

Sold a Story
APM Reports
Millions of kids can't read well. Scientists have known for decades how children learn to read, but many schools don’t know about the research. They buy teacher training and books that are rooted in a disproven idea. In Sold a Story, Emily Hanford investigates four authors and a publishing company that have made millions selling this idea.
Episodes
Mentioned books

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Oct 20, 2022 • 33min
1: The Problem
A father discovers his daughter can't read, exposing a stark reality: many fourth graders struggle with literacy. The podcast tackles the gaps in reading education, revealing how traditional teaching methods often fail, especially during the pandemic. It highlights a parent's journey to address inadequate instruction and confronts misconceptions about learning. The emotional impact of reading struggles on families is explored, showcasing personal stories that underscore systemic failures in public education. A compelling look at a national crisis in reading.