8: The Impact

This episode of "Sold a Story" discusses the impact of the podcast on state legislation regarding reading instruction. It highlights how at least 14 states have introduced bills to overhaul reading instruction, often banning cueing methods and focusing on curriculum based on the science of reading. The episode explores the debates around local control versus state mandates, the skepticism surrounding curriculum programs claiming alignment with the science of reading, and the potential pitfalls of implementing new policies without adequate teacher training or realistic goals. It further introduces the idea of a "premortem" exercise to anticipate and prevent potential failures in new educational plans, emphasizing the complexity of changing reading instruction and the need for continued curiosity and humility.