Missy Purcell was a teacher. Her son went to a “good” school. But in third grade, she realized something no one else had: he couldn’t read.
In this powerful conversation, Missy shares the story that shocked her district—and later, the country—when she told it on Emily Hanford’s Sold a Story. What happens when a bright, well-behaved child falls through the cracks of a balanced literacy system? And what does it take to finally get him the instruction he deserved?
This episode is part personal wake-up call, part rally cry for educators who want to get it right. If you’ve ever wondered whether your reading block is working for all kids… don’t miss this one.
In this episode, we'll talk about:
The moment Missy realized her son had been “passing” without reading.
How balanced literacy hides real reading struggles.
Why compliant kids are the easiest to overlook.
What Sold a Story revealed about systemic failure.
How teachers can shift without shame—and start making change now.
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