Educational Teams Bridging School and Family Communication with Leah Mermelstein and Dr. Jennifer Gioia

Olivia Wahl

13 January 2025

In this episode, I sit down with literacy expert Leah Mermelstein and school neuropsychologist Dr. Jennifer Gioia to explore how educators can better support students who are "stuck" in their learning journey. Together, we unpack how schools can build effective support systems directly into their educational framework through three core elements: dedicated time for team dialogue, appropriate resources and curriculum, and shared knowledge of research-based practices. The conversation delves into practical strategies for: ➡️breaking down educational silos  ➡️fostering family-school collaboration  ➡️ensuring equitable student support Leah brings insights from literacy consulting and tutoring, while Jen shares perspectives on neuropsychological evaluation and empowering families with educational knowledge. Join us for actionable strategies to create unified teams that support every student's learning journey while addressing both individual needs and systemic barriers. Mentions:  S1E10: "We-Do" Writing: A Solution for Shaky IndependenceS2 E35: It's Time to Bend Curriculum & Create Our Own Integrated Units of StudyJulie Wright - What’s Our ResponseNew Jersey’s Intervention and Referral Services Committee (I&RS Committee)Orthographic mappingSounds-Write: First Rate PhonicsCognitive load theory and individual differencesWith Speech to Teachers, Harris Waded into a Fiery Education DebateStudents aren’t benefiting much from tutoring, one new study showsAri Gerzon-Kessler - On the Same TeamMaking the Most of Team Time in Middle SchoolLMC Literacy ToolkitsWhen coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.