The saddest part is that teaching reading is not that hard. There is some individuality to it, but several roads can lead to the same place. Some roads will create better spellers and better vocabulary builders, but others will get the job done. In my opinion, the problem is that some kids are not getting even the minimal amount of individual attention. If they do not learn well with the one mass approach offered, they lose out. I am not saying it would take more teachers. It would just take different prioritizing, ditching the stupid, unnecessary stuff.
I would also recommend ditching most technology for the first several grades. They will get some of that at home, but at school it is an obstacle. We’ve become a nation of toy lovers who have mastered all sorts of gadgets but haven’t a drop of wisdom.
I taught all four of mine to read at 3-4. Then my wife and I kept them out of Public School. We sure as hell couldnt afford to do that according to the calculating of our friends and relatives but it really is all a matter of priorities. We never have bought cars on time, for instance.
So true. So terribly true.