Columbia University is making an attempt to quietly emerge from a catastrophe it imposed on generations of American youngsters.
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The least we are able to do is denounce the harm precipitated.
Just earlier than Labor Day weekend, Colombia announced that he “disbands” the Teachers College Reading and Writing Project and sends its creator, Lucy Calkins, on indefinite sabbatical go away.
For a long time, Calkins and his colleagues have advocated “literacy” applications primarily based on ideology, not science; the applications failed to focus on the kids who wanted assist probably the most.
Its “balanced literacy” method paid little consideration to phonics – educating youngsters to take a look at footage and guess phrases, for instance, as an alternative of announcing them – and failed to advertise studying. acquisition of data and vocabulary important to studying a love of studying.
Columbia’s resolution comes months after Chancellor David Banks ended the Calkins-friendly method as soon as utilized by practically half of New York’s public faculties.
Indeed, the pattern towards “evidence-based” educating has led districts throughout the nation to reject the Teachers College method.
Columbia’s resolution is due to this fact primarily a recognition of actuality.
But he would not acknowledge the college guilt.
If Columbia University could possibly be held chargeable for harming generations of American youngsters, it will lose its complete $13 billion endowment, or extra. The least he can do is supply an abject apology.