Helping Every Reader Move Past the Decoding Threshold with Rebecca Kockler
Helping Every Reader Move Past the Decoding Threshold with Rebecca Kockler  
Podcast: Melissa & Lori Love Literacy ® | Science of Reading for Teachers
Published On: Fri Jul 31 2026
Description: Episode 257Why do so many students appear to thrive in early literacy, only to stall by middle school?In this episode, we talk with Rebecca Kockler to unpack what literacy data from Louisiana revealed about a common but often misunderstood pattern: strong early reading results followed by flat or declining comprehension growth in later grades.At the center of the conversation is the concept of the Decoding Threshold: the point at which students can read words accurately and automatically enough to access grade-level text and grow in comprehension.Rebecca explains:What happens when students never fully cross that thresholdWhy decoding instruction must continue through middle schoolHow multisyllabic decoding becomes a critical turning point around fourth gradeThe powerful connection between morphology, vocabulary, and spellingWhy fluency is the first true step of applicationHow reader identity influences students’ willingness to grapple with challenging textWhat effective assessment actually looks like for older readersYou’ll walk away with practical strategies to support multisyllabic decoding, vocabulary and spelling development, integrated fluency practice, & tier 1 instruction that adapts to increasing language complexity.If you’ve ever wondered why students who “learned to read” struggle later — this conversation will reshape how you think about literacy instruction in elementary and middle school.ResourcesResources for Educators Why "Learn to Read, Read to Learn" Fails Older Readers - And How To Fix ItAction Guide for Educators ROARStandards & Instructional Practices We Never Stop Learning to Read by Chase Young (blog) Looking for more literacy support and resources? Explore all of our podcast episodes, free listening guides, and classroom tools at literacypodcast.com.Interested in bringing Melissa & Lori Love Literacy to your school or event? Email us at literacypodcast@greatminds.org.