Sold a Story Podcast (Winner of the duPont, IRE and Murrow awards)
My NPR discovery a few months ago, the “Sold a Story” podcast, sparked my interest in a critical issue plaguing American education: the failure to effectively teach children how to read. Reporter Emily Hanford (American education reporter and hosted the APM Reports podcast Sold a Story), through extensive research and interviews, illuminates a deeply flawed system that leaves one in three fourth-graders struggling with basic reading skills. This blog post examines the podcast’s key revelations, exploring the roots of the crisis and the surprising culprits contributing to it.
The podcast opens with a sobering comparison between a proficient and a struggling reader, highlighting the stark reality of the reading crisis. This serves as a springboard for Hanford’s investigation into why so many children are failing to read proficiently. Surprisingly, many teachers were unaware they weren’t effectively teaching reading.
Hanford then explores the origins of a widely accepted but potentially misguided approach. We journey back to the 1940s, where Marie Clay, a New Zealand teacher, sought to understand the struggles of some children with reading. Her groundbreaking 1963 study, observing 100 children in their first year, would shape literacy education for years to come. New Zealand transitioned from traditional phonics to the “book experience” (whole language in the US), aiming to create a literacy-rich environment where children would naturally absorb reading skills through exposure to books. In 1976, Clay developed the Reading Recovery program to assist struggling readers.
Fast forward to 1996, California faces a critical moment in its reading instruction approach. Former Superintendent Bill Honig reflects on the state’s past adoption of “whole language”. This approach emphasizes learning to read through exposure to whole words and context, rather than focusing solely on the relationships between sounds and letters (phonics). It promotes immersion in literature and encourages children to develop reading skills through reading real-world texts.
Enter George W. Bush’s Reading First initiative, launched in 2001, a massive effort to reform reading instruction with $5 billion allocated to evidence-based programs. However, this faced resistance from advocates of the cueing theory, who believed children could learn to read using contextual cues. Marie Clay, among others, defended this approach, leading to a collision between those advocating for evidence-based methods and proponents of cueing.
We then jump to 2024, where an American Public Media podcast episode unveils the clash between scientific research on reading and entrenched ideologies in the education system.
Despite bipartisan support, Reading First faced political and financial opposition, including accusations of mismanagement and conflicts of interest, leading to significant funding cuts. The Reading Recovery program, associated with the cueing theory, fought against the shift towards scientifically backed reading instruction, but ultimately, Reading First unraveled amidst controversies. The clash of ideologies and resistance to change proved detrimental to a well-intentioned initiative.
Despite these challenges, Marie Clay’s legacy endures. The Reading Recovery program continues to influence American education. However, the podcast leaves us questioning whether the clash between evidence-based reading instruction and deeply ingrained ideologies will ever find resolution.
The “Sold a Story” Podcast: Beyond the Surface
Let’s shift gears and explore the world of Heinemann, a publishing company with a significant influence on educational materials for teachers. We explore their evolution, impact on schools, and controversial products. Initially focused on professional books for teachers, Heinemann expanded beyond traditional offerings, becoming a staple in schools. The podcast highlights key authors associated with Heinemann, such as Marie Clay, Lucy Calkins, Irene Fountas, and Gay Su Pinnell, whose works were praised for transforming classrooms. However, concerns were raised about the effectiveness of some products, like Leveled Literacy Intervention (LLI), with questionable research and mixed results on its efficacy in teaching foundational reading skills. Despite this, Heinemann’s sales figures are staggering, raising concerns about the intersection of education, business, and the well-being of students.
The Evolving Landscape of Reading Instruction
The podcast further explores the awakening of parents, teachers, and communities to the issue of ineffective reading instruction. It delves into the controversy surrounding influential figures like Lucy Calkins, Irene Fountas, and Gay Su Pinnell, whose approach to reading is under scrutiny. The podcast sheds light on the debate surrounding cueing strategies in Calkins’ curriculum. Facing criticism, Calkins acknowledges the need for change, shifting her approach towards “decodable” books and distancing herself from cueing strategies. However, her colleagues Fountas and Pinnell remain steadfast in their support for the cueing theory, highlighting the conflicting stances within the publishing house.
Concluding Thoughts: The Ongoing Journey towards Effective Reading Instruction
“Sold a Story” concludes by reflecting on the broader impact of the reading debate, including changes in school districts, evolving perspectives within the educational community, and the challenges faced by various stakeholders. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the science of reading and the ongoing journey towards effective reading instruction for all children.
Identifying difficulties in third grade is critical for children struggling with reading. Don’t hesitate to seek guidance from educators, reading specialists, or personalized tutoring. Prompt support can make a significant difference in your child’s reading development, both now and in the future. Reading is a foundational skill that unlocks countless opportunities throughout life, and fostering strong comprehension skills alongside reading fluency will equip your child for academic and professional success.