Digital Learning Today

Amplifying language for our English learners: Featuring Antonio Fierro and Laura Stewart

September 15, 2026·41 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

Welcome to Digital Learning Today. In this episode, Jeff Bradbury explores the strategic systems that shape the future of education, focusing on Instructional Coaching, Artificial Intelligence, Professional Learning, and the latest Educational Technology Trends. In this episode, Laura Stewart and Antonio Fierro explore the science of reading, language development, and strategies for supporting English learners through amplification and intentionality. They discuss the importance of oral language, translanguaging, and equity in literacy education. Become a High-Impact Leader: This episode is just the beginning. To get the complete blueprint for designing and implementing high-impact systems in your district, get your copy of my book, "Impact Standards." Strategic Vision for Digital Learning:Learn how to create a district-wide vision that aligns digital learning with your educational goals, transforming how standards-based instruction is designed and supported.Curriculum Design and Implementation:Discover practical strategies for integrating digital learning into existing curricula, creating vertical alignment of skills, and mapping digital learning across grade levels.Effective Instructional Coaching:Master the art of coaching people rather than technology, building relationships that drive success, and measuring impact through student engagement rather than just technology usage. Purchase your copy of “Impact Standards” on Amazon today! Chapters: 00:01 Episode Introduction01:35 Science of Reading 3.003:24 Meet Antonio Fierro05:08 From Deficit to Amplification13:11 The Power of Oral Language16:22 Language Form and Function21:05 Understanding Translanguaging22:48 Practical Language Amplification31:06 Wait Time and Classroom Talk33:41 Equity Through Language37:58 Key Takeaways Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Science of Reading 3.0 Book -https://www.95percentgroup.com95% Group Website -https://www.95percentgroup.comTeacherCast Podcast Series -https://teachercast.net/95percentgroup About our Guest: Laura Stewart Laura Stewart is the Chief Academic Officer at 95 Percent Group. She is a nationally recognized Science of Reading and Structured Literacy advocate who has dedicated her career to improving literacy achievement at leading education companies. Stewart has more than 25 years of academic leadership experience. Most recently, she served as the Chief Innovation Officer for The Reading League and Chief Academic Officer for professional development with the Highlights Education Group. Other key education roles include vice president of professional development for the Rowland Reading Foundation and Zaner-Bloser, school district administrator and adjunct professor. She is the author of several training guides and training workshops, as well as 12 children’s books, and the co-author of The Everything Guide to Informational Text, K-2: Best Texts, Best Practices (Corwin Press, 2014). She serves on several advisory boards, including The Path Forward for Teacher Preparation and Licensure in Early Literacy. About the 95 Percent Group 95 Percent Group is an education company whose mission is to build on science to empower teachers—supplying the knowledge, resources, and support they need—to develop strong readers. Using an approach that is based in structured literacy, the company’s One95 Literacy Ecosystem™ integrates professional learning and evidence-based literacy products into one cohesive system that supports consistent instructional routines across tiers and is proven and trusted to help students close skill gaps and read fluently. 95 Percent Group is also committed to advancing research, best practices, and thought leadership on the science of reading more broadly. For additional information on 95 Percent Group, visit: https://www.95percentgroup.com. Links of Interest Website:https://www.95percentgroup.comLinkedIn –https://www.linkedin.com/company/95-percent-group-inc-/Facebook –https://www.facebook.com/95percentgroupTwitter –https://twitter.com/95percentgroupInstagram –<a href="htt

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