Emily Hanford

Katie Herzog, guest host and a sharp commentator on education, interviews Emily Hanford, an investigative journalist known for her impactful series on reading instruction failures. They discuss alarming statistics revealing that 65% of American fourth graders struggle with reading. The conversation digs into the flawed, historical methods of teaching reading, and the revelations parents faced during the pandemic about their children's education. They also explore the systemic issues and the urgent need for effective, evidence-based teaching strategies.

Emily Hanford, an education reporter and host of APM Reports' 'Sold a Story,' investigates the remarkable reading success of Steubenville, Ohio. She highlights how progressive teaching methods have dramatically improved literacy outcomes, even among low-income students. The district's unique approach prioritizes sounds over names and emphasizes community involvement. Hanford also raises concerns about a new Ohio law that could jeopardize these advancements, making it clear that effective reading instruction is crucial for all students.

Emily Hanford, a senior correspondent for APM Reports and the host of "Sold a Story," dives into the ongoing battle for effective reading instruction in American schools. She reveals how outdated methods have stunted literacy development, and critiques the balanced literacy approach for neglecting crucial phonics. Hanford discusses the evolution of reading strategies, advocating for a shift back to phonics, especially in light of successful initiatives in places like Ohio and New York City, aiming to better serve all children, including those with dyslexia.

Reading is your one-way ticket to adventure! You can ride fire-breathing dragons, explore outer space, or even save the world – all within the pages of a book. But have you ever wondered how we learn to read? And why it can sometimes feel hard to do? Molly and co-host Anna talk to American Public Media reporter Emily Hanford, host of the podcast Sold a Story (https://features.apmreports.org/sold-a-story/) about how some teaching techniques make it harder to learn how to read. Plus tips on how to become a rockstar reader and a brand-new Mystery Sound!Listen to our episode about dyslexia here: https://www.brainson.org/episode/2019/08/20/what-is-dyslexia-and-how-do-our-brains-readThis episode was sponsored by:Liquid I.V. (LiquidIV.com - Use code BRAINS at checkout to receive 20% off anything you order when you order.)Indeed (Indeed.com/BRAINS - Terms and conditions apply. Cost per application pricing not available for everyone.)Buy A Toyota (BuyAToyota.com - Explore Toyota SUVs.)*****Do you have your Smarty Pass yet?? Get yours today for just $4/month (or $36/year) and get bonus episodes every month, and ad-free versions of every episode of Brains On, Smash Boom Best, Moment of Um, and Forever Ago. Visit www.smartypass.org to get your Smarty Pass today!

Expert in education and literacy, Emily Hanford, discusses the importance of sharing stories in Spanish to engage Spanish-speaking communities in the US and the challenges of teaching English to Spanish-speaking children. The podcast also highlights the launch of 'Sold a Story' in Spanish and teases upcoming English episodes.