“The best way to teach reading is phonetic instruction” reported Dr G. Reid Lyon from the National Institute for Health for Children and many other professionals. However, forty districts in MA have refused to convert to effective, phonetic instruction. On the 2024 standardized tests from the National Assessment of Educational Progress, only 31 percent of MA fourth graders were reading at grade level. Why are we allowing 69 percent of our children to fail when the cure is available and inexpensive?

What is phonetic reading instruction? 

Phonetic reading instruction refers to learning the sound or sounds that correspond to each letter or team of letters. C makes two sounds; CH, three sounds; Y, four sounds. Children need to learn the different sounds and when to use them. Phonetic instruction includes syllabication of words according to Dr. Orton’s researched rules. By dividing a word into small segments, a child can sound out a word accurately without memorizing it. Many children who lack this instruction begin failing at reading when the words become too large for them to remember. Phonics also includes spelling strategies.

What are some negative effects for children who don’t read?

school failure, school dropouts, the pipe-line to prison;

anxiety, depression, bullying, low self-esteem, alcoholism, drug addiction;

difficulty earning money after school ends & turning to crime.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

Contact your state senator & representative to ask them to vote for SD 1761 & HD 2329 Use this link to find them: https://malegislature.gov/Search/FindMyLegislator

Sample letter: 

"Dear [Senator or Representative],

I want MA children to learn to read well. Thus, I support phonetic instruction beginning in grade one, and I am asking you to vote for literacy bills SD 1761 and HD 2329. As your constituent, I appreciate your taking literacy seriously.

Sincerely,

[Your name, and city or town where you live]