The Literacy Wars: Why Teaching Children to Read and Write Is a Battleground in Australia

Drawing comparisons with the United Kingdom and the United States, this educational reference details the often bitter disagreements that occur in Australia between the critics who want to reclaim old ways of teaching literacy and the educators who emphasize the possibilities for creative change. It illustrates the strong beliefs, deep divisions, and politicization of the debate, which has repercussions for policy decisions and funding. An essential reference for anyone involved with litera...