edWebinars
«Back to all edWebinarsThe Secondary Literacy Crisis: Why Reading Scores Are Falling—and How to Fix It
Tuesday, April 1, 2025 @ 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm EDT
Presented by Dr. Anthony Smith, Deputy Superintendent, Denver Public Schools (CO); Dr. Zandra Jo Galván, Superintendent, Salinas Union High School District (CA), Immediate Past-President, California Association of Latino Superintendents and Administrators; and Dr. Glenda Sheffield, Superintendent, Hampton County School District (SC)
Moderated by Dr. Donna Wright, Regional Partner, Really Great Reading
Sponsored by Really Great Reading
Learn more about viewing the live presentation and the recording, earning your CE certificate, and using our new accessibility features.
Too many older students slip through the cracks, missing out on critical literacy interventions that could change their academic trajectory. Join leading experts as they tackle the biggest challenges in secondary literacy education and share actionable solutions that work. This edLeader Panel will explore key systemic challenges, including:
- The Missing Middle – Why older students often don’t receive the structured literacy interventions they still need—and how to fix it
- Core Curriculum vs. Supplemental Support – Striking the right balance between teaching content and developing essential literacy skills
- The Lost Group – How absenteeism, EL learners, and special education students are disproportionately impacted—and what we can do to support them
- Gaps in Secondary Educator Training – Bridging the knowledge gap so middle and high school teachers can effectively support struggling readers
- Building Comprehension – The power of vocabulary, background knowledge, assessments, and interventions to close literacy gaps while reducing stigma
- Staying the Course in a Shifting Landscape – How to navigate changing education trends while keeping literacy at the forefront
This isn’t just another discussion—it’s a call to action. Walk away with research-backed strategies to integrate literacy support into secondary classrooms, strengthen professional development, and ensure all students have the tools they need to succeed.
Don’t miss out—join us and be part of the solution! This edLeader Panel will be of interest to K-12 teachers, district leaders, and education technology leaders. There will be time for questions at the end of the presentation.
About the Presenters
Dr. Anthony Smith serves as Deputy Superintendent for Denver Public Schools (DPS), Colorado’s largest district. He is committed to providing quality education to over 89,000 students. His leadership is driven by equity, integrity, and accountability. Born and raised in Chicago, moving to Denver at 14, Dr. Smith’s diverse experiences shaped his commitment to education. Attending nine K-12 schools before earning a football and track scholarship to Adams State University, he understands the challenges students face firsthand.
Starting his career as a Title I teacher in DPS, Dr. Smith quickly emerged as a leader dedicated to student achievement. Over 19 years, he served as Assistant Principal, Principal, Instructional Superintendent, and Regional Instructional Superintendent, improving outcomes in both traditional and charter schools. From 2019-2022, he led a district-wide turnaround as Superintendent of KIPP Texas Dallas-Fort Worth, raising school ratings through strategic leadership.
His doctoral research, Improvement Science and its Impact on Turnaround, reflects his focus on sustainable educational improvements. Passionate about collaboration and student success, he works to ensure equitable access to high-quality education. A devoted husband and father, Dr. Smith enjoys mentoring, community service, and family activities. His leadership continues to drive meaningful change in DPS, fostering academic excellence and stronger school communities.
Dr. Zandra Jo Galván, Superintendent of Salinas Union High School District (SUHSD) since October 1, 2024, is a seasoned educator who most recently served the Greenfield Union School District as superintendent since 2017. She has successfully led and implemented strategic initiatives, focusing on student-centered learning, technology, and college and career readiness. Dr. Galván leads a national Digital Promise League of Innovative Schools District (entered in 2022) with an equity and inclusivity-focused mission for ALL students. She was also selected for the 2023-24 Google National Fellowship, was awarded the ALAS National Superintendent of the Year in 2023-24, District Administration Top 100 National Influencers in Education 2024, and DA Woman of Distinction 2025.
Holding degrees from Fresno State, CSU Monterey Bay, and San Jose State, she recently earned her doctorate at USC on May 8, 2024! As a recognized leader, Dr. Galván is passionate about preparing students to be socially, emotionally, and academically prepared for college and career and ensures that every Salinas UHSD team member knows they are an ELITE team member dedicated to the arduous task of saving students from the cycle of poverty. Dr. Galván is proudly committed to an “ALL Means ALL” vision for ALL the Salinas Union High School District students she proudly serves.
Dr. Glenda Sheffield is the Superintendent of Hampton County School District in South Carolina. She brings over three decades of experience in education, having served the School District of Palm Beach County for 31 years in various leadership roles, including teacher, assistant principal, principal, Instructional Superintendent, and Chief Academic Officer.
Throughout her career, Dr. Sheffield has been dedicated to academic excellence and equity. As a principal, she successfully closed the achievement gap at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. In her role as Instructional Superintendent, she mentored and coached middle and high school principals, fostering strong instructional leadership. As Chief Academic Officer, she collaborated with district stakeholders to align curriculum resources, ensuring rigorous, standards-based instruction for all students.
Dr. Sheffield holds a Bachelor of Science in business administration from Voorhees College, a Master of Education in business education from Bowling Green State University, and both an educational specialist and doctorate in educational leadership from Nova Southeastern University. She is also a former participant of the Harvard University Principal Leadership Academy and the Atlantic Research Partners National Superintendent Academy.
About the Moderator
Dr. Donna Wright has served in many roles in her 40-plus-year career as an educator. She has positively influenced the educational field as a classroom teacher, assistant principal, principal, assistant superintendent, deputy director, and school superintendent.
Dr. Wright earned her Doctorate in Leadership Studies from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. She has been published in numerous educational journals, invited to present at national and state conferences, and has served as an adjunct professor at various institutions of higher learning.
Although Dr. Wright recently retired from K-12 public education, she continues to support and consult with colleagues and school districts around the country. Currently, she serves as the AASA Lead Superintendent directing the National Women’s Leadership Consortium and collaborates with public school districts around the country.
Join the Structured Literacy Instruction community to network with educators, participate in online discussions, receive invitations to upcoming edWebinars, and view recordings of previous programs to earn CE certificates.
Learn more about viewing the live presentation and the recording, earning your CE certificate, and using our new accessibility features.
Really Great Reading has been leading the charge in effective Science of Reading strategies for over 18 years with our proven PK-12 curriculum in foundational literacy and intervention teaching methodologies. We turn reading research into classroom practice, ensuring teachers have cutting-edge strategies and tools in classrooms across the country. It is our unwavering commitment to students and educators that sets us apart from other Science of Reading curricula, and this is evident in the student outcomes and results that districts and schools see when using our products.
