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 Importance of Phonics: A Wake-Up Call for Educators and Parents

In the realm of education, few issues are as pivotal—and as overlooked—as the methods we employ to teach children how to read. For three decades, many teachers and administrators have followed a misguided approach known as “whole language,” which emphasizes meaning and context over foundational decoding skills. This approach has been widely promoted by influential figures like Lucy Calkins and her colleagues, generating over $2 billion in revenue by convincing educators that phonics was obsolete.

However, the consequences of this marketing-driven shift are now painfully clear: approximately 60% of students are struggling with basic literacy, rendering many functionally illiterate. This crisis underscores a simple truth—effective reading instruction hinges on solid phonics education.

Parents, it’s important to recognize that this problem isn’t solely the fault of dedicated teachers. The real responsibility lies with school administrators who, influenced by powerful narratives and financial incentives, failed to prioritize evidence-based reading methods. These decision-makers were duped into sidelining phonics in favor of less effective strategies, leaving countless children behind.

If you’re interested in understanding the full scope of this issue, I highly recommend reading the recent article covering California’s shift back to phonics instruction, a move that many see as a return to proven principles. You can access it here: California’s Shift to Phonics.

For a deeper understanding of the broader context and historical missteps, the story “Sold a Story” offers invaluable insights. It details how financial interests and marketing campaigns influenced literacy education, often at the expense of children’s learning outcomes. Read more here: Sold a Story.

It’s time for educators and parents alike to advocate for evidence-based reading instruction rooted in phonics. Only then can we ensure our children develop the literacy skills necessary for lifelong success.