"In response to [italicised] comments in a previous blog of his earlier to day re 'Educational psychologist...' :
1) it is rare - the majority of children learn to read well. But it is v sig for those that don't.
2) same point but reversed. Most can't, some highly skilled youngsters can. I stand by generally people find it difficult.
3) Mackay's work rec'd a lot of attention - here's one eg: http://www.tes.co.uk/article.aspx?storycode=2460133 But more people should know about it!
3 cont.) and certainly more than just phonics (tho that was sig.) - about attitudes, ethos and whole-system approaches.
4) I agree - as I said, decoding is not the same as comprehending & it's that that makes reading a useful, enjoyable skill."
from
Dr Barry Sullivan