Teaching & Learning

With the increasing focus nationwide on research-based instruction, the formal recognition of educators interested in teaching phonics by the world's largest reading organization would not necessarily stop the presses.

In fact, the International Reading Association's approval last month of a phonics special-interest group went smoothly. But its organizer intended to arouse interest in the group with what she viewed as a humor-tinged press release announcing the first meeting.

"'Phonicators' Win Official Recognition and Right of Assembly," read the headline of the announcement distributed to IRA...