Today’s guest is Dr. Rachael Gabriel. We’ll talk about the newly published book, How Education Policy Shapes Literacy Instruction, which includes chapters she authored and co-authored and which she edited. Specifically, we’ll explore the history of studies relating to teacher quality and instructional materials, and what research shows makes the biggest difference in supporting early literacy growth.  Later, I’m joined by my colleagues Macie Kerbs and Molly Wood for a conversation about practical takeaways.***To learn more about this podcast, see the first season's guests, read full transcripts and blog responses from listeners, and read more about Jennifer Serravallo and her work, visit www.jenniferserravallo.com/podcastMore information on How Education Policy Shapes Literacy InstructionRead the Annenberg report about considerations for high quality professional learning (link to actual studies can be found within this report).***About this episode’s guest: Rachael Gabriel is Professor of Literacy Education at the University of Connecticut. She is author of more than fifty refereed articles, and author or editor of six books for literacy teachers, leaders and education researchers, including the newly published How Education Policy Shapes Literacy Instruction which we'll be talking about today. Rachael currently teaches courses for educators and doctoral students pursuing specialization in literacy.  She serves on the editorial boards of journals focused on literacy, education research and education policy, and has served on the boards of the International Literacy Association and Reading Recovery Council of North America. In addition to experience as a classroom teacher and reading specialist, Rachael holds graduate certificates in both quantitative and qualitative research methods.  Rachael’s research is focused on: literacy instruction, leadership and intervention, as well as policies related to teacher development and evaluation.  Her current projects investigate: supports for adolescent literacy, state literacy policies and discipline-specific literacy instruction. Support the show