Atlanta’s Reading Recovery Program Under Scrutiny: Growing Concerns and Calls for Change in Literacy Education

Atlanta, Georgia: A Deep Dive into the Reading Recovery Program

In the bustling city of Atlanta, teachers have been turning to a program called Reading Recovery for over 30 years, aiming to help young learners grasp the fundamentals of reading. This initiative provides personalized support for struggling first-graders and has been celebrated for its ability to uplift the lowest-performing students in classrooms. However, a recent comprehensive study has raised eyebrows over the true effectiveness of this well-established curriculum.

What’s the Latest Discovery?

The study, published in the Journal of Research on Educational Effectiveness in 2023, tracked thousands of students across different states over 13 years, making it the largest evaluation of Reading Recovery to date. Lead researcher Henry May, from the University of Delaware, pointed out that while initial results were “largely positive,” things took a disheartening turn as students progressed to third and fourth grades. “The Reading Recovery kids were actually worse off,” May revealed, alluding to a discernible negative impact on reading skills.

What Parents Are Saying

The findings have resonated with some concerned parents, such as Missy Purcell, whose son Matthew underwent Reading Recovery in Gwinnett County. Purcell initially noticed troubling reading habits during home study sessions. “He was reading pictures,” she told us, indicating that her son relied heavily on visual cues instead of sounding words out. This method is part of a theory called three cueing, which proponents say aids reading comprehension but critics argue lacks an adequate focus on phonetic skills.

The Wider Impact on Students

Purcell’s experience highlights a broader concern in the educational sphere. Current statistics reveal that only one in three students in Georgia can read proficiently by the time they reach fourth grade. Many view Reading Recovery as a failed intervention that leaves students unprepared for future academic challenges. With parents like Purcell expressing their frustrations, it’s becoming clear that there is a growing demand for change in how reading is taught, not just in Georgia but nationwide.

Resistance to Change

Despite the critique and the findings from May’s large-scale study, Georgia State University continues its training for educators in Reading Recovery methods. This ongoing support has led to over $240,000 in payments from school districts across five states in just over a year. Caitlin Dooley, chair of the university’s Department of Early Childhood and Elementary Education, remains steadfast, insisting that the program is scientifically grounded and effective. “It has a strong scientific background, and we believe that it works,” she asserted.

The Debate Rages On

Admittedly, not everyone agrees with this perspective. Critics, including May, argue that dismissing his study’s conclusions is disappointing. They’re worried that ignoring the data may lead to long-term damage for students who are depending on effective literacy instruction. In fact, over 19 states have already banned three-cueing methods, particularly after the compelling podcast series, Sold a Story, explored Reading Recovery’s controversial history.

Educational Institutions Take Notice

Even broader bodies, like the National Council on Teacher Quality, have expressed serious concerns about Georgia State University’s literacy programs. Research shows evidence of teaching methods that contradict established reading science. The Council’s president, Heather Peske, voiced her concerns: “These are instructional techniques that have actually been debunked by the science.” Such claims have sparked further debate about how reading is being taught in Georgia classrooms and whether future educators are being adequately prepared.

The New Mandate

As the state rolls out a new reading curriculum called The Science of Reading, educators are hopeful for a shift in approach towards more successful reading methods. While Reading Recovery remains a state-approved intervention, many are questioning its place in the educational landscape moving forward.

Looking Ahead

With the education community facing pressure to reform how reading is taught, the future of Reading Recovery hangs in the balance. As the results of the studies unfold and voices from parents, educators, and researchers clash, one thing is clear: the drive to ensure every child can read proficiently continues at the forefront of educational discussions in Atlanta and beyond.