Lucy Calkins, once a prominent figure in American education, is now facing criticism for her reading curriculum, Units of Study. The curriculum, emphasizing a balanced literacy approach, has been accused of neglecting phonics instruction, contributing to America's reading crisis.
A 2020 report and the American Public Media podcast, Sold a Story, criticized Units of Study for not adequately preparing children for literacy. The podcast particularly targeted Calkins's approach, suggesting it failed to prioritize systematic phonics, a key element in decoding words.
The criticism led to a significant backlash against Calkins, resulting in the dissolution of her center at Teachers College and widespread calls for curriculum changes. Forty states have implemented policies promoting the "science of reading," emphasizing explicit phonics instruction.
Calkins acknowledges some of the criticisms and has since included phonics units in her curriculum. However, her critics remain unconvinced and the debate continues.
The article frames Calkins's downfall within a larger context of competing approaches in American education: traditional skill-based teaching vs. a more progressive, experience-based approach. This tension is highlighted by the ongoing debate about the "science of reading" and its impact on curriculum decisions.
The article also touches upon the financial implications of curriculum changes, noting the costs associated with adopting new materials and the potential conflicts of interest inherent in the commercialization of educational approaches.
The article concludes by acknowledging the complexities of the reading wars, highlighting the conflicting data and differing perspectives among teachers, researchers, and policymakers. While the "science of reading" has become the new consensus, questions remain about its practical implementation and long-term effectiveness.