2019 Public Service (Smaller Staff) Finalist: Emily Hanford

About the Entry

Emily Hanford’s reporting examines the troubling impact of problematic theories on how children learn to read. Drawing on decades of scientific research, she shows how ineffective and harmful one of the most common theories has been. Her work has sparked a national conversation on reading instruction.

Comments from the Judges

“Extraordinary report that has shown nationwide impact on classrooms. More teachers and administrators are asking questions about how reading is taught—all because of this documentary.”

“Stellar documentary from Emily Hanford that shows thousands of kids are being cheated out of becoming skilled readers because of flawed science. Clearly, the documentary has served an enormous public service and spurred superintendents, educators and others to change how they teach.”

Photo credits: Illustration by Rachel Sender for APM Reports