Quick look: On the latest FutureCurrent podcast, Dr. Sandra Lee outlines why early literacy matters and what schools are doing to strengthen outcomes. The episode also offers practical, everyday strategies families can use to help children grow as confident readers.
In the latest episode of FutureCurrent, OCDE Associate Superintendent of Educational Services Dr. Sandra Lee joins County Superintendent Dr. Stefan Bean and educator Lainie Rowell for a timely conversation about literacy and what it will take to strengthen reading outcomes for all students.
The episode released Tuesday, March 3, explores why reading has taken on renewed urgency in Orange County and across the nation. Citing recent data, Lee notes that even in communities that outperform statewide averages, too many students are still not getting the support they need early enough.
“We have to remember that behind every percentage point is a real child,” she said, “and to tell you the truth, the trajectory of a child who can’t read by third grade is pretty stark.”
Rather than staying in the abstract, Lee breaks down what the “science of reading” looks like in practice and why early literacy matters so much as students move from learning to read to reading to learn. She also discusses how screening tools can help educators identify needs sooner and respond with targeted support.
For families, the conversation offers a few simple, practical strategies. Lee encourages adults to read with children, model reading at home and make books easier to access in everyday spaces — even in the bathroom. She also shares why audiobooks can be a strong entry point for some students and recommends “The Read-Aloud Handbook” by Jim Trelease as a helpful resource.
Lee, who joined OCDE in February 2025, shares optimism about the work ahead, including how OCDE is working alongside districts to support literacy in a consistent way.
“I think one thing that’s giving me hope here at OCDE is that, for our division, we are actually rallying behind literacy right now,” she said. “It is part of Dr. Bean’s 5-3-1 Strategic Plan and his vision.”
Dr. Bean said he’s similarly encouraged by the collective focus across districts and departments.
“I think our community needs to know that there are a lot of adults that are really putting their heads together to problem-solve around this,” he said. “We want to get our levels back up where we’re leading the nation.”
FutureCurrent is produced by the Orange County Department of Education and features unscripted, story-driven conversations with educators and community leaders across Orange County. Episodes are available in both audio and video formats on major podcast platforms and YouTube.