a literacy crisis in sbisd

A Losing Propostion

Literacy is a key priority for Dr. Blaine...or so parents are told. Despite abysmal district wide data and the research being clear, SBISD has doubled down and continues to use an approach known as balanced literacy (commonly referred to as Lucy Calkins). One third of students do not meet "At Approaching" expectations on STAAR results*, yet our superintendent, Director  of Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Kristin Craft and their literacy department continue to cling to the belief that this is a curriculum worth keeping.

If a significant number of kids of our district still struggling to read on a third grade level, and parent advocates and experts claim Lucy Calkins is ineffective, isn't it time for change? Students need to read on or above grade level by third grade to have the best shot at T-2-4 success and be marketable in the future. 

SBISD has a very diverse demographic: 58% of our families and neighbors are economically disadvantaged and 37% are English Learners. Sadly, these families may be negatively impacted the most.

Sold a Story

For decades, schools have taught children the strategies of struggling readers, using a theory about reading that cognitive scientists have repeatedly debunked. This is why we are in a national literacy crisis and the same holds true in SBISD. PIPEline encourages parents to understand the difference between balanced literacy and structured literacy, learn what experts recommend and how evidenced based structured literacy  benefits every child. 

Award winning American Public Media correspondent Emily Hanford has written numerous articles and produced podcasts that have parents and educators nationwide believing that they were Sold a Story (listen to this podcast).

Additional Information

Hard Words podcast by Emily Hanford

No Silly Questions - An Education Podcast for Parents.

What parents should understand about the reading wars, and how families can support early literacy development at home by 

Science of Reading book list

Did You Know? 80% of Texas inmates are functionally illiterate