Dana Goldstein, a national correspondent for The New York Times, dives into the contentious world of reading education. She examines the pitfalls of balanced literacy, a method that de-emphasized phonics and failed many students. Goldstein discusses how parents, educators, and activists are now demanding a return to phonics-based instruction to address the reading crisis, particularly for children with dyslexia. The conversation also reflects on Lucy Calkins’ efforts to adapt her curriculum and the emotional challenges faced by educators in this shifting landscape.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Balanced Literacy Example: Mixing Colors
Michael Barbaro and Dana Goldstein analyze a children's book, "Mixing Colors," to illustrate balanced literacy.
The book uses pictures of colors to help children guess words, even if those words (like "yellow" and "orange") are complex for their age.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Science of Reading Example: Sam and Cat
The "Sam and Cat" book, based on the science of reading, emphasizes phonics.
It focuses on simple words and teaches the sound of "A" by repetition, unlike "Mixing Colors."
insights INSIGHT
The Reading Wars
Balanced literacy and the science of reading represent two competing approaches in reading education.
A national debate is taking place to determine the superior method.
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This book by José María Parramón provides insights into primary, secondary, warm, cool, and neutral colors, along with practical ratios for combining them effectively in watercolor art. It serves as a comprehensive resource for artists looking to enhance their color mixing skills.
Sam
Allegra Goodman
Allegra Goodman's novel 'Sam' follows the life of a young girl growing up in a modest, somewhat dysfunctional family in Massachusetts. Sam finds solace in climbing, which becomes a metaphor for her quest for identity and belonging. As she grows into her teens, she faces self-doubt, complicated relationships, and the struggle to define her future. The novel explores themes of family, identity, and the power of dreams.
Language at the speed of sight
Mark S. Seidenberg
About 50 years ago, the educator Lucy Calkins pioneered a technique called balanced literacy, which de-emphasized the use of phonics to teach reading. It was widely adopted in the United States, including in New York, the country’s largest public school system.
But doubts about the approach persisted, and now it seems that using balanced literacy has given a generation of American students the wrong tools.
Dana Goldstein, who covers family policy and demographics for The Times, discusses the story of balanced literacy and how Professor Calkins is trying to fix the problems that the technique created.
Guest: Dana Goldstein, a national correspondent for The New York Times who writes about family policy and demographics.
Fed up parents, civil rights activists, newly awakened educators and lawmakers are crusading for “the science of reading.” Can they get results?
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