Review: Sold A Story: How Teaching Kids to Read Went So Wrong
THREE POINTS:
I am a trained educator with 9 years of experience. I have used the program discussed in the podcast (Fountas and Pinnell) with many students of varying abilities and strengths.
I have experienced first hand how this reading program is a disservice to children. In some cases it harms their ability to learn to read, thus greatly impacting their ability to learn.
As a parent and an educator, I urge parents to not blindly trust the education board to know what’s best for your child’s education. You can read your province/territory’s curriculum online, ask your school board what teaching programs they mandate, and ask the principal and/or resource teacher which supplementary programs they use.
TWO TAKEAWAYS:
It is as bad as we thought. In the podcast, Emily Hanford, interviews educator’s who felt trapped in the vortex of a reading instruction program (Fountas and Pinnell) that was not working for their students. The program was mandated by the board, and there was no escaping it or even raising concerns about it, if you wanted to keep your job.
But the program does not teach all children well. It is over prescribed and the data is not being rightfully evaluated by stakeholders in education.
When I was working in the school I knew this reading program was not working. I also felt trapped in the vortex of its popularity and didn’t realize how wide spread across America this frustration was felt.
The tide is turning. Like many educational policies, the pendulum swings back and forth as new programs and methods exit or enter the ‘playing field’. Hanford’s research indicates that reading instruction in America is improving and people are listening to the data and make necessary adjustments.
ONE NEXT STEP:
Spread the word about this podcast and Emily Hanford’s research.
Listen to the podcast here.