In today's episode, host Mindy Sjoblom sits down with Melissa Gude, Chief Academic Officer at Little Rock School District in Arkansas.
Melissa shares how her path from a nontraditional start in education to district-level leadership shaped her belief in mission-driven work, strong instructional systems, and collective accountability for student outcomes.
Mindy and Melissa discuss how Arkansas's LEARNS Act has changed the early literacy landscape, including new third-grade promotion requirements, individualized reading plans, and the statewide ATLAS assessment system. Melissa also explains how Little Rock improved third-grade literacy outcomes by investing in high-quality instructional materials, professional learning, high-impact tutoring, and outcomes-based contracting.
Key Moments
00:52 Melissa Gude's journey into education leadership
07:40 How the LEARNS Act changed literacy in Arkansas
12:22 Third-grade accountability and reading success
16:11 Strengthening instruction with high-quality curriculum
18:46 Why outcomes-based contracting works
24:09 Building strong district and school partnerships
27:20 Terry Elementary's literacy success story
30:21 Improving attendance for tutoring success
34:15 Advice for districts implementing high-impact tutoring
38:51 Looking ahead to earlier literacy intervention
Why You'll Love This Episode
If you care about early literacy, district accountability, or making sure education investments lead to measurable student growth, this conversation offers a practical look at what it takes.
Melissa speaks honestly about the opportunities and challenges created by new literacy legislation, the importance of selecting the right partners, and why successful tutoring requires more than purchasing a program. It takes clear expectations, shared ownership, strong school leadership, and consistent communication.
Her reflections offer valuable lessons for any district leader working to improve literacy outcomes while making thoughtful and sustainable decisions about resources.
Connect with Melissa Gude
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-gude-education
Little Rock School District: https://www.lrsd.org/
Follow Us:
Mindy Sjoblom LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mindy-sjoblom
OnYourMarkWebsite: https://www.onyourmarkeducation.org/
OnYourMark LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onyourmark-education
About OnYourMark Podcast
The OnYourMark Podcast is where host Mindy Sjoblom sits down with school system leaders shaping what's possible for early readers. From high-impact tutoring to building trust with families, each episode dives deep into what it really takes to make early literacy work for every child.
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