For decades, American schools relied on reading programs influenced by educators Marie Clay and Lucy Calkins. Clay’s Reading Recovery program encouraged children to use pictures, context, and guessing strategies, known as three-cueing, rather than decoding words through phonics. Similarly, Calkins emphasized the idea that reading is a natural process that develops through exposure to books rather than through systematic instruction in phonics.
However, extensive research in cognitive science and literacy development has shown that phonics is a critical component of effective reading instruction. Despite this evidence, programs based on Clay’s and Calkins’ ideas became widespread. In response, many school districts and states as a whole are shifting toward phonics-based instruction aligned with the “science of reading,” a body of research supporting evidence-based literacy practices.
A similar debate is now emerging in math education. Jo Boaler, a Stanford University professor and researcher, has promoted a reform-based approach to teaching math focused on conceptual understanding and growth mindset. While some educators support her philosophy, others have raised concerns about its effectiveness and the lack of empirical support for certain aspects of her methods. Nonetheless, some districts, including Corvallis, have adopted her approach. This has led to ongoing discussion about the best strategies for improving student outcomes in mathematics.
Jo Boaler
Jo Boaler is a prominent figure in the field of mathematics education, often associated with the “whole-child” approach to learning math. While she did not originate this philosophy, she has become one of its most visible advocates. Similar to how Lucy Calkins became a leading voice for a particular style of reading instruction, Boaler has used her position at Stanford University to promote her educational theories, particularly through her organization, YouCubed.
YouCubed is a Stanford-affiliated initiative that provides math teaching resources rooted in Boaler’s philosophy. Many school districts that adopt YouCubed materials are aligning with her approach to math education, much like those that implemented Lucy Calkins’ “Units of Study” for reading.
