Clark, M.
In this short paper, Clark summarises key points from her own research, and the work of many other researchers over several decades. Most researchers support the belief that there is a benefit from the inclusion of phonics with the early instruction in learning to read in English, within a broad program. There is NOT evidence to support phonics in isolation as the one best method. There is NOT evidence for synthetic phonics as the required approach over other approaches. Clark also summarises major concerns about the so-called phonics screening ‘check’. She worries that evidence from research is being ignored, simplistic tests are driving the curriculum, and available resources for schools are being spent on commercial products linked to the tests.
Link: https://docslib.org/doc/3305705/1-an-evidence-based-critique-of-synthetic-phonics-in-literacy