Even then, Dick and Jane were pathetic compared to what my parents and grandparents were required to learn. At least they did teach us self discipline to supplement what we were taught at home.
Agreed that Dick & Jane readers were well below the standard of McGuffey’s Readers used by previous generations. Experienced teachers realized this and supplemented with phonics, some straight out of McGuffey. Involved parents also made a difference that is not seen today. I bless my parents every day for my early reading skills and opportunities. As the author notes, that foundational learning skill sets up everything else.