Poor Johnny. Since 1975, we have known about this pesky achievement gap that just won't go away. Rich kids score better than poor kids in math and reading. While math scores have edged up a bit over the years, reading scores are inching along at a relatively steady pace, to quote Motoko Rich in her New York Times article, 1,2,3 is easier than A,B,C. We have tried to remedy the situation. Indeed, our educational correctives have a flavor du jour approach. Poor Johnny has witnessed changes in reading curricula from sight-reading to phonics (a move supported by both behavioral and brain research). Schools have dropped recess to make more time for reading instruction (not supported by research)...
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