Emily Hanford, a journalist for APM Reports, has produced three audio documentaries in as many years on the way children are taught to read. You can find all three linked below.

August 2019

At a Loss for Words: What's wrong with how schools teach reading

There is a theory about how people read words — one that's deeply embedded in teaching practices and curriculum materials widely used in elementary school classrooms. Although the idea has been disproved by cognitive scientists, it continues to be included in teacher preparation programs, promoted in professional development sessions, and marketed by publishers.

September 2018

Hard Words: Why Aren't Our Kids Being Taught to Read?

Scientific research has shown how children learn to read and how they should be taught. But many educators don't know the science and, in some cases, actively resist it. As a result, millions of kids are being set up to fail.

September 2017

Hard to Read: How American Schools Fail Kids with Dyslexia

There are proven ways to help people with dyslexia learn to read, and a federal law that's supposed to ensure schools provide kids with help. But across the country, public schools are denying children proper treatment and often failing to identify them with dyslexia in the first place.

Change starts with knowledge. These are important pieces to be aware of.