WHY!

WHY would a curriculum committee choose a curriculum for elementary school that is weak in phonics? It is the same reason your child gravitates toward the box of Lucky Charms. Its bright attractive and implies sugary sweetness. It has a pretty pretty package. The marshmallows are little online extras like videos and software. The leprechaun is those pre-made worksheets that are cute but offer no substance. The sugar is all those "books" that are almost good, but not quite. It makes it taste really good though so you're distracted and don't notice you're eating cardboard. Look it comes with all these books!!  Yes, but wouldn't it be better to choose books that are written well and not edited for space?  

These companies that sell basal reading programs have made a beautiful, beautiful package. Very smart people who should know better are choosing the pretty package. WHY? What is easier giving your kid a bowl of cereal or making them a breakfast from scratch.  They can make the bowl of cereal without help. YOU have to do the work on breakfast from scratch.  So, it sounds like they after looking at three basal reading programs will look no further. They will choose the prettiest package. Then they will have to figure out how to teach kids phonics in a meaningful way. There will be lots of extra visits to an interventionist because they were given sugar and no substance. 

ARRRGGGHHHH

Other than that I have no strong opinions on the matter 😉