A glimpse into the politicization of "Scientifically-Based Reading Research" as practiced by the Bush Administration under Reading First. An email uncovered by Title I Monitor reporters Andrew Brownstein and Travis Hicks links major publishers to Reading First through Reid Lyon to Spellings via Beth Ann Bryan, reportedly the White House link to the Department of Education. The communication contains protests from a senior publishing official of New York City's impending decision to purchase "whole language and incidental phonics window-dressing", when that publisher was in the midst of becoming a "true believer" in Reading First. Now, as far as anyone watching Reading First knows, no major publisher actually developed programs demonstrated to improve student achievement by rigorous evaluations. So - what gives?   more »

The idea that teachers are more like infantry soldiers or assembly line workers than health care professionals or athletics coaches - suggests that sudents are more like a faceless enemy or cars than unique people. The idea that the nation's largest and most diverse set of teachers and students is amenable to one best way is a form of arrogance bordering on idiocy.   more »