Reading & Literacy Video

Video: Why Are Parents Suing Lucy Calkins and Fountas & Pinnell?

By Stephen Sawchuk & Lauren Santucci — December 17, 2024 5:00
First grader Makai Parker practices reading skills at Eastern Elementary School in Washington, N.C. The state of North Carolina is taking measures to improve reading rates in elementary schools, including this first grade classroom at Eastern Elementary in Washington, N.C.

Parents in Massachusetts have sued the creators and publishers of some of the most popular balanced-literacy curricula on the market, saying the materials hindered their children’s ability to learn to read.

But this new strategy in the “reading wars” has a longer history. It’s centered on one discrete teaching practice. Learn more in our latest explainer video.

Stephen Sawchuk is an assistant managing editor for Education Week, leading coverage of teaching, learning, and curriculum.
Lauren Santucci is a video producer for Education Week.

Video

Reading & Literacy Video How Schools Can Help Older Students Struggling With Reading
With a growing number of struggling readers in the older grades, schools need school-wide strategies and individual interventions.
3:33
A teacher leads students in a discussion about hyperbole and symbolism in a high school English class.
A teacher leads students in a discussion about hyperbole and symbolism in a high school English class.
Allison Shelley for All4Ed
Reading & Literacy Video How to Structure Lessons to Build Reading and Writing Skills
Tips for teachers on ways to incorporate reading and writing into lessons to enhance both skills.
031225 Reading Month Thumbnail KM BS
Kate Medley for Education Week
Teaching Video Flexible Seating Without the Chaos. This Teacher Has Figured It Out
This 4th grade class utilizes 11 different types of flexible seating to keep them moving throughout the day.
1:36
Flexible Seating BS
Sam Mallon/Education Week
School & District Management Video How One School Transformed Early Release Days With Outdoor Learning
This Vermont school uses Project Wild to build school connection and social-emotional learning on early release days.
2:48
Wild Wednesday BS
Courtesy of Vergennes Union Elementary School