Sold a Story
Education & Explainer
About
Millions of kids can't read well. Scientists have known for decades how children learn to read, but many schools don’t know about the research. They buy teacher training and books that are rooted in a disproven idea. In Sold a Story, Emily Hanford investigates four authors and a publishing company that have made millions selling this idea.
Episodes
- ‘Dyslexia and the Reading Wars’: Emily Hanford's Conversation with The New Yorker’s David Owen
David Owen, author for The New Yorker, joined Emily Hanford on Sold a Story to discuss his article 'Dyslexia and the Reading Wars.' The conversation, part of the Eyes on Reading series, addressed personal stories related to reading challen…
- Emily Hanford LIVE with Reid Lyon and Margaret Goldberg
Margaret Goldberg and neuroscientist Reid Lyon discuss challenges in applying the science of reading to classrooms in a live conversation with Emily Hanford. The event was part of the Eyes on Reading series at Planet Word museum.
- 14: The Cuts
This episode discusses the impact of US government funding cuts to education research, particularly concerning the science of reading, initiated by the Trump administration.
- 13: The List
This episode of Sold a Story examines state "science of reading" lists and why Steubenville's 25-year-old reading program isn't on them. It discusses the impact of one curriculum review group on educational policy.
- 12: The Evidence
This episode of Sold a Story examines the Success for All reading program, which has demonstrated effectiveness in numerous studies but is used by few school districts. The episode traces the program's history and explores why it hasn't ga…
- 11: The Outlier
This episode examines a school district in Steubenville, Ohio, where students consistently achieve high reading proficiency despite being classified as economically disadvantaged. The program explores the methods that contributed to this s…
- The Podcast That's Changing Education
The award-winning podcast "Sold a Story," by journalist Emily Hanford, examines ineffective reading instruction in schools. Apple Podcasts recognized it as a Series Essential.
- 10: The Details
In episode 10, "The Details," individuals featured in Sold a Story reflect on the podcast's influence on their lives and educational settings. They express both hopes and concerns regarding the 'science of reading' movement.
- 9: The Aftermath
Episode 9, "The Aftermath," discusses how schools changing reading instruction methods are impacting those who previously promoted flawed ideas. It highlights the pushback from figures like Lucy Calkins and organizations such as the Readin…
- Introducing: Sold a Story en Español
A Spanish version of the podcast Sold a Story, titled 'Sold a Story en Español,' has been released. Hosted by Valeria Fernández, it features a condensed episode and a discussion focused on Spanish-speaking parents in the US.
- 8: The Impact
This episode of Sold a Story discusses the impact of the 'science of reading' movement on education, noting changes like schools dropping textbooks and legislatures banning teaching methods since the podcast's release. The hosts share thei…
- 7: Your Words
This episode of Sold a Story features listener voicemails, emails, and tweets. Listeners, including a 10-year-old struggling to read, a parent, and a teacher, share their reactions and insights after hearing the podcast.
- Brains On: How Do We Learn to Read — and Why is It Hard?
This episode of Sold a Story features an episode of the APM science podcast for kids, Brains On. The episode discusses how people learn to read, and is suitable for children and adults.
- What the Words Say
This documentary reveals that many children, like C.J., are not reading at grade level despite school reports. Host Emily Hanford highlights how family income and race affect access to help, with children of color being disproportionately…
- At a Loss for Words: What's Wrong with How Schools Teach Reading
Host Emily Hanford investigates how a flawed reading instruction method is taught in schools, leading many children to develop the habits of struggling readers. The documentary highlights personal stories and discusses the impact of this t…
- Hard Words: Why Aren't Our Kids Being Taught to Read?
This documentary investigates the reading proficiency crisis in a Pennsylvania school district, where over 40% of students struggled to read. Originally published in 2018, the episode highlights the science of reading and won an EWA Public…
- Hard to Read: How American Schools Fail Kids with Dyslexia
This documentary explores the challenges faced by children with dyslexia in American schools, highlighting the gap between parental concerns and the support provided by educational institutions.
- 6: The Reckoning
This episode discusses the revisions to Lucy Calkins's reading materials in response to the science of reading. It highlights that Fountas and Pinnell have not revised theirs, and their publisher continues to sell products with debunked pr…
- 5: The Company
This episode of Sold a Story investigates the publishing company Heinemann, whose widely used reading materials are based on a discredited theory about how children learn to read. The company and its authors have profited significantly fro…
- 4: The Superstar
This episode examines Lucy Calkins, a prominent figure in American elementary education. It questions why her widely-used reading strategies might conflict with scientific research.
- 3: The Battle
This episode discusses President George W. Bush's Reading First initiative, which allocated funds for schools using research-backed reading programs. It explores the opposition from supporters of Marie Clay's methods who viewed the initiat…
- 2: The Idea
This episode examines Marie Clay's reading program, developed 60 years ago with the promise of helping struggling students. Despite its continued popularity, the episode questions the effectiveness of her underlying theory, which influence…
- 1: The Problem
This episode reveals a crisis in reading education, with 65% of US fourth graders lacking reading proficiency due to schools not teaching essential reading skills.