Sold a Story: Episode 9 - The Aftermath Released April 4, 2024 | Host: Emily Hanford | APM Reports

In the ninth episode of Sold a Story, titled "The Aftermath," Emily Hanford delves into the repercussions following the podcast's initial investigation into the flawed reading instruction methodologies propagated by influential educators and publishing houses. This episode examines the responses and transformations of key figures and organizations implicated in the flawed balanced literacy approach, focusing on Lucy Calkins, Irene Fountas, Gae Sue Pinnell, the Reading Recovery Program, and the publisher Heinemann.

1. Chancellor David Banks' Declaration

The episode opens with a significant announcement from David Banks, Chancellor of the New York City Public Schools, who publicly denounces the balanced literacy approach:

• David Banks [00:20]: "We have not taught the kids the basic fundamental structures of how to read."
• David Banks [00:30]: "We have gotten this wrong in New York and all across the nation, and many of us follow the same prescript of balanced literacy."

This declaration marks a pivotal shift, signaling the city's move away from balanced literacy—a method heavily influenced by Lucy Calkins' curriculum.

2. Lucy Calkins' Response and Rebranding Efforts

Lucy Calkins, a central figure in the balanced literacy movement and founder of an influential teacher training institute at Teachers College, Columbia University, faces significant challenges following the podcast's revelations.

• Lucy Calkins [02:16]: "One of the things I would say is no one person gets to own the word science."

Initially advised to remain silent, Calkins changes her stance:

• Lucy Calkins [03:14]: "I made the decision to kind of come out from underneath the bushel basket."

She launches a new initiative to address the criticism and adapt to the evolving educational landscape:

• Lucy Calkins [03:15]: He introduces a new website, Rebalancing Literacy, aimed at bridging the divide in the national conversation on reading instruction.
• Lucy Calkins [04:04]: "I tell kids, you're the author of your life. And I'm making these videos in part because I decided that I need to tell my own story."

In her revised curriculum, Calkins removes cueing strategies and incorporates more phonics-based instruction:

• Lucy Calkins [05:15]: Describes the addition of an imaginary character, Mindy Reader, to engage children in decoding words without relying on cueing techniques.

Despite these changes, Calkins faces professional repercussions:

• Teachers College Announcement [03:15]: Shortly after launching her study group, Teachers College Columbia removes Calkins from her leadership role at the teacher training institute she founded, citing the need to align programs with the latest research.

3. Irene Fountas and Gae Sue Pinnell's Stance

In contrast to Calkins, Irene Fountas and Gae Sue Pinnell, co-creators of the Fountas & Pinnell reading program, maintain their commitment to cueing strategies and resist fully embracing the science of reading.

• Gae Sue Pinnell [09:30]: Expresses frustration with the backlash against cueing, stating, "People don't really know what they're talking about when they say cueing is bad."

• Irene Fountas [10:31]: In a webinar, Fountas voices concerns about the current shifts in reading instruction, hoping for a productive rather than destructive outcome.

Despite the declining popularity of their methods, Fountas and Pinnell show resilience but remain cautious:

• Fountas & Pinnell's Affiliation: Irene Fountas continues her work at Lesley University, emphasizing the importance of diverse teaching methodologies.

4. Impact on the Reading Recovery Program

The Reading Recovery Program, once widely adopted across the United States, faces significant financial and operational challenges exacerbated by the podcast's reporting.

• Michael Lee Master [16:23]: Reveals internal financial struggles within the Reading Recovery Council of North America, citing "overspending" and "deficits every year."

The organization struggles with declining membership and conference attendance:

• Matthew Mugo Fields [18:27]: Discusses reliance on substantial financial bailouts, including a $1 million donation from Gae Sue Pinnell in 2020 to sustain operations.

The pandemic-affected finances have led to increased scrutiny and defensive tactics:

• Christopher Peek [19:16]: Notes a strategic pivot towards hiring a PR firm to counteract negative publicity from reports like Sold a Story.

Legal challenges emerge as states implement laws to limit cueing strategies:

• Ohio's Legislation [20:01]: Ohio passes a cueing ban, prompting the Reading Recovery Council to file a lawsuit against the state and Governor Mike DeWine, ironically supported financially by Gae Sue Pinnell.

• Governor Mike DeWine [20:52]: Publicly criticizes Reading Recovery, stating, "I think Ohioans ought to be pretty angry about that type of a lawsuit."

5. Heinemann's Financial Decline

Heinemann, the publisher behind many reading instruction materials by Calkins, Fountas, and Pinnell, experiences a sharp decline in sales as educational institutions abandon balanced literacy methods.

• Sales Data [22:14]: Heinemann's sales peaked in 2019 but plummeted by over 75% by 2023, coinciding with widespread curriculum changes.

In response, Heinemann attempts to defend its products:

• Matthew Mugo Fields [24:33]: Emphasizes the need for unity in the field, saying, "We need everyone at the table focused on helping us address what is undoubtedly a big challenge that we face."

However, the company's efforts to counteract declining sales include revising curricula to incorporate more phonics-based instruction, paralleling Lucy Calkins' adjustments.

6. Conclusion and Forward Look

The episode concludes by highlighting the significant shifts in the educational landscape following the Sold a Story podcast. Organizations and individuals once dominant in the balanced literacy approach are grappling with losses and the need to adapt or defend their methodologies. The episode sets the stage for the next installment, which will explore the new directions schools are taking and the concerns surrounding the science of reading movement.

• Kathlyn Goulding [26:04]: Expresses fears about the movement's potential to overlook critical details: "Movements sometimes gloss over detail. And here's the details are so critical."

Key Takeaways:

• Sold a Story has catalyzed significant changes in reading instruction methodologies across the United States.
• Influential figures like Lucy Calkins are adapting their approaches, while others like Irene Fountas and Gae Sue Pinnell remain steadfast in their methods.
• Organizations and publishers supporting balanced literacy, such as the Reading Recovery Council and Heinemann, face financial and reputational challenges.
• Legal and legislative actions are actively reshaping the implementation of reading programs in various states.

Notable Quotes:

• David Banks [00:30]: "We have gotten this wrong in New York and all across the nation."
• Lucy Calkins [05:15]: "Let me tell you how one particular unit has been revised."
• Gae Sue Pinnell [09:30]: "People don't really know what they're talking about when they say cueing is bad."
• Patrick Peek [19:43]: "Reading Recovery is on defense right now."
• Matthew Mugo Fields [24:33]: "We need everyone at the table focused on helping us address what is undoubtedly a big challenge that we face."

This episode underscores the evolving dynamics in educational strategies for reading instruction, highlighting the tension between established methodologies and emerging evidence-based practices.