Episode Details

What if one of the most urgent crises in America today is something many people rarely talk about — the growing number of children and adults struggling to read proficiently? In this episode of Money to Give, Rick Peck sits down with Lynne Howard to explore the nationwide literacy crisis, the science of reading, and how mission-driven educational innovation can transform outcomes for students and families. Lynne explains why literacy rates continue to decline despite decades of educational reform, how ineffective instructional practices have contributed to the problem, and why literacy impacts far more than academics — influencing long-term economic opportunity, health outcomes, incarceration rates, and overall quality of life.

Lynne shares how Cornerstone Charter Public School is being designed around research-based literacy instruction using the Orton-Gillingham approach and intensive teacher training rooted in the science of reading. The episode also explores the role charter schools play within public education, why individualized and evidence-based instruction matters, and how early intervention can dramatically improve lifelong learning outcomes. Whether you are a parent, educator, nonprofit leader, donor, or someone passionate about educational equity, this episode offers a thoughtful and inspiring look at how innovative leadership and literacy-focused solutions can create meaningful generational impact.



Contact Rick Peck:
Website: https://www.thephilanthropyguy.com
Email: ThePhilanthropyGuy@gmail.com
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LinkedIn: Richard Peck

Contact Lynne Howard:
Website: www.cornerstone-cs.org
Email: director@cornerstone-cs.org