Massachusetts Lawsuit Alleges Deceptive and Defective Reading Curriculum | WBUR News

ng to foster a love of reading and all they’re doing is turning the page to get to the end, that’s where you really see the light go out in their eyes,” Conley said in an interview. “It hurt my heart. My children should love reading. That’s what a reading curriculum should do.”Hudak’s son, who is now a high school student, was also taught with the same curriculum in elementary school. Although he has a gift for music and a high IQ, he struggles with reading and has been receiving special education services for years, according to the lawsuit. The suit argues that if he had been taught with a curriculum that focused on phonics rather than whole language, he might not have needed those services.Conley and Hudak went public after watching their children fall years behind in school. The parents hope to help other families who have been adversely affected by the allegedly deceptive curriculum provided by Heinemann and its authors.If the lawsuit is successful, it could have a significant impact on the way reading is taught in schools across Massachusetts and potentially beyond. That’s why Conley and Hudak are fighting for change and seeking justice for their children and others who have struggled with reading as a result of the instructional materials they were provided. Their story serves as a reminder of the importance of evidence-based, phonics-focused reading instruction in helping all children learn to read effectively. This case highlights the importance of holding educational publishers accountable for the products they provide and ensuring that students receive the high-quality instruction they deserve.