Calls by 26 senior academics for a Federal inquiry into the learning of reading in schools has provoked fierce opposition from teacher unions and the ALP, reflecting the impact which “progressive education” has had on Australian schools since the 1960s.Dr Brendan Nelson, Federal Minister for Education, announced that he would hold an inquiry, after receiving a letter signed by prominent educationalists, including Professor Kevin Wheldall, director of Macquarie University’s Special Education Cent…
