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 explores how a generation of children has been taught to read based on a flawed idea. 

The consequences can be seen in the lives of millions of struggling students across the country. Over a third of Minnesota fourth graders cannot read at a basic level, according to scores released last month by the 

National Assessment of Education Progress.

The Sold a Story series was one of the most-shared shows on Apple Podcasts when it came out in 2023 and one of Time magazine’s top podcasts of the year. It spurred 25 states — including Minnesota — to pass new laws regarding reading instruction. 

The original 10 episodes explain the rise of this entrenched approach to reading instruction, who benefited from it and how it persisted despite cognitive science research that exposed its flaws.  

MPR News host Angela Davis talks with colleagues who worked on Sold a Story about its impact and new episodes coming out this month looking at solutions. 

Subscribe to the MPR News with Angela Davis podcast on:

Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.

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Reading instruction across the country is getting a redo. MPR News host Angela Davis talks with APM Reports colleagues Emily Hanford and Chris Peak about how their podcast Sold a Story revealed problems with how kids are taught to read and helped spur reforms.  

MPR News with Angela Davis - Reading instruction across the country is getting a redo. MPR News host Angela Davis talks with APM Reports colleagues Emily Hanford and Chris Peak about how their podcast Sold a Story revealed problems with how kids are taught to read and helped spur reforms.  

MPR News with Angela Davis - Sold a Story is changing how schools teach kids to read

A photo of an author and the podcast for "Sold a Story"

Sold a Story is changing how schools teach kids to read

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