Questions the quality and accuracy of the phonics research base. Widely taught and promoted in official publications, the system is being even more heavily promulgated by current educational reformers. Extensive discrepancies between Jeanne Chall's findings and actual data show design flaws in "The Great Debate" that contradict phonics'…

In round two of a debate begun in November 1988, this article again reemphasizes the poor quality of Jeanne Chall's experimental phonics research and reporting inaccuracies that invalidate her conclusions. The basic flaw might lie in Chall's belief system. Includes 57 references. (MLH)

Some children learn to read easily with phonics, and some do better with a whole-language approach. Principals should understand both systems and use the best of both, together with other effective reading programs. Teachers should balance their reading programs by providing structure for analytic students, reading to students, and relying on…