Is Improving Reading Instruction a Matter of Civil Rights? (Encore Episode)
Aug 15, 2023
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A documentary explores the need for effective reading instruction as a matter of civil rights. The film follows an educator's reluctant participation and hopes for change. It discusses the failure of early reading instruction and the impact of journalist Emily Hanford's research. Activist Karim Weaver advocates for change, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based curricula. The speaker reflects on their journey, highlighting sacrifices made. The chapter also explores the need for improved reading instruction in teacher training programs.
Improving reading instruction is a matter of civil rights, as the failure to provide evidence-based teaching disproportionately affects children of color.
The documentary film 'The Right to Read' sheds light on the urgent need for change in reading instruction, particularly in addressing the reading level disparities between African American and white students in Oakland, California.
Deep dives
The controversy over how to best teach kids to read
The podcast explores the ongoing controversy surrounding the most effective methods for teaching children how to read. It highlights the experiences of a first-grade teacher who discovers that the teaching approaches she has been using are ineffective for many students. The podcast also delves into the new documentary film called 'The Right to Read,' which focuses on advocating for scientifically proven reading curricula in school systems.
The societal impact of ineffective reading instruction
The podcast emphasizes that the issue of reading instruction goes beyond educational concerns and becomes a social justice issue. It discusses how the failure to provide evidence-based reading instruction disproportionately affects children of color. The documentary film, 'The Right to Read,' sheds light on the stark reading level disparities between African American and white students in Oakland, California, highlighting the urgent need for change.
The role of activism and grassroots efforts
The podcast introduces the work of Kareem Weaver, an educator and activist at the center of the documentary. Weaver is leading a petition effort through the NAACP to end the use of discredited reading curricula and demand evidence-based curriculum for reading in schools. The podcast highlights the importance of grassroots activism and the collaboration with community partners in advocating for change in reading instruction.
The call for collective action and parental involvement
The podcast emphasizes the need for collective action and parental involvement in addressing the issue of ineffective reading instruction. It encourages parents and teachers to question the reading curricula being used in their schools and demand evidence-based approaches. The film and podcast highlight that parents play a crucial role in collaborating with schools and demanding change to ensure that all children have the right to read.
A new documentary follows an educator and activist pushing to require schools to offer reading instruction that has been proven effective, calling it a matter of civil rights. But the main subject in the film started out reluctant to participate. Here’s why, and what he hopes comes of the film. This is an encore broadcast of an EdSurge Podcast that ran earlier this year.
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