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Background information

How did we get here? For decades, educators, researchers and other education advocates battled in the so-called “reading wars” about the most effective approach to teaching reading. Here is some background information to help you put the current conversation on reading in context.

Reporting from American Public Media

Read this article

Reporter Emily Hanford explains how cognitive scientists debunked a prevalent theory about teaching reading.

Listen to this podcast

In this 2022 podcast, Hanford investigates the curricula authors and publishing companies that promoted flawed reading theories.

Other helpful resources