The argument between advocates of the whole language approach and the phonics approach threatens to become so polarized and politicized that agreeing on a middle ground seems at times impossible, and the voices of reason and experience are drowned out. The debate erupted anew in California after alarming news stories about reading scores ranked…

The third and final interim report is devoted to analysis of research data relating to a 3-year experimental reading program for Mexican American children at the Malabar Street School in Los Angeles. The program utilized language development methods, individualized instruction, and parental assistance to improve the children's competencies. Using…