Why does learning to read come easily for some students but feel like an uphill battle for others? Can the science of the brain teach us how to better support young readers in this effort?

This week, we’re sharing an episode from Stanford’s Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute’s podcast From Our Neurons to Yours, hosted by Nicholas Weiler. Originally released in August 2025, this episode features Stanford Graduate School of Education professor Bruce McCandliss, who studies how the brain learns to read. He explores how reading reshapes the brain, why some students struggle to reach fluency, and what educators can do to support that process. McCandliss covers several topics, including:

• (01:28) How the brain learns to read
• (07:12) How reading reshapes the brain and builds expertise
• (12:43) Word recognition, phonics, and the path to fluency
• (19:05) Why some students struggle
• (29:28) What educators can do: instruction, support, and outcomes

Bruce McCandliss is The Pigott Family Graduate School of Education Professor and a leader of the Stanford Educational Neuroscience Initiative. His research focuses on how the brain learns to read and how insights from neuroscience can inform classroom instruction and educational practice. Learn more about his work on his faculty profile.

From Our Neurons to Yours explores the frontiers of brain science and brings listeners into conversations with researchers studying how the brain shapes how we think, learn, and experience the world. Learn more about this episode on the show’s website.

School’s In is your go-to podcast for cutting-edge insights and fresh perspectives on the future of learning. Hosted by Stanford Graduate School of Education (GSE) Dean Dan Schwartz and Senior Lecturer Denise Pope, each episode dives into the latest research, innovations, and real-world challenges shaping education today.

Stanford GSE is at the forefront of education research and teacher preparation, dedicated to advancing equitable, accessible, and impactful learning experiences for all.

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Growth mindset is everywhere, but does it really work? Can we turn buzzwords into lasting change in education?

On this episode of School’s In, Dan and Denise sit down with Stanford Professor Eric Bettinger to explore the research and real-world applications of growth mindset. They dive into what a growth mindset is, what kinds of interventions work, and how those lessons can help students succeed. Bettinger shares evidence from a large-scale study in Norway that reveals surprising long-term benefits for students exposed to growth mindset concepts. He covers several topics, including:

1. (03:47) Inside the growth mindset study
2. (08:53) Long-term impact: Tracking students over time
3. (13:11) The support system behind lasting change
4. (17:25) AI, the easy button, and growth mindset
5. (20:04) Measuring growth beyond the classroom
6. (25:50) Takeaways for parents and teachers

Eric Bettinger is the Conley DeAngelis Family Professor at the Stanford Graduate School of Education. His research focuses on improving educational outcomes for students, particularly through the lens of economics, decision-making, and policy design. He has conducted extensive research on college success, financial aid, and interventions like growth mindset. Learn more about his work on his faculty profile.

School’s In is your go-to podcast for cutting-edge insights and fresh perspectives on the future of learning. Hosted by Stanford Graduate School of Education (GSE) Dean Dan Schwartz and Senior Lecturer Denise Pope, each episode dives into the latest research, innovations, and real-world challenges shaping education today.

Stanford GSE is at the forefront of education research and teacher preparation, dedicated to advancing equitable, accessible, and impactful learning experiences for all.

Stay connected with the latest insights—subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads.

What would it look like if pediatricians and early childhood educators worked hand in hand to prepare every child for kindergarten?

On this episode of School’s In, Dr. Lisa Chamberlain joins the hosts to explore how health and education systems can work together to support young children and their families. Drawing from her work as both a pediatrician and researcher, Dr. Chamberlain examines what kindergarten readiness means and how pediatric care can play a critical role in early learning and development. They cover several topics, including:

1. (02:59) The role of pediatricians: Beyond check-ups
2. (06:24) What does kindergarten readiness look like?
3. (11:00) Creating a learning environment: Innovations in clinics
4. (18:50) Funding and sharing data across systems
5. (24:17) A family-centered approach: Advice for parents and providers

Lisa Chamberlain is a professor of pediatrics at Stanford University School of Medicine and a practicing pediatrician. Her work focuses on early childhood development, health equity, and improving policies and systems of care for children and families. Through research and practice, she explores how healthcare settings can better support learning, development, and family well-being during the critical early years of life. Learn more about her work on her faculty profile.

School’s In is your go-to podcast for cutting-edge insights and fresh perspectives on the future of learning. Hosted by Stanford Graduate School of Education (GSE) Dean Dan Schwartz and Senior Lecturer Denise Pope, each episode dives into the latest research, innovations, and real-world challenges shaping education today.

Stanford GSE is at the forefront of education research and teacher preparation, dedicated to advancing equitable, accessible, and impactful learning experiences for all.

Stay connected with the latest insights—subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads.