Literacy & Reading History
Explore the surprising, sometimes controversial history of how we learned to read and write. From alphabet experiments to phonics wars, these articles unpack the methods that shaped generations of readers—and continue to influence how we write today.
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In the 1960s, educators and reformers sought solutions to a persistent problem: why did so many English-speaking children struggle to learn to read? Among the most ambitious efforts was the Initial Teaching Alphabet (ITA) — a specially designed alphabet intended to make learning to read easier and faster. Though the ITA saw widespread trials and generated significant debate, it ultimately faded from classrooms. This article explores its history, purpose, and why it was ultimately discontinued.
Read more: The Initial Teaching Alphabet (ITA): A Bold Experiment in Literacy