Oklahoma Edition: Practical Science of Reading for Secondary Educators at Catoosa High School

Literacy Mindset

In this episode of The Literacy Mindset Podcast, Jeff Pendleton sits down with Dr. Lynette Burchfield, assistant principal at Catoosa High School in Oklahoma, to discuss how literacy leadership plays out at the secondary level. With a background spanning higher education, drama, speech, and English language arts, Dr. Burchfield shares the unique perspective she brings to shaping literacy instruction in a high school setting. She highlights the powerful correlations between public speaking and writing, the importance of modeling fluent reading for teenagers, and why she believes every teacher, regardless of subject, carries responsibility for literacy.

The conversation explores how Catoosa High School structures intervention through its RTI system, how peer-to-peer teacher observations have transformed professional development, and how creative test-prep boot camps are giving students an edge on state and college-readiness exams. Dr. Burchfield also shares her concerns about overreliance on AI in education, emphasizing that reading is, at its core, a deeply social activity. Looking ahead, she offers an optimistic vision where students graduate high school not only college ready but also career ready, with expanded opportunities for concurrent enrollment and technical training

Key Moments

04:37 Reading: Bridging Drama and ELA

09:02 Deep Reading Techniques in Education

11:16 Intervention Strategy Cycle Timetable

14:43 Individualized Student Remediation Planning

16:32 Cross-Disciplinary Literacy Teaching Practices

22:00 ACT Preparation Strategies

25:37 High School Students' Growth Opportunities

26:32 Evolving High School Education Pathways

Why You’ll Love This Episode

If you’ve ever wondered what the science of reading looks like at the high school level or how to keep literacy central when students are juggling complex subjects and looming graduation requirements, this episode offers both inspiration and practical strategies. Dr. Burchfield’s blend of administrative insight and classroom experience makes for a candid, energizing conversation. You’ll come away with fresh ideas for teacher collaboration, student engagement, and building systems that prepare teenagers for both tests and life beyond school.

Connect with Dr. Lynette Burchfield

Website: https://www.catoosaps.net/

Follow & Subscribe

Host LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-katschke-86752929a

Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mindplayeducation

Company Website: http://MindPlay.com

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