State Approves Phonics Texts

Re “State Embraces Phonics in Approving New Texts,” Dec. 13:

Finally, a victory for the children of the state of California. Research was victorious over philosophy when the State Board of Education insisted the new textbook adoption include systematic, direct, explicit phonics. Wright and Rigby, the two publishers excluded from the list, are now crying “conspiracy.” But the reality is that parents finally prevailed. After years of struggling to get real reading instruction in the schools, the board finally listened.

The sad thing is that even after the latest scientific evidence showed that “whole language” was an utter failure, educators across the country clung to their philosophies of teaching, refusing to abandon them in the face of overwhelming research. If Wright and Rigby want to sell books in this state, let them comply with the research. Phonics works!

SUSAN HOLLADAY

Riverside

* Re “It’s Time for California to Open the Book on Phonics,” editorial, Dec. 12:

I am a mentor teacher and have successfully used both Rigby and Wright materials as part of a balanced literacy program, which is what whole language should be if implemented correctly. I certainly agree that California’s attempt was ineffective, but it was primarily because most teachers did not receive adequate training. Both Rigby and Wright provided excellent training at a very reasonable price. Their programs originated in New Zealand and are well-developed and tested, in contrast to many of the U.S. publishers, whose programs reflected a superficial understanding of balanced literacy and seemed to be designed to meet a framework. Schools using Rigby and Wright materials with well-trained staff are very successful.

The framework was not clear and many schools and districts made extreme interpretations of basically sound education theories. They took away the spelling books, a primary source of consistent phonics instruction, and they discouraged workbooks and pen-and-pencil drill while not training teachers to design alternative activities. California needs to provide its teachers with extensive training and a variety of appropriate materials. They should stop trying to force a cookie-cutter, one-size-fits-all approach on California educators. That was ultimately the worst aspect of California’s failed whole-language approach.

JANET LEE DAVIS

Los Angeles

* Experience tells me your editorial is right: The purchase of phonics-based reading textbooks should be the State Board of Education’s top priority. In my 27 years as a Santa Monica public school remedial-reading teacher I found phonics to be my best tool. On the average it boosted nonreaders’ grade levels two years in one.

EDITH WATERHOUSE

Pacific Palisades