
4. Flexible, data-based grouping - Provide differentiated instruction where students move fluidly between groups based on their current needs (not permanent tracking/streaming)
5. One core routine - Maintain consistent phonics instruction across classrooms with low variance and predictable routines

The episode emphasises these foundational factors must be in place before instructional techniques (covered in Part 2) can be effective. Schools should choose one factor at a time to improve rather than attempting everything at once.

Has something in this episode resonated with you? Get in touch!

Are your students good readers, but poor spellers? If so, you are not alone. Spelling Success in Action addresses phonics, orthography, and morphology to give students a well-rounded understanding of how our language system works.
Find out how you can help your students move beyond guessing and memorisation at https://www.jocelynseamereducation.com/spelling2

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บท

1. S6 E18 - The Secret to Truly Universal Phonics Instruction (Part 1) (00:00:00)

2. Setting The Stakes For Next Year (00:02:31)

3. Surface Metrics Versus Real Outcomes (00:04:01)

4. A Clear But Caring Challenge (00:07:43)

5. Ten Factors And A One‑At‑A‑Time Plan (00:10:07)

6. Factor 1: Own The Outcome (00:11:00)

7. From Barriers To Solutions (00:13:32)

8. Factor 2: Whatever It Takes, Wisely (00:16:42)

9. Factor 3: Design Tier 1 For Vulnerable Learners (00:19:23)

10. Avoiding The Light Switch Problem (00:23:22)

11. Factor 4: Data‑Based Flexible Grouping (00:25:31)