Breaking the Pyramid Myth: Rethinking MTSS for Reading Growth with Dr. Stephanie Stollar and Dr. Sarah Brown
Dr. Stephanie Stollar and Dr. Sarah Brown reveal how to rethink MTSS and break free from the “pyramid myth” in the latest episode of Literacy Matters: Empowered Conversations. Drawing on insights from their book MTSS for Reading Improvement: A Leader’s Toolkit for Schoolwide Success, they share practical strategies for strengthening Tier 1 instruction, using data effectively, and aligning resources to support all readers. This episode challenges common misconceptions and offers leaders actionable steps to drive sustainable, schoolwide reading growth.
Thought Leader: Dr. Stephanie Stollar
Dr. Stephanie Stollar has spent over three decades advancing literacy through systems-level change, evidence-based practices, and educator support. She is founder of the Reading Science Academy and co-author of MTSS for Reading Improvement: A Leader’s Toolkit for Schoolwide Success (Solution Tree, 2025). A former Assistant Professor at Mount St. Joseph University and Vice President at Acadience Learning, she now serves on the Executive Team of the Evidence Advocacy Center and continues to mentor educators nationwide to ensure every student achieves reading success.
Thought Leader: Sarah Brown, PhD
Sarah Brown, PhD, is the President of System Impact Consulting and co-author of the books, Effective Universal Instruction, and the new book, MTSS for Reading Improvement. She empowers schools to maximize reading growth through data-driven MTSS with her MTSS Data Academy. She served in roles including the Bureau Chief leading Special Education and MTSS implementation for Iowa, Special Education Director, Professional Learning Administrator, and School Psychologist. She’s led customer education and MTSS within K-12 education technology companies.
Get to Know the Host: Dr. Cheryl Lundy Swift
Cheryl holds a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership, is a distinguished educational leader, and has been recognized with multiple awards for her achievements. She served as the lead curriculum developer for Learning Without Tears' Get Set for School Language and Literacy curriculum, which received an AEP Distinguished Achievement Award, and was awarded the Investors Bank Educator of the Year Award.
Check out more seasons and episodes of Literacy Matters: Empowered Conversations