A Lawsuit To Keep Your Eyes On.

A class action lawsuit has been filed in Massachusetts accusing several individuals and entities in the Commonwealth of ignoring or excluding phonics-based methods of teaching students to read, with devastating consequences.

“For years, Defendants hawked their defective goods and services to school districts throughout the country, including throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts,” the complaint stated. “This fraudulent and deceptive campaign has had devastating consequences. In 2023, for example, less than half of all Massachusetts third graders satisfied the Commonwealth’s expectations for performance on the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System English Language Arts exam. Students from minority groups or with learning disabilities fared even worse. Along with the direct impacts on children, families across the Commonwealth have scurried to procure remedial literacy instruction, the cost of which is out of reach for many. Even when families can afford remedial support, it often comes too late, sabotaging children’s educational development, career prospects, and fundamental sense of self-worth.”

Why should we in Georgia pay attention to this lawsuit? Because, so-called “three-cueing” teaching methods were used in Georgia too, with similarly devastating consequences.

The Legislature recently created the Georgia Council on Literacy, and passed legislation requiring reading instruction to be based on what’s known as the “science of reading” in essence, banning “three-cueing.” A debate is occurring right now over what “reading screeners” should be used in our state. The law requires the State Board of Education to approve up to five screeners. Choosing the most effective screeners is critically important, as fewer than one-third of 4th graders are considered proficient in reading.

Will a similar class action suit be filed here in Georgia? Time will tell.