EVERY teacher, administrator and parent reads this article. For 30 years educators taught kids how to read using “whole language” instead of phonics. Lucy Calkins and friends made over $2 billion dollars selling this garbage to educators. Now 60% of students are functionally illiterate.

The Critical Shift in Literacy Education: What Every Parent, Teacher, and Administrator Needs to Know

In the realm of education, few issues are as pivotal as how children learn to read. For three decades, the dominant teaching method was “whole language,” a philosophy that emphasized meaning and strategies over foundational decoding skills. This approach was heavily promoted by influential figures like Lucy Calkins, whose initiatives amassed over $2 billion in revenue, shaping reading instruction nationwide.

However, the results have been startling. Today, approximately 60% of students are considered functionally illiterate, a statistic that underscores a significant failure in educating our youth effectively. The reliance on whole language methods, at the expense of systematic phonics instruction, has left many students unable to read proficiently, impacting their academic success and lifelong learning.

It is important for parents to understand that the root cause of this issue often lies not with teachers, but with administrative decisions. During this period, many school leaders were misled or convinced to adopt these methods, often influenced by powerful educational reformers and commercial interests. As a result, policies favored popular but ineffective strategies, sidelining phonics—the proven foundation of literacy.

Fortunately, recent developments are promising. States like California are beginning to revert to evidence-based phonics instruction, recognizing the urgent need to address widespread reading deficiencies. This shift marks a crucial step toward restoring effective teaching practices and ensuring all children have the opportunity to become confident readers.

For those interested in the deeper story behind this educational shift, an informative report offers valuable insights into how these policies came to be and why change is necessary:

Read the full story here

And for current updates on California’s transition to phonics-based reading instruction:

California is finally adopting phonics—here’s why it matters

Understanding the history and current reforms in literacy education is essential for making informed decisions as educators and parents. The shift toward phonics promises a brighter future—one in which every child can read