You write that the Golden State is “jumping on the caboose” of the pro-phonics movement in reading instruction (“California Learns From Mississippi,” Review & Outlook, Sept. 27). Yet nearly 30 years ago, our Legislature required all new elementary teachers to pass a test on what is now called the “science of reading.” Hundreds of millions of dollars were spent on teacher training and new curricula. Large districts such as Los Angeles Unified purchased “teacher-proof” programs to ensure every child received a heavy dose of phonics. Yet reading scores barely budged.
