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Building Reading Fluency: The Role of Rich and Varied Practice
Thursday, November 13, 2025 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm EST
Presented by Dr. Carolyn Brown, Adjunct Professor of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Iowa, and Co-Founder, Foundations in Learning; and Dr. Carolyn Strom, Former Teacher, Current Clinical Assistant Professor of Early Childhood Literacy, NYU Steinhardt School of Culture, Education & Human Development
Moderated by Allison Zimmermann, Former Teacher, Current CEO, Foundations in Learning
Sponsored by WordFlight- Foundations in Learning
Watch the RecordingListen to the Podcast
Learn more about viewing the live presentation and the recording, earning your CE certificate, and using our new accessibility features.
For years, the phrase “rich and varied practice” has been used in reading instruction—but often without a clear definition. Explicit, direct instruction is a cornerstone of the Science of Reading, but it is in “rich and varied practice” that students consolidate and generalize their learning so that they can become fluent readers. A systematic approach to rich and varied practice is even more critical to our struggling readers, especially those in upper elementary and middle school.
Teachers have long asked: What exactly does “rich and varied” practice mean? How do I implement this to help my students build automaticity and fluency?
In this edWebinar, we explore over 60 years of research that sheds light on this important concept. You see how scholars and educators have created and continue to use practical frameworks that explain why this kind of practice works and how to use it effectively in the classroom.
Most importantly, you walk away with classroom strategies and tools—based on the latest work from researchers and developers. These tools help you bring “rich and varied practice” to life—developing automaticity, fluency, engagement, deeper learning, and stronger outcomes.
This recorded edWebinar is of interest to elementary and middle school teachers, school leaders, district leaders, and education technology leaders.
About the Presenters
Dr. Carolyn Brown has devoted her career to developing tools and testing solutions that optimize language and literacy development for all students. She and her colleagues have received support from the National Institutes of Health, the Department of Education, the National Science Foundation, and the State of Iowa. Dr. Brown received her B.S. and M.S. degrees in speech pathology and audiology from Eastern New Mexico University and her Ph.D. in the same field at University of Iowa. Her areas of specialization are child development, language acquisition, and the Science of Reading.
She and her husband, Dr. Jerry Zimmermann, have co-founded three companies: Breakthrough to Literacy, the Iowa Language and Literacy Institute, and Foundations in Learning. Each was organized to advance current science and create solutions to help all children learn to read. She is also an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at the University of Iowa.
Dr. Carolyn Strom is a clinical professor, reading specialist, and former first-grade teacher. She collaborates widely with school districts, families, educators, and edtech companies to bridge the disconnect between neuroscientific research and educational practice. Dr. Strom is a recent recipient of NYU Steinhardt’s Teaching Excellence Award and has published her work in The Reading Teacher, The Reading League Journal, and The Handbook of Learning Disabilities. She maintains a clinical practice in New York, working with children who have dyslexia. Dr. Strom holds a Ph.D. from NYU, a master’s degree from USC, and a B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania.
About the Moderator
Before taking the helm as CEO, Allison Zimmermann previously served as the Chief Strategy Officer for Foundations in Learning. She brings over 15 years of experience working in the education sector creating equity and opportunity for students. She has worked as a teacher, administrator, and consultant, providing strategic support to schools, non-profits, start-ups, and Fortune 500 companies across the country.
Previously, Allison launched NewView, a non-profit focused on creating tri-sector solutions for society’s largest challenges. She continues to serve on the board of the organization. Allison began her career as a special education middle school teacher in New York City and a Teach For America Corps member. Allison graduated from Boston University with a B.S. in international relations and political science. She received an M.S.Ed. in middle school general and special education from Bank Street College and M.P.P. and M.B.A. degrees from the University of Michigan.
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Learn more about viewing the live presentation and the recording, earning your CE certificate, and using our new accessibility features.
WordFlight is the labor of love from a group of dedicated reading researchers, authors, and cognitive scientists who want to help more students learn to read. WordFlight is Foundations in Learning’s flagship offering.
