I subscribe to the Hall Pass Newsletter from Knox County Schools, where I worked as a high school librarian many years ago.
The most recent issue offered evidence that the current administration has taken the repackaged bait of the phonics fanatics and are running with it. I took a moment to write a response to this revolting development:
Dear Dr. Wilson:
Reading requires understanding, and none of the mandated exercises that you are bragging about require students to understand anything. The ability to pronounce words or even nonsense syllables is a measurement to the shortsightedness and stupidity of those in charge of this reading pedagogy that was popularized over 250 years ago.
Like the rest of the Neo-fascist orthodoxy that is now running amok in the country, your “changing the game in literacy” represents several steps backward to an era when pedagogy focused on memorization, recitation, and chain gang rigidity.
“Quick phonics" and "quick spelling" are just tired retreads of an approach most recently tried and failed during the Bush NCLB heyday that began over two decades ago.
More attention to more quality reading materials, validated reading programs, and better school libraries have to be first steps to successful reading outcomes—if you want students to become competent, self-directed, and thoughtful citizens who love reading and who understand what they read. But then, that is not the goal at all, is it, sir?
Instead, KCS has embarked upon campaigns to censor library and classroom collections and, thus, replace teacher enthusiasm with fear and trepidation that they might be fired for not following Christian nationalist dictates that have been approved by the convicted felon now living in the White House.
The people of Knox County deserve leaders who can distinguish leadership from craven kowtowing.
Sincerely,
James Horn, PhD
Former West High School Librarian (1982-1996)
